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Photo of the Day – September 20, 2011: Antique Locomotive Smoking Caddy ca. 1860

On weekdays, the cafeteria tables and benches at PS 87 are filled with kids eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. But on Sundays, when the Greenflea pitches its tents outside, the cafeteria tables become an antiques market, laden with vintage treasures.

Glittering in a corner of the cafeteria in aisle 4 is the antique silver collection from Slope Antiques. Proprietors Susan and Richard Kurtzman lay out a fine collection of urns, trays, serving items, baby items, and other objects. I first met them while writing Markets of New York City; a photo of a Gorham and Co. mesh bag is on page 47. Their collection of vintage Tiffany silver makes me quiver. And I am in love with their sugar spoons and tea service items.

This past Sunday, Mr. Kurtzman showed me one of his personal favorite pieces, a silver locomotive smoking caddy. Handmade in Germany circa 1860, this detailed, lovely piece has both artistic and practical and features. If you look at the photo, the little rings around the outside hold up to a dozen cigarettes for your guests to select from. The two larger pots in the center of the locomotive hold wooden matches, which can be lit by striking them along the wheels at the back. Alternatively, right in front of the miniature engineer is a tiny lamp with a wick that can be lit to fire up a cigarette, or even for ambiance. Mr. Kurtzman believes there used to be a blue glass plume of smoke coming out of the chimney, but it probably came off as this amazing piece of art and craftsmanship traveled through the past 150 years.

You really must go see this piece for yourself, including the tiny rivets, the axles, and the engineer at the back, with his jaunty hat and mustache. Slope Antiques is at the Greenflea every Sunday. Let me know if you would like to contact them directly, and I will make the introduction.

Photo of the Day – July 12, 2010: Bread Alone

Organic, whole grain artisanal rolls from Bread Alone, photographed at the Fulton Stall Market

If you’ve ever picked up a loaf of bread at a farmers market in the city, or in New York State for that matter, odds are that it was made by Bread Alone. I have been buying rolls, health loaves, and almond croissants from this bakery for years at the Abingdon Square Greenmarket. Their breads are organic and whole grain, and the pastries are made from all natural ingredients. Every loaf or roll is made with care and a commitment to quality and outstanding flavor.

One of my very favorite snacks is a slice of chewy, rich health bread slathered with organic peanut butter and some artisanal jam, maybe pure strawberry from Beth’s Farm Kitchen or the more complex cherry/raspberry/sage/clove from School House Kitchen. Delicious, healthy – and filling!

You can find Bread Alone’s breads, pastries, cookies, and other sweet treats at almost 50 Greenmarkets and Community Markets and more in the five boroughs and the region each week, as well as multiple retail outlets and online.