Everyone has ‘their thing’. Collections that is. My collections are hard wired. I love sailboat/ ship models, dog figurines, and flying pigs. Don’t judge. Just ask my husband about my shoe collection. When we first began dating — and he eventually peeked into my closet —- I remember watching him as he opened the door and sort of stumbled back a bit. His eyes opened wider and his mouth dropped to his chest. I stood there blinking wondering what in the world he was gawking at. Softly he muttered – ‘I’ve never seen so many shoes in my life!’ I stood there blinking even faster as a pout emerged……. Huh? I stated gently – ‘I’m a girl — I must have choices.’ Point made. Ahem.
Back to my story here. I adore dog figurines. For me adding something to my collection isn’t about the label or brand – which isn’t the case for many. For me it’s what strikes my fancy. It can have a broken ear — which makes me wrinkle my nose and think ‘ahhh — he just needs love and to be repaired’. No ryhme or reason here. Which my husband will attest to readily. It’s not that it’s a Royal Doulton or Made in Occupied Japan, or whatever…it’s just what makes me happy. That’s what true collecting is about. What floats your boat! However, there’s also the element into identifying these collections that we take into our lives and homes (much to a spouses chagrin at times — hehehe). Even a broken figurine (which I’ll tell you how to repair such) has character. Perfect is quite boring sometimes. I bond with my little fellas.
More commonly seen are Staffordshire Dogs . Royal Doulton is another well known collectible for many things. There are many more as you well know.
Identifying American Pottery Dogs
Doulton values at Replacements.com
Collectors Weekly is a WONDERFUL way to familiarize yourself with who made what
To REPAIR your treasures — here are a few helpful sites. I use fingernail polish (it’s glazed and works much like cermaric paint.)
Collections are obtained to surround yourself with things that make you happy, inspire you. Your home is like a nest. Put in it things (and people) that bring pleasure.
Happy Happy Happy are we! Pollen and all! (we’ve got tissues for those allergy sufferers!)
This is a ‘small’ sale. However, there are some cool things. Look at that cocktail sofa! Think Austin Powers and martinis! Normal is boring and this sofa is not boring! Check out 
One uber cool thing about Bessemer — is 
I’m a bibliophile — completely. I’m a lover of books. I have been from a very small child. I’m also a YUGH (Donald Trumps way of saying HUGE — he he he) fan of 
I’m using the word primitive here however…. you could also use antique… vintage really wouldn’t fit the bill. These round or square type baskets are very shallow, not quite flat – they were used for drying tobacco leaves or herbs in some cases (large herbs because of the large open areas and loose weave obviously to let plant material begin to dry immediately).
We have a ONE DAY SALE in HOOVER! Join us!
Birmingham Estate Sales, LLC 