More Archived Stumpers
October 2, 2007
Q: What did Johnny Carson, Clint Eastwood, and Michael Douglas all have in common?
Answer: They were all once gas station attendants.
September 25, 2007
Question: Who was Time Magazine's Man of the Year in 1952?
Answer: Time Magazine's Man of the Year for 1952 was a WOMAN! It was Queen Elizabeth II.
September 18, 2007
Question: What does the Larkin Soap Company (which made oak furniture) and Noritake dinnerware have in common? (No, you didn't use Larkin Soap to wash the dirty dishes.)
Answer: The Larkin Soap Company, which gave away oak furniture to those who collected soap coupons, also was the prime US distributor of Noritake China (Japan) in the 1920's.
September 11, 2007
Question: Mount Washington is in the state of New Hampshire-not Washington. It is also the name of a famous antique or collectible. What is it and when was it made?
Answer: Mt. Washington Glass Company was founded in Boston in 1837. It was known for very artistic and colorful art glass. It became part of the Pairpoint Mfg Company-a firm known for painted and leaded glass table and hanging lamps. (Their name had nothing to do with Mount Washington.)
September 4, 2007
Question: When did Transformers enter the American market and who made them?
Answer: The Hasbro Toy Company introduced Transformers, Series I, in the US in 1984 based on designs of the Japanese company Takara.
August 28, 2007
Question: In 1951 Katherine Hepburn stared as Rosie in the classic confrontation movie, "The African Queen" with Humphrey Bogart. Who was her role model (according to her) for the part?
Answer: In 1951 Katherine Hepburn starred in The African Queen with Humphrey Bogart. She was told to model her role Rosie after Eleanor Roosevelt.
August 21, 2007
Question: Little Boy Blue, Teatime, and St. George are all names of what?
Answer: Springtime, TeaTime, Little Boy Blue, and St. George are all names of porcelain figurines produced and sold by the Royal Doulton Company.
August 14, 2007
Question: What presidential candidate of the 20th Century was often cut off during radio speeches for not paying his bills? (It's not FDRor Al Gore.)
Harry Truman ran for president in 1948 and would often be cut off the air (radio) for not paying his bills. Guess the buck didn't stop there!
July 3, 2007
Who was the first president to appear on TV while still in office?
Answer: Franklin Roosevelt was the first president to appear on television while still in office. (He didn't invent tv. Al Gore did!) ;)
June 26, 2007
What were millions of kids wearing on their heads in 1955?
Answer: Coonskin caps! Remember Davy Crockett? (We do.)
June 12, 2007
Question: What is no larger when it weighs 20 pounds than when it weighs one pound?
Answer: A scale!
June 5, 2007
Question: When was the first fire extinguisher invented and why aren't there many around?
Answer: The fire extinguisher was invented by M. Fuches in 1734. (You thought it was 4000BC when someone used their foot to put out a fire.) It consisted of a glass ball filled with a saline solution thrown at the base of a fire. This didn't change for many years. The most valuable ones are the colored "grenades."
May 29, 2007
Question: What is the distance between 2 rails of railroad track called?
The distance between two rails of railroad track is called gauge. (That term has now become synonymous with a measuring device.) Hint: Lionel trains had the O Gauge and others.
May 22, 2007
Question: When was the first electric refrigerator produced?
A: The first refrigerator for domestic use was produced by the Domelre Company in Chicago in 1913.
May 15, 2007
Question: What was the first item ever sold in a US vending machine?
Answer:
Chewing gum was the first item sold in vending machines in the US. They were used in NYC in train stations in 1888.
May 8, 2007
Question: What art pottery was made in Arkansas between 1909 and 1947? (Note: One of the most desired patterns was called Mission Ware.)
Answer: The Niloak Company produced art pottery that looked like swirls of sand (Indian sand art) in Arkansas during the firt half of the 20th century. Their name spelled backwards is porcelain.
May 1, 2007
Question: What is a vitophilia?
Answer: A vitophilia is a collector of cigar bands.
April 24, 2007
Question: From our Guest, Judith Miller (Author, TV/Radio Celebrity/Speaker)-
Why is (was) President William McKinley the appraiser's best friend?
April 17, 2007
Why are William Henry Harrison's documents signed as president worth at least 10 times other presidential documents?
Answer: William Harrison was only president for a very short time. At his inauguration he forgot to listen to his mom and stood delivering his long winded speech in the cold rain. He caught a very, very bad cold and died...so anything signed by him as president is worth 10 times what other presidents' stuff is worth.
April 3, 2007
Why were Victorian bone dishes shaped in a curve?
Answer: "Bone" dishes were used at formal dinner parties to put fish bones (and others) on-insetad of the tablecloth (or sneak it to the dog or cat). They were curved to fit next to the dinner plate and kind of fit in "un-noticed.") PS This has nothing to do with "bone" china.
March 27, 2007
What is a Wooten Desk?
