Malaysian Antiques

Wood Saw

2008-12-03T21:10:00.000-08:00

This saw was bought few years ago. Man, I didn't have much information about it at all. Can't even tell the age of it. I'm not certain where is the origin of it. Was it produced in Malaysia of could have been imported from any other country.

What I can say is it looks nice on my wall. Though it's a bit rusty. Still in good condition.

I wish if anyone who knows a bit about this saw could share the information with me...

Luggage Trunk

2008-11-23T20:26:00.000-08:00

Another collection of mine... "made in England".. that the word I first heard when I approach the seller... I guess it make a big difference when someone mentioned "England" & I guess that could be the killer word..

It's not the "Made In England" that made me took the bait. It was the appearance of the case that attracts me. The originality of it. The detail of the trunk is so genuine. It looks like a wood grain. Cool.

I've combined the Trunk with the Helmet, "rank" and a Bagpipe sleeve to make it looks as if in the 40's...

Just too bad I've sold the Bagpipe few years back just to earn some decent income when I was jobless then...

WWII British Army Helmet aka 'Brodie'

2008-11-10T21:42:00.000-08:00

Another stuff I have with me. A WWII British Army Helmet also known as 'Brodie'.
Bought it for RM10.00 a few years back. Just not my luck since the helmet is not a complete helmet. There isn't any strap nor bracing at all.

According to other collectors, It should have a marking/coding at the left inner part of the helmet to indicate the year it was produced. Mine was rusty, even after I've cleaned it up I can't locate the marking at all or perhaps I could have scrapped it off with my steel brush.

A bit dent but still looks cool to me....

Badminton Racquete- Dunlop Fort

2008-11-06T22:42:00.000-08:00

Badminton is close to Malaysian daily lifetyle. You'll get to see badminton court all over the place especially among the chinese.
I manage to secure a Badminton racket from my father store recently. It has been there since 60's. Dunlop Fort.

It comes with frame to hold the racket to prevent it from defect of the Malaysian weather which is humid. Since that it's made of wood. come with leather grip. It still have the old string. Not much information of this racquete though. gotta seach for it.

Feeding Bottle & Mixer

2008-11-06T00:32:00.000-08:00

Been a while since I last update my bolg. Was kinda busy with work.
This time around I would like to share about feeding bottles that I have in my collection. I know there's a few type of feeding available in Malaysia but these few is the only I could owned at the moment.

I have the normal shape feeding which able to feed 200ml of milk. It's the same design as what we have right now in market but the only difference is it is made of glass. I've got 3 of it at the moment and too bad it's not a complete set.

I do have the banana shape like feeding bottle. It comes in 3 sizes. Small, Medium & large. For now I only owned the medium size feeding bottle.

Still doing my research about feeding bottles and its accesories. Will add more information soon.

Advertising

2008-07-30T00:15:00.000-07:00

During the early days advertising medium is much different compared to todays.
Cigarrates companies have the freedom to advertise their products with no barriers at all.If you noticed most of the shops still have those cylinder containers to store cigarrates and it's placed on the cashier counter.
Before they come with Vinyl poster. What they did was produce a metal advertising plate on walls etc. This is one of the advertising in my collections besides the cigarrates containers.

This particular products is most prabarbly from England I presume. It's called Torchlight. Not that I can see in Malaysia anymore. I'm not certain do they still have this brand in England itself.

There's a few more cigarrates brand in MALAYA those days. Not all known to me.My dad is not a smoker himself. Some of it are

Rough Rider
Rothmans 100s
Benson & Hedges
PallMall
GoldFlake
Consulate

2008-07-26T19:41:00.000-07:00

I could only managed to get few malay lps in my collection. Namely....
DJ dave
Salamiah Hassan
Sharifah Aini
Ahmad Jais
Dllyod
Ahmad Nawab
Saloma
Sarinah Hashim
and a few compliation album

The compilation album consist of few famous composers those days.. like Ahmad Marican etc.
Listening to those songs tells me the difference between modern day music composition & oldies.

Modern days I sense that the feel is not like before.. listening to Salamiah Hassan 'Surat terakhir' is what a great experience. She can bring you into her song.. that was a sad song & the way she deliver it was 'WOW'!!!!
you know it is a sad song. sounds like as if she was crying singing that song...

