antique travelling inkwell

Prepared to Record History: Inkwells

By Melody Amsel-Arieli

Writing systems have existed since ancient times. Sumerians, for example, used a stylus to create meaningful wedge-like impressions in soft-clay. Highly trained Egyptian scribes penned spells and bills by dipping thick, pointed river-reeds in ink prepared and kept in natural hollows found in small “inkstones.” Over time, these simple containers evolved into open terracotta pots, square wooden wells, and decorative, green-glazed ceramic vessels. 

Chinese scribes initially moistened ground gum-and-soot inksticks or cakes on decorative, carved inkstones. In time, they stored ink paste and its fluids in delicate, hand-painted porcelain pots. As time went by, prestigious scholars also commissioned sumptuous carved cinnabar and jade inkwells.

By the 1st century AD, scribes across the Roman Empire often used small, round, unadorned wells. These traditionally featured two holes on top – one to insert a writing pipe, and the other, sealed with cloth or cork, to ensure that stored ink did not dry out. As glass production spread, these were often replaced with clear, molded, bluish-green blown or molded glass models. Among the upper classes, bright cobalt blue inkwells were also fashionable.

During the Middle Ages, when writing was considered a humble task, European monastic scribes created manuscripts using ink-dipped swan, eagle, hawk, crow, turkey, or goose wing-feather quills. When finely sharpened, their flexible nibs particularly suited vellum and parchment work. Their durable, brownish iron-gall and black “India” inks, sometimes prepared from solid cakes or powders, were kept in hollow animal horns or more practical, deep, lidded stoneware pots.

Decorative, Artistic, Valuable Iterations

Today, we take literacy—the ability to read and write—for granted. During the Renaissance, however, typically male nobility and members of the elite alone were educated. Though many could read, few, however, could go beyond “marking” their names. Since writing was a source of pride, gracing a carved oak desk with a decorative inkwell reflected high educational and social status.

As books became more available and schooling spread, writing became increasingly common. From the 1600s on, merchants and bookkeepers typically stored their ink in simple, traditional inkwells. On the other hand, more affluent classes often decked their writing desks and secretaries with costlier gold, silver, brass, or blown glass wells. Some, instead, preferred impressive copper-alloy or bronze beauties featuring sculpted figures like ramping lions or contemplative scholars. Others acquired massive soapstone, onyx, or marble models.

Richer writers, instead of storing ink in wells, often preferred more prestigious desk standishes – shallow, rectangular trays known today as inkstands. Though many coveted shimmering gold or silver creations, others prized porcelain, pewter, onyx, brass, or inlaid-wood models. In addition to capped inkwells incorporated into their designs, many also featured grooves for quill pens, as well as slender drawers for additional writing accessories. Some inkstands also featured decorative “pounce” pots; small, perforated shakers filled with finely ground cuttlefish-bone powder. When sprinkled, these fine particles not only smoothed overly-absorbent paper but also, like blotters, kept freshly-penned letters from smudging.

Inkwells On The Go

From this time as well, resourceful travelers, riding coach or on horseback, often tucked tiny, hinged, carefully constructed glass ink bottles (as well as quill pens) into their pockets. Over time, ornate creations—like the Durgin Sterling Silver and Enamel Traveler’s Inkwell, featuring gold-washed repoussé scrollwork, floral sprays, and an enamel medallion—also appeared.

Others, rather than carrying assortments of writing implements on their person, stored all their clerkish necessities securely in travel-size wood or cast brass lap desks – the equivalent of today’s laptop computers. In addition to inkwells, these luxurious carrying cases often held quills, quill knives, notepaper, pencils, ponce pots, envelopes, seals, sealing wax, and postage stamps.

Through the mid-1700s, Rococo French and Italian gilt-bronze and silver inkstands were all the rage. Some featured swirling, twirling scrollwork or depicted detailed mythological scenarios edged in gilt-bronze. Though affluent American Colonists evidently boasted shiny silver inkstands, simpler folk made do with smaller, easily wrought stoneware or pewter wells.

Welcome to the 1800s

By the turn of the century, many stored liquid ink in inexpensive glass bottles. Small ones, enough for a few ounces, were often faceted, square, or rectangular. Larger ones were typically cylindrical, featuring wide, stable bottoms and sloping sides. All, whatever their size, were lidded to prevent evaporation, contamination, and accidental spillage.

By and by, old-fashioned quill pens were replaced by more convenient dip-pens. These innovative wooden, bone or metal-handled implements featured interchangeable steel nibs which infused their tiny, capillary-like channels with ink. Because they had no reservoirs, however, they needed to be dipped and re-dipped after every few words. Besides, their nibs often fell off, splotching documents or sinking into inkwells.