A wooten desk is a special desk that actually opens from the front. The front swings open on each side to reveal almost a hundred drawers and compartments (pigeonholes). These "wings" (not pigeons) were then closed at night-kind of like a horizontal roll top. They date from around 1876 and were made in Indianapolis. They came in 4 "grades" or qualities.
March 20, 2007
What was Bessie Collins Peace, a New Jersey girl, best known for?
Answer: Bessie Collins Peace married Bernhard Gutmann in 1906. She became a well known illustrator of children's books-particularly pictures of babies, many of these used in calendar prints. Her original prints of babies are worth $100-200-if they're not cut outs from calendars. (How to know the difference? Email us for a special article on prints.)
March 13, 2007
Question: The "Crown Mark" was used by the Goebel Company on all their Hummels in 1935 and lasted until about 1950. It was a crown with the interwoven letters WG. What does it stand for?
Answer:
The Crown Mark on a hummel is a crown with the letters WG interwoven. The
WG stands for William Goebel, one of the firm's founders, and the crown
stands for the Imperial family in Germany in 1900.
March 6, 2007
Question: What is the MIHRAB in an Oriental rug?
A: The apex or prayer niche of an Oriental Prayer Rug (top pointer) is called a mihrab. It is used to point the rug to Mecca and place your head under it when bowing/kneeling.
February 27, 2007
Question: The American flag is known as the Stars and Stripes. What was the first national confederate flag know as?
The Confederate Flag was known as the stars and bars.
PS Extra Credit: Lincoln's horse was named Old Robin. His other horses were named Old Tony, and Old Buck. Guess he never had a young horse.
February 20, 2007
Question: Who was the 1913 Buffalo Nickel modeled after?
Answer: The Buffalo Nickel was modeled after "Black Diamond"-a buffalo at the NY Zoological Gardens.
February 13, 2007
Question: During the Great Depression people would do almost anything for a little fun-as long as it didn't cost anything. On Oct. 17, 1933 at Chicago's White City Casino, they had contestants sit on blocks of ice (to see who could sit the longest). The winner sat on a 2 ft. cube of ice for 27 hours and 10 minutes but was later disqualified. Why?
Answer: Gus Simmons sat on a block of ice for 27 hours and 10 minutes but was disqualified. He had a fever of 102. (Why wasn't there a puddle?)
February 6, 2007
Question: Tony "THE COUNT" Mullane was one of the highest paid baseball players in the 1880's-making a whopping $6000 a year. Why?
Tony (The Count) Millane was one of the highest paid baseball players in the 1880's making over $6,000 a year. The reason: he could pitch with either hand (left or right).
January 30, 2007
Question: Why are the numerals 33 on a bottle of Rolling Rock? (Rolling Rock is not hair spray.)
Answer: NO ONE KNOWS!
(It could be because Prohibition was repealed in 1933, or because Rolling Rock has 33 ingredients (Bethca Didn't Know That), or because there are 33 words on the back of the bottle (how weird), or because it was first introduced in 1933. Maybe it's just a coincidence.) I'll drink to that!
January 24, 2007
Question: Where do we get the name Tuxedo from?
Tuxedo comes from the town in New Jersey. Griswold Lorillaird wore a strange looking black suit with bow tie to a party in 1886 in Tuxedo Park, NJ. It became a "hit." (This has no connection whatever to Chevy Chase.)
Jan 16, 2007
Who was the first African American on a US coin?
The first African American to be depicted on a US coin was Booker T. Washington in 1946.
Jan 10, 2007
Question:
What is the origin of the 6 pack?
In the 1930's American brewing companies decided that 6 bottles was the maximum weight a woman would want to carry home at one time from the market (for her husband).
Jan 2, 2007
What is a commode?
Answer: A commode is a piece of furniture made to store the chamber pot used during the night prior to indoor plumbing. When you got to go you got to go!
Dec 26, 2006
Q: Which gemstone did the ancients consider an antidote to poison?
Answer:
The ancients considered a ruby to be the antidote for poison. We have no idea why.
Dec 19, 2006
Q: Who was the president just prior to Abraham Lincoln?
Answer: James Buchanin was the president just before Abraham Lincoln. He did nothing to stop the succession of 7 southern states, saying that he could find no constitutional reason to do so.
Dec 12, 2006
Q: How many states were in the Confederacy?
The answer is 11-even though the Confederate flag has 13 stars. Missouri and Kentucky remained in the Union (officially) although they were on the Southern side.
Dec 5, 2006
Stumper Question: The Ceramic Art Company was founded in Trenton, NJ in 1889. In 1906 it split and one became famous for making Irish type ware. It is still very much in business. What is it's name?
A: In 1889 Jonathan Cox and Walter Scott Lenox established the Ceramic Art Co. in Trenton, NJ. In 1906 Lenox formed his own company and used potters from Beleek to make versions of the famous Irish porcelain.
Nov 21, 2006
Question: What's the difference between an 8 day and a 30 hour clock?
Answer: The main difference between a 30 hour and an 8 day clock is TIME! One you wind once a day; the other once a week. (Any you thought it was a trick question!)
Nov 14, 2006
Who was the first president depicted on a US coin?