Ahmad Jais is another good singer I presume. The way he sang that song is ...speechless... it comes right from his heart.

another interesting thing about these Lps is the cover... the the way they shoot to cover album... and another thing... if you notice there are address stickers on the album.. I wonder if the shop is still there or in operation...

And you get to see old bahasa malaysia spellings... kinda for those who is not use to it... my dad still write using those formats.... funny eh...

Coconut Grater

2008-07-24T03:12:00.000-07:00

Coconut grater or Kukur(grate) Kelapa (Coconut).....
Another intresting collection of mine. Found this is Marang, Trengganu. Long long way from home. Most Asian's know this kukur kelapa thingy since coconut is part of our life. I grow up playing around coconut tree.

The 1 that I've found is made of wood of course but I'm not certain what type of wood it made off. Looks nice to me. To me, it resemble a dog but I could be wrong. There are people who claim that it looks like a cat too. Hmmmmm.... doesn't matter as long as I have something look authentic.

The coconut grater wasn't in a good condition when I got it. It was terrible. Guess must have been left abandoned for few years. It could easily aged more than 50 years coz during my childhood in early 70s, the coconut grater used then wasn't like the 1 I've found. It's more modern I must admit since it has lost it design. More mechanical & practical and the 1 my mum used is a fold able!!! innovative eh???

I hope I could find 1 from Thailand since theirs is more artistic. Seen 1 before and it looks nice but the price is just too big for me... sigh...

LPs & EPs

2008-07-23T03:20:00.000-07:00

As I’ve shared in my earlier post. I do collect LPs for my own pleasure. It brings back memories of my younger days. Reminds me of my friends, pre school, Primary School

Wow, what a sweet memories it was.

In my collections I categorize those into few segments, English, Malays, Indonesians and Hindi
As many people know, LPs come in two sizes. 33 & 48s… what it meant is the speed of the LPs.
33 meant for large normal LPs and 48 is meant for EPs or singles.

Here are some shots of my collections. I will share with you guys on each categories later on or perhaps a little bit more details of the productions and artist.

Rattan Suitcase

2008-07-22T00:59:00.000-07:00

Rattan traveling suitcase in one of the last that my parent still kept in their store. This was bought somewhere in the 60s. Was meant for my late brother whom passed away when he was fifteen years due to heart disfunction which I don’t’ really what it was.
My parent kept it until today. As usual the whole family get to use it. so, After my late brother it was me & my younger sister turn then.
It’s a nice rattan suitcase. Carefully woven. Nice craft work I must admit it is.
My father bought it from one the unfortunately senior who lives at ‘HOME’. A welfare home that provides shelter to the unfortunates who were deserted by their children or an orphan who didn't have any families.
The size of the rattan suitcase is 1.5 x 1. Big enough to put our nappies & some clothing's.
I’m surprised as it still in good condition after 46 years.

I’m proud for being able to keep it as part of my life history. I must restore it for my future generation to inherit it. The suitcase reminds me of the olden days when those unfortunate unwanted parents trying to survive from poverty. Sigh...still remember that 'HOME'...It's still there hopefully. My last visit to 'HOME' was in 1996...

Record Player

2008-07-18T07:05:00.000-07:00

Here's my 1 and only record player. Herit it from my father. Belt driven turntable.Pioneer. Actually he gave me the complete set of it. Been busy looking for good records in town but I found that it is bit expensive. for example 1 The Beatles album will cost you around RM60 above. Too expensive right?
I did get Bad Company album, Deep Purple (Burn) for RM10 each. Cheap isn't it?
Well, I found it in Malacca... the place where we thought it's gonna be expensive.
Got a few more recently but a compilation album. Much cheaper.

back to my record player (Turntable).. there's a lot of things to do to it. It is not in a good condition but still.. It's in working condition.I might need to change the line in jack... things that I'm not familiar with.... ahaks..

CHINESE MEDICINE CHEST

2008-07-16T00:01:00.000-07:00

Chinese medicine box... a bit strange to me but somehow I found it !! It has big compartment & 2 small drawer at the bottom. Known to most collectors...believed could have aged more than 50 years. I was told by the trader that during older days... Chinese will travel to a a new sttlement & bring this medicine box along.
One thing I like about this medicine chest is it uses no nails...

