We at South Coast Antique & Gallery Wish You All a Very Merry Christmas!

Do Not Forget about the Christmas Dr.Who,

 The Doctor, the Widow and the Wardrobe 

on 25 December 2011!

A Quick Visit to the Biloxi Lighthouse and the Fresnel Lens

Today we were driving by the Biloxi Lighthouse and it happened to be open so we decided to stop and have a bit of a visit!  Had a real enjoyable time. There were two very knowledgeable people working on site a gentleman at the entrance and a very attractive young woman at the top. We talked for awhile and I took a few quick images using the camera on my phone. Not great images, but they will give you an idea of the kind of moody, misty atmospheric morning that we were having. 

I had the chance to inspect the fresnel Lens up close. This was a real treat for me, being that I have had a life long interest in all manner of lighting devices and the fresnel Lens is one of the ultimate lamps!

The New Biloxi Visitors Center as seen from the top of the lighthouse

The fresnel Lens

The Beau Rivage Seen From the Biloxi Lighthouse

Biloxi Lighthouse stamp

The Biloxi Lighthouse through the years

A Visit to the New Biloxi, Mississippi Visitors center

This afternoon we went over to the new Biloxi, Mississippi visitors center to drop off some of our advertising cards for their big card display of things to do while visiting the area.  The new visitors center is surly a site to see in it's own rights.  A splendid over sized anti bellum style edifice that just reeks of southern hospitality.  Just look how nice a day it is. The weather is in the 70's and oh, so sunny.  Keep in mind that theses images were captured on Sunday, December 17th 2011.  If you're ever in the area stop on in and see what's happening in this area. Remember, it's easy to find just look for the old Biloxi lighthouse!

Biloxi, Mississippi visitors center

The View Out the Front Door at the Biloxi, Mississippi visitors center

Biloxi, Mississippi visitors center

Biloxi, Mississippi Light House

The Beau Rivage Seen From the

Biloxi, Mississippi visitors center

More About Antiques Plus, the New Antique Shop in D'Iberville, MS

The View as One Enters Antiques Plus

The Main Show Room at Antiques Plus

Here are a few images of the  new shop called "Antiques Plus". Located at 10340 D'Iberville Blvd. in D'Iberville, MS.  Located in the heart of D'Iberville on the beautiful Gulf Coast, this shop as you can well see is brightly lit and full of all types of nice quality antiques, vintage,collectable items, and jewelry. The middle of the shop has a number of consignment rooms and the back of shop has furniture.

One of the Consignment Rooms

 

Furniture in the Back Room

Beautiful  Fleur de Lis Handled Uranium glass

New shop in D'Iberville "Antiques Plus" and My New Kutani sake cup

Today I went to visit a new shop called "Antiques Plus". It is located at 10340 D'Iberville Blvd. in D'Iberville, MS. I was quite surprised to walk in and find out that it is a new venture for a long time friend of mine Joan Skinner. I was even more surprised to find out that she had just opened this new shop this week!  Joan is a well known personage in the antique world here on this part of the Gulf Coast. Joan and I have been aquainted for many years and she has a very nice collection of my ceramic art pottery that she has purchased over the years.

When I first entered the shop I was very impressed with how well lit, and carefully everything in the shop is displayed. In the front part of the shop she has a nice selection of jewelry featuring sterling and better quality costume pieces. The shop has a fine variety of vintage and antique items. In the middle of the shop are smaller rooms on either side that have different consignment antiques, vintage, and collectable items. The back area has a good selection of furniture with everything from a large exuberant black Victorian fireplace mantle to an outrageous vintage, antiqued gilt Chinoiserie curio cabinet.

"Antiques Plus" is the kind of place where one can buy a lot of style at very good prices. I have to admit, I saw quite a number of items that would make really super holiday gifts for that special someone. I just can not understand going out the the mall and picking up some meaningless mass produced product when one can go to an antique shop like this and pick up something that will always be remembered. Antiques and vintage items can make a holiday gift truly special.  Also remember that when we purchase cool items from shops like this we are helping the local business person and our community.

Kutani sake cup circa. 1900

Detail of Falcon on Kutani sake cup circa. 1900

I try to buy local when I can. So I have to tell you. I bought a few really cool things at "Antiques Plus" myself. I found a nice little Japanese Kutani sake cup, circa. 1900, the late Meiji period(1868 - 1912. It features a very nice image of an armed archer that has a radiant golden bird(a falcon or a hawk?) in gold over his bow and an inscription around the outside. A lovely little sake cup to add to my collection. When I say little, I mean little. It is only 2 inches across by 1¼ inches tall! I just love the detail in these tiny sake cups. I also found a vintage ivory piece, a beautifully carved large mother of pearl shell, a small Victorian beveled glass and bronze jewel box and a gold overlay Edwardian style sterling bracelet with a central blue crystal.

Detail of inscription on Kutani sake cup circa. 1900

Mark on Bottom of Kutani sake cup circa. 1900

I will be doing a follow up post with pictures of Joan's shop shortly.  D'Iberville is an up and coming area here on the Gulf Coast. They are building a new aquarium and casinos and have just recently finished a new mall. I think Joan has chosen a great location, (right off of I-10) and that she will be having great success at this location. If you have a chance drop in and see her and tell Joan I said, "Hi"!

Happy Holidays from South Coast Antiques & Gallery

Happy Holidays from South Coast Antiques & Gallery in Ocean Springs, MS

Happy Veterans Day To all that have served!