Answer: Abraham Lincoln on the 1909 Penny.
Nov 7, 2006
What US toy firm had the copyright to Felix the Cat and later commissioned the Toonerville Trolley?
Answer: The George Bergfeldt Company in NYC copyrighted Felix the Cat and commissioned the Toonerville Trolley. They are better known for their bisque dolls.
October 31, 2006
Where did the phrase Banana Republic come from?
Central and South American dictators have been known in the past to sell vast areas of land to banana growers for very little amounts to gain their support and control. It seemed to have appeal!
October 24, 2006
Question: Coin collecting was so popular in the late 19th century that the US Government issued 2 coins just for collectors. What were they?
Answer: The US Government issued 2 coins in the 19th Century specifically for collectors. They were the 1892 Columbian Half Dollar and the 1893 Isabella Quarter. (It was not the Alaska and Hawaii state quarters!)
BONUS JEWELRY QUESTION: When was the solitaire "prong" setting introduced and by whom?
(Buy our tape with Christie Romero and you might find out.)
Answer: Although Tiffany has been credited with developing the 4 prong setting for the solitaire diamond ring (1886), it was actually made by Ferdinand Harper in Newark in 1872. Almost everyone remembers Tiffany. Poor Ferdinand.
October 17, 2006
Question: Q: Why are the numerals 33 on a bottle of Rolling Rock beer?
Answer: We have no idea...and neither does Rolling Rock! It seems that possible answers include: 1. Prohibition was repealed in 1933 2. There are 33 words on the back of the bottle or 3. There are supposedly 33 ingredients. Rolling Rock, first introduced in 1939, isn't telling.
October 10, 2006
Question: Where do we get the name Tuxedo from?
Griswald Lorillaid (how's that for a good name) went to a party in Tuxedo Park, New Jersey in 1886 dressed in a black coat and bow tie. Seems like his clothes became a hit and soon were called "Tuxedo" wear.
October 3, 2006
Who invented the toothbrush and when?
Answer: The toothbrush was invented in China in 1498. It was made out of hog hairs and bone with a bamboo handle. (Now who thought of that?)
September 26, 2006
What was the name of Thomas Edison's first (and major) movie featuring a regular story, actors, and a director/producer? Hint: It was done in 1906.
Answer: The Great Train Robbery
September 19, 2006
Why did pirates wear earrings?
Answer: Pirates did NOT wear earrings to innoculate themselves from scurvy (as a dear listener suggested-with help from a medical doctor), nor did it indicate sexual preference,nor was it a fashion statement. Pirates wore earrings (according to Leon) to hold a wad of wax. When the canons started firing it became VERY loud, so they needed to protect their ears (and brains). It was much easier keeping wax next to your ear on an earring than going back to your cabin to look for it.
September 5, 2006
Question: MULTIPLE CHOICE!
How old is the oldest documented scrimshaw in existence?
a). ~1000 BC
b). 36 AD
c). 1492
d). 1829
(Better look up scrimshaw.)
Answer: The oldest documented scrimshaw in the existence dates from 1829. It was from an unidentified English whaling ship and is a walrus tusk. It is on display at the Peabody Essex Museum in Massachusetts.
August 29, 2006
Question: Which six Union officers ascended to our highest office as president?
Answer: The 6 Union officers that became president were Ulysses S. Grant, Chester A. Arthur, James Garfield, Benjamin Harrison, Rutherford B. Hayes, and William McKinley. (Yes, they were all presidents.)
(On Air Stumper This Week May Not Match the Online One Due to Vacation-Sorry. Answer this one anyway!)
August 15, 2006
Question: What is the more common name for Taffeta Glass?
Earlier called Taffeta Glass, it is more commonly known as Carnival Glass-the poor man's Tiffany!
August 8, 2006
Special On-Line Only Stumper
What is the name for a Victorian hall tree that has hooks for clothes and pans for dripping umbrellas?
Answer: A Costumer, NOT a hall tree.
August 1, 2006
What 19th Century US President was the only one to be a licensed bartender?
Answer: Abraham Lincoln was the licensed bartender.
July 25, 2006
How does one get dents out of a beer can? (This assumes one wants to get dents out of an empty beer can.)
Answer: Fill the beer can (any can will work) with dried peas and add water. The peas will expand and straighten the dents. (You may have to wait to get the peas out.)
July 18, 2006
Question: Limited edition prints are numbered in pencil at the bottom of an impression. Which would be more valuable-5/500 or 500/500?
Answer: Both prints have the same value. The numbering is done after the impressions are printed and does not necessarily correspond to when they were actually printed. The only time one might be more valuable is if someone is collecting prints with the same numbers-like 1/500. In reality, however, it has no difference in appearance from 500/500.
July 11, 2006
Question: English playing cards have long pictured the face of a queen. Who is she?
Answer:Elizabeth of York, wife of Henry the VII
July 4, 2006
Question: What invention made by Thomas A. Edison is used in today's kitchens on a regular basis?
Answer: Thomas Edison invented wax paper. He used it in his recording machines.