Known to Malay as 'tanggam' maybe. I'm not a handy man so I could be wrong. The wood work are so precise you'll not be able to see any gap in between.
Refurbish??? no..not yet. I didn't enough time to scrap the whole chest and start all over. I might opt for a short cut. Just take some shoe polish & wax it over. hahaha... easy job right?
It's standing at a corner of my house...Price???hmmmmm I got it at RM200.00... checked in KL... it range from RM800-RM2500.00.

The process of refurbishing

2008-05-16T06:07:00.000-07:00

Talking about refurbishing, Man I must tell you guys it's not an easy job. Initially I thought it gonna take less than 1 week to complete my bed.
Luckily I do my home work in the web.
Here's the step by step on how to refurbiching your antique furniture.

1. Dismantle all of the parts and mark those curcial parts if it requires an exact joint
2.Depending on the type of furniture which may vary from each production. The lacquer/shellac layer might be different from each region. eg; If it's from the europe, it has 7 layers of varnish/shellacs which make it tought to clean.
2. You may use sand paper to scrap off the old varnish/shellacs following the wood grain. Do not reverse your sanding method from the grain or you might hurt the wood grain permenantly.
3. Once done. You've got to clean up the remaining dust from the wood by using spirits/alcohol to assure no left overs on the surface.
4. There's a few type of sand papers according to it grade need to be used during the whole process. I used grade 260 for the first layer then grade 150 & lastly 120 to ensure smooth finishing
5. Apply the first layer of stain onto the wood & sand off the first layer using grade 120 sand paper onto it.
6. Apply your second layer of wood stain onto your furniture or you may add up the numbers of layers onto your furniture to your desire. The more layers it has the darker it's gonna be and for each layer you've gotta sand it until you get a smooth surface.
7. Please ensure the place you're workin on is an isolated area for the dust might flew off else where. During the staining process it is best done during sunny day. It'll get dry faster.
8. Applying the stain may sounds easy too but again...not an easy job. You've gotta choose the right brush. If you are to use the normal painting brush, then you have to extra carefull applying it onto your furniture. You've gotta do it slow and steady to avoid air bubbles.
9. reassmeble all parts based on the marking you've marked earlier & then... it's all done.

Rosewood Poster Bed

2008-05-13T08:22:00.000-07:00

Since my last update I've been busy working on one of my beds.
Estimated it gonna take more than a month for me to complete the refurbishing job. This is my very first 'BIG' job. Never done such a big project before. Did my research on how to restore wooden furnitures, the appropriate way to clean the old varnish and shellacks or lacquer. Man, there are so many ways of doing it. From the most sophisticated to the cheapest way doing it.Now I know you can even create your own chemical by using things in your kitchen to clear off those finishing such as vinegar & lime etc.

It only took me 2 weeks to complete the bed. Started from sanding to stain.
It wasn't easy initially. It may sounds easy doing it but not as how it sounds. Sanding is the most crucial/important part of the whole process. If you didn't follow the grain grooves you will end up damaging the wood permenantly. It's just like scracthes on your wrist watch glass.

this job took me to anew level of satisfaction. It is a lot more compared to just collecting. I have done refurbishing before but not as detailed as this project.
Those are more into waxing and cleaning. But this time around, an absolute refurbishing.

I will place the photos soon. on my next update I'll share with everyone on how to refurb your antiques furniture step by step.

All we need is just time.Need not to rush since we have no intention to sell it.

Old Bed - Made of Rosewood

2008-04-17T08:32:00.000-07:00

Phew..at last I manage to update my page once again. It has been a while since I last update due to unforeseen circumstances.(Limited access to Internet)

Recently as usual during my trip to east coast of West Malaysia, I drop a shop which sell second hand furniture's. It's located in Kuantan town.Took my own sweet time lingering around that 3 storey shop looking any item that might be affordable for me to own 1.
I asked the shop owner what does he have in hand for I'm looking for something old. He then took me to the second floor of his shop. There I get to see many beds lying around and gosh..there so many of them.

Few of things in there attracted me to investigate further. I noticed 3 baby cot... 3 wooden baby cot and it's very nice. at a standing height of 4 feet. But what can I do with it??
Carefully browsing through the whole place I the noticed a big dark colour head board with a shell shape carving on it. Obviously my sixth sense drive me to touch it. and yes.. very smooth & hard wood. Looks like Rosewood but since I'm not a professional in woods I then asked the owner what wood is it for the bed.

