Holly Hill Antiques

This is an early Bee Smoker used to subdue bees so that the beekeeper could get the honey. Estimated Retail Value $48 and sometimes these go higher if there is a name printed on the side. The backend would be like a bellows and when pump some smoke out (burlap, straw or grass) which would come out to make the bees mad. When they are mad - they begin to eat their own honey which will make the bees very calm. When they become calm that’s when the beekeeper can harvest the honey. With all the beehives around the area these days it is good to know that people use to raise bees. Years ago, you could order your bees from Southern States and they would be delivered through the mail in a small box (the queen would be in a separate little box and would always be mad). You could also order your hive too. But “Bee” careful when driving these little guys home - because some would always get out of the box and which makes for an exciting drive. Has anyone ever seen one of these being used in Gloucester or have an interesting story - Give us a call at Holly Hill Farm Antiques 695-1146 or call the comments line at GLO-Clips.

This is a Double Betty Light from the 1700s and 1800s. Estimated Retail Value is $65. Back in Daniel Boone days when then didn’t have any kerosene they would put some pigs fat in the holder along with a wick and this would burn and give some light. These smelled really, really bad – but still they gave light and they were cheap. You must remember that in the old days kerosene was not always available and many people could not afford it. The reason you had two (double) is that if one went out you always had another ready. Made of metal and are usually blacksmith made. Anybody ever use one of these? Have an interesting story from the old days - Give us a call at Holly Hill Farm Antiques 695-1146.

This is a Barn Star from the 1800s and 1900s. Estimated Retail Value is $28 - $35.

Used in the construction of old houses and barns of brick or stone. In order to construct two and three story homes in the old days a metal rod was run through the entire length of house and these stars were put on either end and tighten with a bolt. This prevented the brick or stone foundations from expanding or collapsing as the building went higher.

A barn star is made out of cast iron. These are very collectible right now and come in several other different shapes including letters of the alphabet and circular shapes. If someone is tearing down a old building with these items – grab them. Has anyone ever seen one of these in the local area or have an interesting story from the old days - Give us a call at Holly Hill Farm Antiques 695-1146.