June 27, 2006
Question: Who was the voice of all the animated Superman cartoons during the 1940's to 1970's?
Bud Collier was the voice of all animated Superman cartoons from 1940-1970 (Fleischer).
June 20, 2006
Question: How many keys are on a piano?
There are 88 keys on a piano. Anything short of that is a note or two off!
June 13, 2006
Question: What gem beginnning with the letter T can be yellow, white, green, or blue?
The gem TOPAZ comes in almost every color including yellow, white, green or blue.
June 6, 2006
Question: What is the difference between a roll top desk and a cylinder desk?
A rolltop desk is one where the top is on a track and pulled down or sideways. Often the boards are slatted and glued on a burlap or canvas backing. A cyclinder desk is a solid top and swivels up or down-like a hinged basket. The cylinder desk tends to be Victorian and the rolltop a little later. (The very early desks with "rolls" were called tambour and went sideways.)
May 30, 2006
Question: What man's first name is most commonly used in naming English pubs? Why?
The name George is most commonly used in English pubs. George is the patron saint of England and there were 6 kings named George.
May 23, 2006
Question: What is a Skookum?
Stumper Answer: A skookum is an Indian doll, usually with an apple face, dressed in traditional Indian clothing or a blanket, in various shapes and sizes. They were made by the Tammen Co. in LA from 1913 to 1960.
May 9, 2006
Question: Sterling silver is often marked "STERLING." In some countries, like Mexico, it is marked 925. What is it marked in Germany?
Answer: Silver in Germany is marked 800. It is the numerical equation of 800 to 1000 parts pure silver (80%). That's less than most of the rest of the world. We use 92.5% as our Sterling standard.
PS If anything is marked German Silver it is neither German nor is it silver. It was a white metal process made here in the US.
May 2, 2006
Name the brewing (beer) companies whose ownership was or is associated with the following teams:
St. Louis Cardinals
Toronto Blue Jays
New York Yankees
Answer:St. Louis Cardinals are related to Annhauser-Busch (Busch Stadium), Toronto Blue Jays with Labatt's (a Canadian beer), and the New York Yankees with Col. Jacob Rupert (Ruppert Breweries).
April 25, 2006
(Not Heard on the Air):
Wedgewood is NOT an antique. Why not?
Answer: Wedgewood is a Japanese imitation of the English original porcelain made by Josiah Wedgwood. Real Wedgwood is marked without the second "e" spelling.
April 18, 2006
George Washington has more articles and books written about him than any other American. Who is second?
Robert E. Lee has more books and articles written about him than any other American other than George Washington.
April 11, 2006
An Arab Shiekh tells his 2 sons to race their camels to a distant city to see who will inherit his fortune. The one with the SLOWEST camel will win. The brothers, after wondering aimlessly for days trying to drag out their adventure, stop and ask a wise man along the side of a mountain for advice. After hearing it they jump on the camels and race as fast as they can to the city. What did the wise man say?
Stumper Answer: Switch Camels!
April 11, 2006
An Arab Shiekh tells his 2 sons to race their camels to a distant city to see who will inherit his fortune. The one with the SLOWEST camel will win. The brothers, after wondering aimlessly for days trying to drag out their adventure, stop and ask a wise man along the side of a mountain for advice. After hearing it they jump on the camels and race as fast as they can to the city. What did the wise man say?
Stumper Answer: Switch Camels!
April 4, 2006
Abner Doubleday has been given credit as the inventor of baseball. What was his more official title (what was he really known for)?
Answer: We haven't the foggiest idea. Send us the question and we'll give you the answer. (We've been out of town and can't remember what we asked!) If it's the one about Abner Doubleday, here's the answer. Doubleday was nicnamed "48 Hours" and it had nothing to do with baseball. He was the Union Captain in charge of the canon that fired the first canon at Ft. Sumter in Charleston starting the Civil War. The nickname was due to his indecision as Commander (although he didn't seem to have any indecision in striking the first blow.) He did not say "Speak softly and carry a big stick"-nor did he invent the designated hitter!
March 28, 2006
During the Battle of Cedar Mountain in 1862, Stonewall Jackson rallied his men from a retreat and saved the day for the Confederates. He attempted to draw his sword but couldn't. Why not?
Stonewall Jackson rallied his men from a retreat in the Battle of Cedar Mountain in August 9, 1862. He attempted to draw his sword but couldn't because the blade had rusted in the scabbard. It seems he seldom used it. (If you were listening to the show Brian gave you some useful hints about Stonewall and why he was nicknamed that name.)
March 21, 2006
What was Samuel Clemens pen name and how did he get it?
Answer:
Samuel Clemens "pen name" was Mark Twain. He got his name from listening to Mississippi River boat captains yelling out measurements on the river-or marking chain.
March 14, 2006
Question: What sport gives out the Winston Cup? (Extra credit for knowing who won it last year.)