Only then he told that it's Rosewood.I then immediately asked for the price of the bed.It took him quite to answer me. He then quoted RM800.00

RM800.00 for a bed??? wow that's sky high! I then checked with my dear wife about the current price of modern bedroom set. Was told it ranges from RM800.00 to RM4000.00 for average quality type of bed. I then asked her again would you like to own a bed made of Rosewood for the price of RM800.00? without hesitation she give an immediate answer..YES!!!

She told me we can never afford to own 1 without forking out thousands of RM.Since we are both collector, we share the same passion. Antiques!!!

I the asked the owner where did he get it from and so on.
He then told me that he got the bed from a malay man in Kemaman, Trengganu.That was his grand father bed passed on to his family members for years but when it comes to him.. It's no longer in fashion... the design is out of pattern. Not relevant to current lifestyle where they prefer modern furniture's. The bed was bought in the 50's.

That's all I get to know about the bed itself. Without hesitation.I bargain the price to RM600.00. This time around a fail to persuade the owner not like before I often manage to bargain up to 50% discount.This time I FAIL!!! I guess he knows the value of the bed hence, I'm at the losing end. AT last he gives me RM50.00 discount & I finally bought it at RM750.00.

It cost me additional RM400 just for the transport from Kuantan to KL.

It is now resting in my make shift workshop waiting to pampered, cleaned & to be given a whole new world. It's now only 10% done. Long way to go. I haven't' even complete sanding the whole bed yet but, I get to see the beautiful Rosewood grains now. What a beauty!!!

Metal Trunk/Luggage

2008-01-15T09:23:00.000-08:00

Just add another item at home. A metal Trunk/luggage.Got it when I was taking a walk at AMCORP Mall recently.It was an old rustic metal trunk.Try to look for it origin but I couldn't locate it. All I can see is only the 'BOMBAY' embossed on the ledge with some numbers printed on it left and right front panel.

It wasn't in a good condition though.But this are the things that excite me most. I fancy reconditioning the item that I've just bought. I'll be able to watch the transformation from an old junk to another collectible item in my living room.

As usual, I have allocated time for my antiques. For refurbishing and maintenance.
I only allow myself to allocate not more than an hour per day. I need to have an equal share of life cycle. Currently, I'm working on my Double Bass and now I have this metal trunk in my so called workshop.

I wish I could share all of the photos of my collections with everyone but gotta wait till I fixed my PC at home.

JOHNSONS BROS

2008-01-08T12:18:00.001-08:00

1 famous name in the dining ware products. I owned 1 brand new dinner set which were bought in England a few years back and now me and my wife scouting for any dining set that could bring the whole family back through time.

We started scouting around for dining sets a few months back. It wasn't really an easy thing to do I must admit. Being new into this arena (Dining/tableware)I reckon that we have start from scratch about the whole thing. Gotta know which is which, which is the most prominent, Most expensive and which is in demand.

In Malaysia to owned 1 set of Johnson Bros set is status claimed by itself. Most of them will place it in their showcase instead of using it to serve. I believe it's the culture where they treasure their belongings when it's quite expensive.

Never knew that I could find one Johnsons Bros product in Malaysia especially if the product aged more than 50 years old. Malaysia has been independent for 57 years and those days only the richest can afford to travel outside Malaysia.

We have been asking around for Johnsons Bros product and unfortunatelty not even 1 of the dealer has it in hand. They speculate that price will range from RM20 above. Wow!!! that is expensive. I was thinking I will never have a chance to own it.

Our recent trip to Ipoh destined us to find 4 pieces of Johnson Bros plate. The design known as 'GREYDAWN'.We stopped at a stall and the trader was packing his stuff since it's about 2pm. (Time for them to hit back home). We saw quite a number of light blue plates on his table and asked how much will it be. He then quoted RM5 per piece.Not keen into looking at it I just took the place examine it since my wife have decided to grab a few to complete our current set. Whilst examining the place for any defect I saw the print on it back and wow!!!! It's Johnsons Bros!!! I then asked the trader again how much will it cost for this plates? He reconfirmed RM5 and if I were to take more than 4 he will reduce the price quoted.

Well, having it all in front of us we then just flip those plates looking for the print hoping we could find more of it but luck was not at our side. We could only find 4 pieces. Extremely fine and the quality is far much better than any product produced in England ( I haven't come across Royal Albert yet).

