Ask:
“Have you seen this before?”
“Did Grandma use this when I was little?”
“Was this part of her wedding set? Her nursing kit?”
Stories matter more than appraisals.
That “strange spoon” might be the one she stirred your baby formula with.
Step 4: Research the Time Period & Lifestyle
Knowing when your grandma lived in the house (or when the item looks like it’s from) helps narrow things down.
Common Eras & Their Tools:
1920s–1940s
Buttonhooks, hair crimpers, kerosene testers, butter molds
1950s–1960s
Fondue sets, TV dinner trays, rotary phone parts, fabric pinking shears
1970s–1980s
Cassette cases, rotary calculators, avocado-green kitchen gadgets
Context clues help: Was she a homemaker? Nurse? Teacher? Gardener?
Each role came with its own toolkit.
Step 5: Visit Local Experts
Sometimes, human knowledge beats algorithms.
Try:
Antique shops – Owners often recognize obscure items
Historical societies – Especially if the object ties to local industry
Museums – Curators may offer free identification days
Thrift stores with knowledgeable staff – Some tag vintage finds accurately
Bring the object (if portable) or high-quality photos.
For Complete Cooking STEPS Please Head On Over To Next Page Or Open button (>) and don’t forget to SHARE with your Facebook friends
SEE TOO NEXT PAGE…
ADVERTISEMENT