Answer: The Winston Cup was the Championship Trophy for NASCAR (Stock Car Racing) from 1972 to 2003. RJ Reynolds was the sponsor but finally pulled out. In 2004 it was changed to the Nextel Cup and rumor has it that it will be changed again in 2007 (Nextel merged with Sprint). (For more information go to the Official Nextel Cup Website: www.nascar.com/series/cup/)
March 7, 2006
Question: In 1964 a historic event led to a run "on" the post office to buy a secret collectible. What was the event and what was the collectible? (If you answer correctly we will give you that collectible!)
In 1962 the US Post Office decided to commemorate John Glenn's orbit of the earth by a special issue at the time the orbit was completed. Unfortuantely they didn't know if it would be successful so they "hid" the stamp (kept it a secret) until the Mercury Capsule landed successfully. When it was anounced, everyone flocked to the post office to get their special stamp.
February 28, 2006
Question: What is a seltzer bottle and what do you use it for?
Answer: A seltzer bottle is puts carbon dioxide into water, making it soda water. This is done through a canister at the top that squirts the gas as it mixes with water. Think clowns, like the 3 Stooges. They loved seltzer bottles (many of which are very collectible).
February 21, 2006
Question: What is a group of bears called?
(Hint: like a "flock" of geese, swarm of bees, etc.)
A group of bears is called a sleuth (not a nudist colony, Brian).
February 14, 2006
Question: Who turned down the lead role in Gunsmoke for fear of being stereotyped as a cowboy?
Answer: John Wayne (And you thought it was Ronald Regan!)
February 7, 2006
Question: Which weighs more, a pound of feathers or a pound of gold?
The feathers weigh more than the gold. Feathers are weighed according to the avoir-duois system (as is most everything else), but gold (and silver) is weighed on the troy system-which is only 12 ounces to the pound...so a pound of feathers weighs more than a pound of gold!
BONUS STUMPER
Brian and Leon talked about post cards on this week's show. Someone called with a card of a Delaware Township church. We asked if it was a "hold to light card." If it was, what would the church look like and what would you do to the card?
A hold to light postcard is one that has been die cut and sandwiched with a layer of tissue paper. You hold the card up to the light (a table lamp) and it reveals the windows and doorways of a building or church. It makes it look like a lighted night time scene. These are quite valuable so make sure you look carefully through a box of old cards.
January 31, 2006
Question: Why is a chef's hat shaped the way it is?
A chef's hat was made to protect the food, but more importantly, keep their hair clean. But that's not why it was shaped so strangely. The hat was shaped like a chimney to circulate the air and keep their heads cool in a hot kitchen.
(It has nothing to do with the shape of a mushroom.)
January 24, 2006
Question: What is no larger when it weighs 20 pounds than when it weighs one pound?
Answer: A scale.
January 17, 2006
Question:What or who was the first voice broadcast in radio? (It wasn't Frank Concord!)
Answer: On Christmas Eve in 1906 a Reginald Fessenden broadcast a Christmas program from Brant Rock, Massachusetts. (Any you thought it was Elvis?)
January 10, 2006
Question:What or where was the first radio station to be licensed for regular broadcasting in the US (according to 1920 regulations)?
Answer: Station WDKA in Pittsburgh, Pa was the first regular radio station in the US. Frank Concord of Westinghouse had started it in his garage in 1916.
January 3, 2006
Question:
What is the best way to date an old (antique or collectible) radio?
Answer: The best way to date an old radio or appliance is by the model number-usually found on the back.
December 27, 2005
Question:
A woman called the NAC office to explain she had a knife, fork and spoon
sterling silver set that came from Europe and was from 1590. Her friend
suggested it had great value and was of museum quality. Leon and Brian are
suspicious. Why?
Answer: The set is suspicious as being as old as they said since matching sets of flatware didn't start until the 17th century. It is highly unlikely that anyone would have a complete set that old. (Spoons and knives are older than forks, by the way. The original forks were 2 tonged.)
December 20, 2005
Question:
What was the name of the inventor who graduated from Yale in 1908 and established the Mysto Magic Company? In 1913 he sold the first American construction toy with moving parts and motors. Over the next 40 years more than 30 million of these toys would be sold.
Answer: Alfred Gilbert and the toy was the Erector Set
December 13, 2005
Question:
The Knickerbocker Toy Company of New York was founded by a family of Dutch immigrants. What was their most popular toy line in the 1930's?
Answer:
The Knickerbocker Toy Company produced stuffed animals, dolls, and teddy bears. In the 1930's they were granted a license from Walt Disney and produced the now famous Disney characters as stuffed toys. It made them a household word, as well as Mickey Mouse.
December 6, 2005
Question: What metal was considered so important and fashionable in 1884 that it was used at the top of the newly constructed Washington Monument?
Answer:
In the 19th century, aluminum was more expensive than gold. It was used to "cap" the newly erected Washington Monument. It was chosen since it would not corrode and create streaks down the sides of the marble. It was so exotic that Tiffanys displayed the cap in their windows prior to installation.
November 29, 2005
Question: Who was the real "Red Baron" and why was he called the greatest ace?