And now..... we will scout further hoping we could find more of Johnsons Bros product and wish that we will be able have a complete set in our dining room.

Large Glass Biscuits Container

2008-01-02T05:09:00.001-08:00

Just add another item to my living room. It was a large Glass container looks like a over sized bottle comes with an aluminium cap.It's height measuring at 2'. Came across it recently when I was roaming at the usual place (Amcorp Mall). Not familiar with the product I then asked around about the value (Price & age) of the container.
I get to know that price were placed based on the size and the number of air bubble appear in the glass itself. To my suprise, the more bubbles it has the expensive it gets and the smaller the container the higher the price will be.
Something which a bit awkward I would say. Always thought the bigger and the clearer the container the higher it price will be.

Somehow I manage to get it at RM40.00. Reasonable I must say since the known price for it is around RM80.00 - RM200.00. Wow ...those guys could have a fortune if they manage to sell it.

Took it back home and place it on my TV rack. After a while struck my mind I should do something to this container and not to have displayed on its own. Only took me a while to figure out what I can do with my container. I'm gonna put some guppy inside the container.I went to Pudu recently and grab a few male and female guppies.

My luck was at my side I must claimed. Over night my female guppies gave birth to a few guppy fry and now I have more guppies in my makeshift aquarium.

DOUBLE BASS

2007-12-27T08:56:00.000-08:00

Recently on my way back to Kuala Lumpur from Seremban, Negeri Sembilan. I've decided to use the old trunk road which will take me pass by a few small district to Kajang. I pass by a place known as Beranang and while driving I saw an antique shop. Being a collector, I must admit this is a must visit which took at least two hours.

I can't recall the name of the shop but the owner is an actor. As I walked into his shop he welcome me with a greeting and offer me to look around his shop for anything which interest me. As usual my wife will scout for her dinner set. I notice a few stuff placed at the corner of the shop that catch my eye. It is the lesung keropok!! Curious to know the price of it I asked the owner how much is he willing to sell it for? He then quoted RM400.00 I then smiled knowing that I only invest less than RM100 for one. now I know how much value it carries.

He displayed quite a lot of antiques on shelve but I must admit the price are a bit too high to my budget. While roaming around his shop Me and my wife notice on a small Islamic art also known as 'KHAT'. Made of copper it is the verse of 'Qursi'. With wooden framed I then grab it without asking for the price which I believe will not be more than RM50. At the same time I noticed a Double Bass frame placed on the wall where he placed all of his items need to be repaired/refurbished. I then approached the item and suddenly crossed my mind that I can convert this Musical instrument into something useful. Ahah!!! yes, I can always convert it to a wall clock. All I need is just to get the clock machine and place it on the instrument.

I took the instrument out of it place and ask him to quote what is the price he looking for for this wreck instrument. He hesitate to quote the price for the instrument was not really an instrument since the only thing left is a piece of the Double Bass front body. No Neck, Bridges or anything. After a long negotiation, He then agree to sell it to me for RM30. Obviously it is not fair for him to sell that wreck for more than RM50. He then asked me what do I have in mind for this abandoned musical instrument? Told him I will convert it to a wall clock. But it need lots of work prior displaying ti on my wall.

The first layer of it frame has been ripped off which means I need to balance out to the whole body. Wow, sure it was not an easy job. I've got to scrapped all of it, Clean it up, apply one coat of varnish then only I will be able to work on the clock engine.

It is now sitting at my workshop lying down waiting to be cleaned and to be given a new look. Since I am working full time in a financial institution. I can only accommodate a few hours a week to work on this poor guy...

Adverts

2007-12-25T00:00:00.000-08:00

It's kinda fun collecting those old metal advertisement plate. I've got myself a few. Cigarettes advertisement for known as 'torchlight'. I do own quite a number cigarettes can with it brand displayed on it namely Rough Rider, PallMall, Rothmans, Camel and few more.

Having all of it displayed on a side table, It's kinda an adventure taking you back through time. It reminds me of younger where my neighbour will give me 10 sen as a rewards if I were to go to the nearest shop located approximately 5km away from your place. 10 sen is big money those days. I can grab myself candies and cookies for sure back then.

I choose to have those ads as it is since I personally believe if it looks brand new, then it's not an antique anymore. I wonder why some people like to change the whole furniture/item so it looks brand new. It turns out as if it is a reproduction item.Defeat the purpose of collecting antiques.