Well-to-do Victorians often favored classic gilt-mounted silver, crystal, or cut-glass inkwells. Others preferred stylish porcelain pieces featuring lush, hand-painted figural, floral, or scenic motifs. Silver novelties, replicating calvary helmets or celebrating soldiers, were also popular. So were outright inkwell oddities, like ram-horns mounted with silver detail or real, taxidermy horse-hooves.

With the expansion of European train and steamship travel, Victorians not only slipped small glass, metal, or gutta-percha inkwells into their hand luggage, many, en route, also purchased souvenir inkwells. Scores of examples depict notable sculpted landmarks like the Eiffel Tower or the Arc de Triomphe. Kitschy compositions, awash with actual abalone or scallop shells, commemorate carefree summers by the sea. Animal-themed inkwells, resembling anything from camels, elephants, and bears to hounds, were also fetching.

In 1884, inspired by the inconvenience of dip-pens, American inventor L. E. Waterman patented the reliable, highly functional ink-reservoir fountain pen. Rather than repeated dips between one line and the next, writers periodically filled their ample reservoirs with bottled ink.

Since fine penmanship was considered an integral part of schoolchildren’s education, wooden school desks were designed with small, round holes to house simple glass inkwells. To meet demand, numerous companies, including the San Francisco & Pacific Glass Works and the Sanford Ink Company, produced these inexpensive bottles by the millions.

Through the late 1890s, noted European potteries, like Limoges and Meissen, continued to produce romantic, hand-painted, gilt, glazed ceramic fantasies depicting cherubs, birds, and flowers. Yet other potteries, like Gouda and Wedgwood, for example, produced assortments of creative tin-glazed and Jasperware beauties. Tiffany Studios, based in New York, created impressive bronze and glass “Grape Vine” and bronze-doré “Zodiac”-patterned inkwells, as well as fine, iridescent ones fashioned from Favrile glass. Less costly wells, made of frosted glass, Vaseline glass, or milk glass, for instance, were also appealing.

The Evolution Continues

Elegant, Art Deco Era inkwells were often made of onyx, marble, or cube-cut glass. Others, featuring solid brass bodies, were capped with contrasting copper, cut glass, or bronze lids. Brown, black, and butterscotch-hued Bakelite beauties were abundant as well.

Vintage inkwell prices vary greatly, ranging from under $100 to many times more dependent on their size, material, manufacturer, rarity, theme, workmanship, condition, and when they were made. Some enthusiasts prefer pieces from a particular company or made of a particular material, like porcelain, pewter, or majolica. Some seek specific pieces from specific eras, say 18th-century inkstands, mid-19th century bottles, or 20th-century school desk wells.

Though ink no longer stains schoolchildren’s fingers and old-fashioned pens are things of the past, vintage inkwells continue to charm. They not only reflect skills, styles, and social mores of days gone by. They also evoke those long-ago moments when writers put old-timey, ink-filled pens to paper.

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Guide to Antique Inkwells (Including Special Care Tips) 

These tiny desktop writing accessories can be simple and affordable or intricate and expensive, and they all make attractive and interesting collectibles.

Megan's contributed both writing and research to a myriad of associations including academic publications, cultural institutions, non-fiction works, and experimental collaborative projects.

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Young children can't help but pick up whatever writing implement they find and use it to scribble on any surface that's handy, as any parent who has scrubbed crayon from their walls can attest. There's something magical about watching colorful lines and shapes emerge across a clean surface with the flick of a wrist.

Rediscover this childlike glee of putting pen to page with the beautiful writing accessories of the past. Fountain pens have always been a famous fixture for people to collect, but antique inkwells are the sleeper hit of the writing tool community. You might've even picked one up without realizing it. An affordable collectible with an endless number of designs, these little pieces of the past hide in plain sight but come with an interesting story.

What Vintage and Antique Inkwells Look Like

Before self-contained ink pens like fountain pens were around, inkwells were the common accessory people used to keep their ink stable while writing. The oldest inkwells or inkstones had to be sealable and travel well, as the people who could read and write needed to take their tools with them.

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The Basic Parts

Most inkwells have the same basic parts, meaning that you can almost always easily pick one out in a thrift store or private collection. They have two to three basic components.

