Antiques & Vintage Collectibles

During her lifetime, Mary Griggs Burke, one of the most important private collectors of Japanese art in the world, kept an extra apartment on New York’s Upper East Side, right next door to another where she lived, for her beloved art objects. She died in December at age 96.

But one of her treasures remains at her historic summer estate in Cable, Wisconsin, which was donated to the Chequamegon National Forest. While small, for what it is, the historic cottage is not so portable.

The tiny home had been in Burke’s family since her father bought it in the early 20th century. It was used as a children’s playhouse and remains outfitted with child-sized furnishings. The historic prefabricated cottage will be auctioned by Leslie Hindman Auctioneers in Milwaukee on July 25.

...Also to be auctioned by Hindman on the same date are a selection of chairs designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller, which were in use at Milwaukee’s East Side Library until it closed recently.

It has a very odd shape — it looks different no matter what angle you look at it from. There’s spaces underneath for books, a tall slot at the back for your large-format Life and Look magazines, and the classic kidney-shaped top means it’ll both fit everywhere and not quite fit anywhere. Of course, we had to buy it.

Fast-forward a few weeks later...

We call these vintage mid-century mod side tables tibble tabbles. A lovely contrast between grey pearlized Formica laminate over natural wood

Sexy mod little folding Emson Opera Glasses in silver-tone and rich red or burgundy shade of textured faux leather.

When the latch on the back is pressed, the glasses pop open (about 1 and 1/2 inches) to allow you to view the happenings on stage -- or about town, wherever you wish, really. There's a wheel to adjust focus.

Measures 4 and 1/4 inches by 2 and 1/2 inches when closed. Just 3/4 of an inch thin!

A sleek mid-century mod design in a fabulous, glamorous, color!