Kuantan

2007-12-22T19:39:00.000-08:00

Recently I was in Kuantan for a trip. Obviously I will definitely pay a visit to the flea market located at PADANG MAJLIS PERBANDARAN KUANTAN next to the state mosque.

There is only two antiques trader trade there. One with lots of items and the other less than 10 items placed on his mat.

I visit the trader with load of items. There where Chinese calculator know as 'sampuah' in hokkien. Asked him to quote the price and to my surprise he quoted RM50.00 and claimed it age more than 70 years old and with all of his stupidity he showed me the metal tag nailed to the calculator which says' MADE IN CHINA'. I asked him how did he define that this is an antique or not? Another silly answer I've got from him, "The design tells you a lot".

Not satisfied with the answer, I then questioned the metal tag since I am very sure back then those Chinese didn't place a metal tag on their product. They print on the wood itself.
Then another questioned posed to him on how did he distinguished is that item an old calculator? I asked for the slot where we can slide a wooden plate act as a cover for that calculator? I can't just imagine his level of arrogant and ignorance of being questioned in front of the rest of crowd in front of him. He murmured.. " If you want to buy this thing then just give me the money and walk away. Don't questioned me on the authenticity of my item."
I then advised him to respect his customer by not cheating them with a faky.

Record Player

2007-12-22T19:09:00.000-08:00

Hi there,

It has been a while since I last post my message. Been busy with job and doing some refurbishing on my new Hi Fi set that I have just got recently.

Got it from my dad a Pioneer Hi Fi set consist of 1 Amplifier, 4 Speakers, 1 Pioneer turntable and 1 deck of AKAI cassette player. It wasn't in running condition but still looks presentable.And lastly I've got myself quite a number of LP's too.

AMPLIFIER

There were some modifications done onto the Amplifier to enhance the BASS. What I have done was actually dismantle all of the components and check all of it to make sure every singe wire were intact. Tested on leakage fortunately there isn't any.Overtime it has changed colour since it was bought in 1974. 33 years old amplifier. Wooden frame with metal lining. Looks cool.
I notice there quite a number wire need to be replaced since it has been sitting on the attic for many many years. It's now under construction.

Turn Table

Power management were in excellent condition. Just that I need to replace the rubber lining that rotate the turn table. Need to replace the needle though. So I've gotta do some shopping soon. With less experience I might face some difficulties looking for it. But I know there's a place I could possibly found it.....AMCORP Mall.yeah that's the place.

Cassette Deck

This is another retro deck. equipped with all of those meters it look kinda funky. Consist of 1 cassette slot with power booster. The same issue I have for this guy. Need to replace the rubber that rotates the motor. This one....wow.I don't know where to get it from.

LP's

Got quite a number of LPs from him as well. among those few

CLIFF RICHARD

SHADOW

ENGELBERT HUMPERDICK

TRACY HUANG

PRETENDERS

BEATLES

JULIO IGLESIAS

ANITA SARAWAK LIFE IN SINGAPORE

HAIL AMIR & UJI RASHID

SALOMA

D'LLYOD

SANISAH HURI

SANGAM

Went to my brother in law place recently and manage to persuade to hand over his LP collection over to me and to my surprise.he agreed. Can't you just imagine his collections then..

QUEEN

DIRE STRAITS

PINK FLOYD

DURAN DURAN

HOWARD JONES

LEVEL 42

SPANDAU BALLET

TRACY CHAPMAN

DEF LEPPARD

LED ZEPPELIN

ERIC CLAPTON

BOB MARLEY

JEAN MICHELLE JARRE

BEACH BOYS

DEPACHE MODE

D'BARGE

KIM WILDE

MEZZOFORTE

NOW THAT'S MUSIC IV

MADONNA

and lots more

Antiques in Ipoh

2007-12-09T05:17:00.000-08:00

'Memory Lane' or lok kheng are well known for it antiques trading place nationwide. I get to meet people from all over Malaysia looking for antiques visit this place. I must admit this is the best place so far in Malaysia. This is the only place where you can find many traders at one location. On any visit , I must at least spend half a day there though is a very small place. It only operate on Sunday. This flea market occupy 2 main roads, the Horley Road and Lim Bo Seng Road. A walking distance from Hotel Ipoh City and The Store shopping center.