Answer: In WWII a pilot was called an ace after downing enemy planes. The French required 5 victories. The Germans required 10. The greatest ace was Manfried von Richthofen, or the red baron. He claimed 80 victories before he was shot down and killed. (The better question is who shot him down?)
November 22, 2005
Who were the 3 big American art pottery companies established in the Ohio Valley from 1880-1920? (They're still very big with today's collectors.)
Answer: The 3 major potteries in the Ohio Valley are Roseville, Rookwood and Weller.
November 15, 2005
Question: What was the name of Howard Hughes' flying boat that had the greatest wingspan ever built, 8 engines, and flew only once in 1947 going less than one mile?
Answer: The Spruce Goose.
November 8, 2005
Two bodies I have
Though both joined as one
The stiller I stand
The faster I run.
Answer: An hourglass!
November 1, 2005
Fall is here. Time for hayrides, falling leaves, picking apple and pie birds. What the heck is a pie bird?
A pie bird is a small hollow ceramic figure, usually of a bird, that is placed in the center of a baking pie. It allows steam to escape and keep the crust high (like Marge Simpson's hair). It also kept juice from running over and messing up the oven. Some can bring hundreds of dollars.
October 25th, 2005
Question:
The 1969 Kentucky Derby Gold Cup was recently sold at auction and brought over $60,000. What was the name of the winning horse?
Stumper Answer: Not since 1951 has the Kentucky Derby Gold Cup been offered for sale. But on July 20th, Doyle Auctions in NY sold one for $60,000. It was won by Majestic Prince in 1969 and weighed nearly 50 ounces in gold.
October 18th, 2005
Question: What is a magic lantern?
Stumper Answer:
A magic lantern is an early slide projector using candle, kerosene, or electric power to reflect an image off a glass slide to a large screen. The early slides were often hand painted.
October 11th, 2005
What is a piano baby?
A piano baby is a bisque doll or figure of a baby, usually made in Germany, that held the shawl or cover on the late Victorian piano. They range in size from 4" to 18."
October 4th, 2005
Question: Hopalong Cassidy was a western cowboy written by Clarence Milford and first published in 1907. Sixty six films were made. Who was the primary actor? What was Hopalong's horse called?
Stumper Answer: The best known "Hopalong Cassidy" actor was William Boyd. His horse was named Topper.
September 27th, 2005
Question: Which country in modern times (1800-2000) never issued coinage?
Stumper Answer: The Republic of Texas, prior to becoming part of the United States, from 1836 until 1845, never issued coinage. They printed paper currency and used Mexican & US coins.
September 20th, 2005
Question: Which was the first state of require licensing of motor vehicles?
Answer: New York was the first state to require licensing of motor vehicles in 1901.
September 13th, 2005
Question: Who was Charles Canoll? (He died in 1832 at 95 years of age.)
Answer: Charles Canoll was a signer of the Declaration of Independance. He lived longer than all the rest and was last to die in 1832 at the age of 95. He even layed the cornerstone of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad in 1828.
September 6th, 2005
Arthur Godfrey was one of the best known ukelele players on TV, but in 1954 lost his license over something he did that was considered "bad." What was it?
Answer: In Jan. 1954 Arthur Godfrey, the famous uke player and TV host, buzzed the control tower of Teterboro Airport in New Jersey. It was a prank, we think, but Arthur's license was suspended. He was flying his own Douglas DC-3. Aloha, Arthur.
Previous Week's :: August 30th, 2005
Question: What was Bobby Orr's number during his career in the National Hockey League? (What's hockey?)
Answer: Bobby Orr's number was #4 when he played for the Boston Bruin. (Yes there is such a thing as hockey and hockey memorabilia.)
August 23rd, 2005
Question: What is a beaufort scale used to measure?
Answer: A beaufort scale measures wind force. We use it all the time on our show-plus a big shovel!
August 16th, 2005
Question: What famed person provided the first voice of Mickey Mouse?
Answer: Walt Disney (Uncle Walt) was the first voice of Mickey Mouse.
August 9th, 2005
When was the first dollar bill used in America? Who was on the "cover" or face side?
Answer: The first dollar bill was put into production in 1862. The face side had a portrait of Salmon Portland Chase. He was Secretary of the Treasury under Abraham Lincoln.
August 2nd, 2005
August 2
Stumper Question: (#523) Clocks and mirrors of the 19th century are often referred to as "OG." What does that term mean?
Clocks and mirrors are often referred to as "OG." Ogee is simply the short hand phrase for a molding that resembles the letter "S"-or a reverse curve. If it's a really nice clock or frame you say "Oh...gee!"
July 26th, 2005
Stumper Question (#515): What's black when you buy it, red when you use it, and grey when you throw it away?
Stumper Answer: (#515) Charcoal!
July 19th, 2005
Stumper Question(#514): Elvis was known for a rather limited library. He read The Bible and The Prophet (Kahil Gibran). What other 2 articles did he read on a regular basis?
July 26 (Rerun of 4/6/05)
Stumper Answer (#514): Elvis was known for reading the Bible and The Prophet. He also was an avid reader of Captain Marvel Comics and Mad Magazine.
