Vintage Artifacts

A Very Satisfying Piece of Hardware Design

One of my favorite possessions spends most of its time buried in my toolbox. Plus a new Inconspicuous News Roundup!

Jun 9 •

My Favorite Industrial-Trespassing Artifact

Transforming a story of death into a flicker of life.

May 23 •

Why I Don’t Like Estate Sales

Plus a new Inconspicuous News Roundup!

May 22 •

A Sample Catalog for Something You Probably Never Thought About

If you’re giving out a diploma, certificate, or other fancy document, it likely needs a decorative border.

May 16 •

Some of My Latest Home Décor

But first, some thoughts about material culture.

May 9 •

The Collector’s Dilemma

A generous gift leads to an existential crisis. Plus a new Inconspicuous News Roundup!

Apr 29 •

Finally, a Museum Exhibit of Trade Catalogs!

I’ve collected vintage trade catalogs for years. Now they’ve gotten the museum treatment at one of America’s most famous institutions.

Apr 22 •

A Visit to the Ephemera Fair

Can you guess which two items I purchased at this fantastic vintage market?

Mar 18 •

The Strangest Artifacts I’ve Ever Saved

Some thoughts on the pleasures of vintage price tags.

Mar 4 •

Let’s Check Out Some Cool Old Business Letters and Invoices

Each one provides a peek into a distinct little industry-specific world.

Feb 28 •

The Amazing Variety of Parcheesi Board Designs

The popular game’s board has been rendered in a near-endless series of design variations over the years. Plus: The debut of the Inconspicuous News…

Jan 30 •

My Completely Awesome Heirloom Toaster

Plus: Another unusual mortuary-industry overlap.

Jan 21 •

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