I get to purchase an British army helmet once, Grab myself a suitcase, and a few stuff. I love getting stuff here for I love to bargain it it gives me the satisfaction even if I just get RM1.00 discount. It has been a while since I last visit to Memory lane. I promised myself I will be going there soon.

Best place to shop for Antiques

2007-12-09T05:04:00.000-08:00

There is quite a number of places where you can look for antiques specifically in Kuala Lumpur.
One of the best place so far is the flea market at Amcorp Mall Petaling Jaya.
There's plenty of traders displaying their stuff there. Most of them are located at the lower ground. It operate on Saturday and Sunday as early as 9.30am till late noon.
You may find lots of variety there from Local antiques to good from all over the world.Don't be surprised of they have there for you might bound to see things which is absolutely old.Perhaps could have aged more than 100 over years.

I use to go to 'Pasar Karat' which located at the back lane of Jln Sultan aka China town or petaling street. They daily from 7am to 9am. It use to be one of the best place to shop for antiques but off late I notice that it has been invaded by Indonesian traders selling reject item from factories such as soap bar, tooth paste, tooth brush etc. I wonder what happened to most of the guys who use to trade there. So far there's only 2 traders who is still operate there. For the moment I should say.there's nothing much

Another place we should visit is the Shah Alam flea market that operate on Sunday. Though there's not many antiques trader but there's a few which sells quite a number of collection.Having located at the stadium parking lot, It's the biggest flea market so far and flooded with plenty of cheap stuff around. you have to mind the weather since it is an open trading place.

Searching for Antiques

2007-12-05T03:30:00.000-08:00

Hi all,

I must admit being an antiquity enthusiast is somehow challenging. Being a person with an average income earner, I will do my very best to get any item at minimal cost. To do so, I need to brave myself asking for an item should I see anything has been left abandoned.I must admit living in a community where people were very reserved in voicing out their feelings and sceptical on the other party interest is somehow challenging.

For an instance, I've come across an old dressing table placed at the yard exposed to the Malaysian tropical weather for I don't know how long. Good enough for me estimate tha it has been there for years. I examined the dressing with only three quarter leg left abandoned nearby the dumping area nearby an old man house. I've passed by that old malay house for several times and still that old dressing table stood helplessly waiting for it time to be burnt.

One fine day I approached the owner and probe on that old dressing table. Having granted his permission to examine the dressing table I then realize that it was imported from the Netherlands. The old man happily sharing the history of the dressing table to me. It was a gift to his mother as a wedding gift from her husband. Looking at the old man age the dressing table must be aged more than 60 years old.He inherited the dressing table from his mother but after 20 years of marriage it has become out of fashion and not practical anymore for current use. That is when he decided to get rid of it permanently.

With such statement made by him I then offer him to salvage the dressing table and in return I willingly offer him RM100.00 for it. Immediately his facial expression changed and then quoted he need to consult with his son prior selling it to me. Knowing that it has been there for a long period I then remind him that it has been there for many years and now waiting for it last day which most likely to be burnt by him. With a very stern voice, he claimed that his son has been eyeing for the dressing table and forgotten about it all this while.

Being frustrated I then acknowledge his decision and inform him should he change his mind, Do keep it for I will be back for the dressing table. He nodded as I make my way out of his lawn while cursing silently why must he changed his mind all of the sudden?

A few months later, I passed by his house and saw the table has been severely turn to ashes. I only get to see mirror and a drawer left.

I fail to understand why must he defy my offer to salvage the dressing table and what drive him to destroy it! Didn't he treasure his mother dressing table? Didn't he want to passed it on to his son or daughter for them to appreciate their grandmother marriage? Or he must have hate his mother very much that makes him arrived with such decision?

It still puzzled me till today....why? why? why? Didn't he wants to see his mother dressing table being salvage and put to live again? as I have promised him earlier if he decided to sell it to me I will show him how it looks like after being restored and will become part of history?

'Lesung keropok' - Ancient way of preparing Fish Crackers

2007-12-04T04:09:00.000-08:00

'Lesung Keropok' or the fish crackers hammer/grinder is another exquisite collection of mine.
While travelling to east Coast of Malaysia in March 2007, as usual I will be looking around for any object that the owner could have left underneath their house known as 'kolong'. I saw this house located in Marang along the coastal road. There I saw one long wooden hammer standing at the height of approximately 7 feet tall. It looks familiar but I need to make sure what I saw is actually the one I have been looking for. Stopped my car and ask the house owner what was that thing outside of his house doing?