July 12th, 2005
(Stumper #59)
What famous cartoon at The New York Globe suddenly became a hit in 1918 when the artist ran out of ideas and created a cartoon about sports' oddities?
Answer (#59): Ripley's Believe It or Not!
or (# 513) The Washington Quarter. (Depends on which show you were listening to!)
July 5th, 2005
(Stumper #56)
Until 1796 there was a state called Franklin. What is it's name today?
Answer (#56) The state of Franklin was changed in 1796 and called the state of Tennessee.
June 28, 2005
(Stumper #54)
Who was the first man to fly an airplane solo in Australia?
Answer: (# 54) Harry Houdini was the first person to fly an airplane solo across Australia...and it wasn't magic!
June 21, 2005
Furniture styles often accented the feet of chairs. Which of the following styles used the spade foot: Queen Anne, Chippendale, or Hepplewhite?
Stumper Answer: (# 526) Furniture styles are often evidenced by the form or design of the legs of a chair. The spade foot, a square box-like shape, was popular during the Hepplewhite period (17901815). It re-occurs during the 20th century.
June 14, 2005
Question: What is a "Frozen Charlotte" doll?
Answer: A frozen Charlotte is a china doll with non-moveable limbs. There supposedly was a story about a girl name Charlotte who rode 5 miles on a wintry day in a flimsy dress. By the time she reached her destination she was frozen stiff (a pleasant thought). The dolls were also known as 25 centers since they originaly sold for 25 cents.
June 7, 2005
Question: Parker Brothers invented many early board games (and still do). George S. Parker invented the first game in 1883 when he was only sixteen. What was it called?
Answer: George S. Parker invented the first board game sold by Parker Brothers in 1883. It was called The Game of Banking. And to the bank they went-for many years!
May 31, 2005
Question: Clock cases and mirrors made in the mid 1800's are often referred to as "OG." What does that term mean?
Extra Credit Question: In 1973 one die cast Hot Wheel car was made with the wrong casting. What was it?
Answer: OG is the name derived from a molding that resembles the letter S. It was very popular during the Empire period, especially in mahogany venner mirror frames. It is often referred to as a reverse curve. It was not...oh, gee!
Extra Credit: The Monggose Drag Racer. (You had to be listening.)
May 24th, 2005
Question:
This item is of English origin but was used here in the US, particularly after the Civil War. It's called a "finger bowl." What was it used for?
(Don't say ice cream. That's a nasty joke in Wilmington, NC.)
Answer: A finger bowl is a glass or ceramic wash bowl for dirty or greasy fingers from eating. It was used in America in the 19th century to keep Victorian diners clean. Imagine if they ate Buffalo Wings-it would have been huge!
May 17th, 2005
Question: Clutter and organization of paper on one's desk has always been a problem (just ask Brian). Paper clips were standardized in the 1940's. Prior to that time people used hand shaped clamps, spring clasps, or a sharp metal spike mounted on a base of iron, wood, or metal. What was that particular item called?
Answer: It is called a spindle. It's a long spike mounted on a board or having a metal base used to keep bills or paperware arranged on a desk. It makes you feel real good when you spear the bills or other correspondance. (We've got one about 2 foot long!)
May 10th, 2005
Q: In 1946 the following ad appeared in several southern California newspapers: Wanted: Congressman candidate with no previous political experience to defeat a man who has represented the district in the House for ten years. Any young man, resident of district, preferrably a veteran, fair education, may apply for the job.
The man who answered the ad was awarded the job and defeated the incumbant Jerry Voorhis in a particularly dirty campaign. Who was he?
Answer: The man was Richard Nixon.
May 3rd, 2005
Q: What 19th century item, usually with a silverplated handle, was the forerunner of today's cookie jar?
Answer: A biscuit or cracker jar was a porcelain or ceramic (sometimes silverplate) container with a handle that held the shortbread or tea biscuits for company. We now call these containers cookie jars.
April 26th, 2005
Q:Which came first? Was it the sewing machine, the typewriter, or the motion picture camera?
Answer: The sewing machine was invented in 1844 by Elias Howe (not singer). The typewriter came a little later in 1873 and the motion picture camera in 1892 (still earlier than most people think) by Thomas Edison. So the correct answer was: the sewing machine...by a stitch!
April 20th, 2005
Q:Who was Jethro Tull and why was he important to the world of antiques and collectibles?
Answer:Jethro Tull (the original) was not a rock or blues band and he didn't play the flute. In 1701-yes over 300 years ago-he invented the first seed drill (did he really?). It mechanized the agricultural process and lowered crop prices-a forerunner of the Indurstrial Revolution and the modern collectible. So here's to Jethro Tull-and his seeds!
April 20th, 2005
Q:What year did Henry Ford introduce the automobile for the common man? What was it called? Why was it black?
Answer: Henry Ford introduced his first automobile for the common man, called a Model T, in 1908. It was painted black because black dried the fastest and it was an assembly line production.