Then he explained that it is known as 'anak lesung' or the hammer. I always love their hospitality. They are so generous and willing to help most of time. I was told that the 'Lesung' was used by his great great grandmother to process fish cracker. Probing further I get to understand that the 'Lesung' were inherited from his mother family which been passed on for a few generation and now it landed to him. It was a bit tough for us to locate the 'lesung' since he can't remember where it was but he knows that it is somewhere underneath his house.

I'd volunteered to scout and salvage the 'lesung' with him. Lastly we found it half buried underneath his house. It took us a while to excavate the 'lesung' since it has been there for quite a number of years. It took us almost an hour to salvage the 'lesung'.

It was in extremely bad condition but since it was made by jack fruit stamp. It manage to safe itself from being vacuum by the soil. Too bad it was also eaten by white ants but I must thank the white ants because it made the 'lesung' looks more authentic. I immediately clean the dirt from it.

I asked the owner how would he want the trade to be? He was a bit confuse when I asked him on how to trade. I then offered him RM50.00 for the lesung. He told me that he can't accept my offer since the 'lesung' is not in a good condition but I immediately interrupt his explanation and told him that any transaction has to be honoured with at least 'something' then I gave him rm50.00 note and told him he must respect my offer disregard the amount.Lastly he conditionally accepted RM40.00 for the 'lesung'.

I took it back home and start working on it like having a new born baby. Wash it again and again to assure there is no soil left on it. Trying to restore it back to it condition took a long time. Since I am inexperience refurbishing woodwork, It took me approximately 1 whole month to have it cleaned up and to have the wood grain appear.

It is now sitting proudly at a corner in my living room with some dried water pumpkin in its bowl.

Tricycle

2007-12-01T22:12:00.000-08:00

Tricycle will always remind me of my younger days cycling around my 'kampung' (village). I have a photo me riding when I was 3 years old. A chubby boy with the background of my late brother and my father watching me cycling cautiously.

I wish I still have the tricycle with me today for I will be able to show it to my children's my very first tricycle & enclosed it with a photo of me riding it.

Then I started scouting for an old tricycle around Malaysia for me to be able to relate another memoir of my younger days. It didn't take long for me to find one but, it's too expensive for me to own one myself. Displayed at RM3000.00 was too much for me.

Few months later doing my usual adventure scouting for 'old junk', I've decided to visit a flea market located at the back alley of Jalan Sultan also known as 'Pasar Karat' (Rustic Market).

There was an old Chinese man who is high on opium with a canvas spread on the tar having a few 'old junk' for sale. He placed one tricycle and a wooden handsaw with a few other 'old junk'.
Hesitate to ask, I brave myself to start the conversation assuming that the price would be sky high based on my past experience.

To my surprise, He started off with RM60.00 and want me to state my price. I quoted RM20.00 since he open his offer at RM60.00.; He then quoted RM50.00 for such an item which is not easy to find.I counter his offer to RM30.00 since the wheels were not in good condition and straight away offer him RM40.00 for the tricycle and the wooden handsaw. Almost immediately he nodded and it was a deal. I was very delighted and satisfied on my successfully bargaining techniques which reward me with those two items.

The trader then thank me for the trade made and inform me that he will be on leave for three days from that day itself...... I wonder why??? what for?? and thinking 'Don't you need the money to survive??'

My first encounter

2007-12-01T21:24:00.000-08:00

Hi there,

I was not an antiques enthusiast until I met a friend of mine who is a collector. A long lost friend of my late brother who introduced me into antiquity. A visit to his house shift my paradigm from a person who didn't appreciate old junk to a person who really appreciate old junk, restore it and nourish it with passion and love.

It started with a smoking pipe which was given to me as a gift from him. It's known as 'Syrian' pipe aged approximately 50 years old. I was thought how to appreciate 'old junk', what does it tells you, and the history of it.

Then on, I started to explore further on what is antiques is all about.

I am happy to share my adventures in collecting antiques throughout Peninsula Malaysia since I have travelled to all states in Peninsula Malaysia.

Feel free to share your thoughts, experience, comments, findings which is related to antiques which will definitely benefits every blog readers..

Regards