March 29th, 2005
Q:Elvis was known for reading only very few books and periodicals. His favorites were the Bible and the Prophet (Kahlil Gibran) AND 2 others. What were they?
Answer: Elvis had a habit of reading four things. They included the Bible, The Prophet, Captain Marvel Comics, and Mad Magazine. Wouldn't it be cool to have Alfred E. Newman's head covered with a signature by the King?
March 22nd, 2005
Q:In 1932 Congress issued a commemorative coin to celebrate someone's birthday. It was intended to be used for only one year but it became one of the most popular coins ever minted. It's still in your pocket. Whose birthday and what is the coin?
Answer: The Washington quarter was issued in 1932 to celebrate George's 200th birthday. It's still used today, although it doesn't go as far now as it did then!
March 15th, 2005
Q: Why did President Nixon only allow Pepsi to be served at the White House?
A: During the 1950's, Pepsi was active in conservative politics. They even supported Joseph McCarthy and Richard Nixon. In 1959 Nixon went to Russia to meet Kruschev. They topped off their heated arguments with Pepsi (per Nixon). They were photographed drinking the American cola. In 1960 Nixon lost the presidential race but Pepsi gave him a job opening plants around the world. When Nixon finally became president he repaid the favor and Pepsi became the drink at the White House.
March 8th, 2005
Question: Why are buttons sewn on the bottom of coat sleeves?
A: While inspecting his troops, Napoleon Bonaparte saw a soldier wiping his nose on the uniform sleeve. Thoroughly disgusted (who wouldn't be), he ordered all new uniforms with buttons sewn to the bottom of the sleeves. (Wouldn't a handkerchief worked just as well?)
March 1st, 2005
Question: What famous newspaper cartoonist at the New York Globe in 1918 suddenly became a hit after he ran out of ideas for his sports cartoon and drew one depicting sports oddities? He called it "Champs and Chumps"-which was quickly renamed. You might not believe the answer!
A: Robert Ripley was the aspiring cartoonist who worked for the New York Globe writing a sports column. In 1918 he ran out of ideas (it was a slow news day-no steroids) and drew a cartoon featuring sports oddities-like a guy who could hop 100 yards in 10 seconds. The public loved it and the editor changed the name of the column from Champs and Chumps to...Ripley's Believe It or Not!
Feb 22nd, 2005
Question: In 1919 a Charles Strite, a Minnesota factory worker got sick and tired of something in the company cafeteria (could be a lot of things), so he invented a new frangled apparatus. In just 5 years it had become a common household tool. What was it?
Answer: In 1919 Charles Strite invented the first pop up toaster. There had been early iron fireplace ones (usually on a swivel or with a long handle) and even electric ones (invented around 1900), but all of them required someone to turn the toast or shut it off. Toast was...well, like toast (burnt). His sandwiches were always burnt so he invented the "toastmaster"-an appliance that always made perfect toast. (Guess he hasn't been to my house!)
Feb 15th, 2005
In 1921 the Fall Frolic: was held in Atlantic City New Jersey to
promote travel and tourism in Atlantic City beyond the summer season.
One small event segment of the program involved a woman named Margaret
Gorman.
Who was she and what was this soon-to-be historic event?
ANSWER:The first Miss America pageant. There were only 7 contestants and the winner was from Washington, DC. Atlantic City was trying to extend the summmer season.
Feb 8th, 2005
Why did John Hancock sign his name in extra large letters on the Declaration of Independence?
Answer: He wanted old King George to be able to read it without his spectacles on!
Feb. 1st, 2005
Until 1796 there was a state called Franklin. What is its name today?
Answer: The state of Tennessee. (No, it wasn't Pennsylvania.)
Get a good old history book and find out or ask someone from Nashville. I bet they don't know (and we don't either).
1/25/05
Question:Who was the first man to fly solo in Australia? (It wasn't Crocodile Dundee!)
1/18/05
If you see an antique statue of a horse and rider and one foot (of the horse) is in the air, what does it mean?
ANSWER::The soldier died of wounds from action.
Explanation: Equestrian statues, particularly after the Civil War, were done with a horse and a rider. If all four hooves are on the ground the rider died a natural death. If one hoof was in the air the rider died of wounds suffered in action. If two hooves were in the air the rider died in a field of battle. If three or four hooves are in the air - time to get a new horse.
1/11/05
There is only one picture by an American in the French Louvre. What is it?
ANSWER::Whistler's Mother!
Explanation: An "Arrangement in Black and Grey" by Whistler is hanging in the Louvre. It is also called Whistler's Mother.
Dec. 14, 2004 ::The 19th Century had 3 Major Expostions (kind of like World Fairs). They were the Crystal Palace Exhibition in London in 1851 and the Columbian Expostion in Chicago in 1893. What was the other one? (Hint: It had something to do with America's birthday!)
ANSWER to Dec 14:: The 19th Century had 3 major expositions, including at least 2 in America. One of the most significant was the Philadelphia BiCentennial in 1876, celebrating 100 years of American Independence. It featured many household and furniture items that are now antique and very much collected. A "Centennial" piece is an item that dates from 1876.
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