• The inner pan holds the ink. It's a metal or glass piece, and it can be either removable or an integrated part the inkwell.
• The lid is a must have for inkwells. If you've ever dealt with India ink, then you know how difficult it is to deal with ink spills . These metal lids have little flip caps that snap or clasp closed, and some inkwells from the 1900s have screw top closures.
• Some inkwells come with adjoining pieces that aren't used to hold ink. For example, if you see something that's about the shape of a piece of corn on the cob attached to an inkwell, it's a pen holder . Since people were only using dip pens until fountain pens came around, they needed a place to keep the pen.

Shape and Style

Inkwells come in all kinds of shapes and sizes, but you can divide them into two different kinds - decorative and functional.

Functional inkwells were cheaply made and focused more on being useful than being pretty. Antique inkwells in basic shapes like squares, rectangles, and circles with simple stoppers are easy to find nowadays, and they're the most affordable kind of inkwell. Typically, they don't have identifiable makers, and common materials include brass and glass.

The trend of making highly ornate decorative inkwells started in the 19th century when the gap between the wealthy and the poor increased exponentially and the upper class wanted to show off their wealth in all the ways. So, every dusty, problematic tycoon from history had his own set of unnecessarily expensive inkwells. These were so expensive because of the level of technical skill involved to make the motifs come to life, as well as because of how valuable the materials (porcelain, gilt, silver, etc.) were. Since they were meant to be a part of an entire desk set, they usually came with a pen holder that was either built into the inkwell structure or crafted in separate piece with a matching design. Either way, these were limited to the rich, and given that they can sell for thousands of dollars today, they still are.

Common Materials

Since the inkwells you're the most likely to come across are from the late-19 th century and later, you don't have to worry about running into too many made of wood or stone. But, that doesn't narrow the field too much because inkwells are one of those notoriously common mass-produced items that were made out of anything and everything.

From the cheapest to most expensive, here are the most common inkwell materials.

How Much Are Antique Inkwells Worth?

There are two distinct arenas when it comes to figuring out how much old inkwells are worth. On one hand, there are the appraisers and auction houses that deal in expensive, ornate inkwells from famous companies like Tiffany & Co. and Limoges. And on the other hand are the average people that find old inkwells in thrift shops and online for $100 or less. Both are totally valid, but only one deals with life-changing amounts of money.

If you're looking at an inkwell though, there's an easy way to assess its value without having to know a lot about it. Simply - the simpler, the cheaper. The most basic cut glass with metal top inkwells serve up a great aesthetic, but they aren't worth more than about $15-$45 online. Meanwhile, any kind of complicated carvings, decorations, fine china, and ceramic work indicates a slightly higher value. These are the ones that you'll be able to sell for closer to $50-$100 online. And, of course, some extremely intricate examples in good condition made from high-value materials can go for much, much more.

Take, for example, these antique and vintage inkwells that recently sold online.

• This Faberge parcel-gilt, silver, and cloisonne enamel inkwell circa 1899-1908 is an exquisite example of one of these highly decorative and expensive inkwells made for the economic elite. Though the exact price it sold for isn't public knowledge, Sotheby's estimated that it's worth about $120,000-$180,000.
• Although it's only made of pewter, this vintage inkwell features a delightfully unusual lid with a hand-sized rat sitting on top of a seashell. Thanks to this decorative element, what isn't a very valuable piece sold for $34.99.
• At the lowest rung of the price ladder comes this 1920s-1940s square inkwell made out of cobalt blue glass and stoppered with a brass top. It's obviously a mass-marketed inkwell meant to be a cheap, functional desk accessory, which is why it only sold for $19.99.

Tips for Selling Antique Inkwells

So, you've got an old inkwell, and you've got two options - keep it or sell it. Maybe it's exactly the kind of vintage piece you've been looking for to add that special sauce to your work desk setup, and you just want to look at it every day; so keep it, because we all need a dose of serotonin once in a while. But, if you inherited one from a family member or got gifted one from a friend, then you might be thinking of getting rid of it. If that's the case, keep in mind that inkwells aren't that valuable, but they can make for a quick cash turnaround.

Some of the best places to both sell and shop for antique inkwells are online.

• eBay is THE online auction site to get rid of pretty much anything quick or to find virtually any collectible you seek. Mostly you'll find common, affordable inkwells here. Occasionally, a more high-value inkwell comes up for auction.
• Etsy is an artisan and vintage collectibles site. Buying is easy, while selling requires you to set up shop. You're likely to find fairly affordable inkwells here, with the occasional showstopper in the mix.
• 1 st Dibs is an online marketplace for fine antiques and collectibles, so it's a great place to drop a pretty penny on a luxury inkwell.
• Ruby Lane is a large vintage and antique online marketplace with many unique decorative inkwells for sale. There's a good mix of inkwells here with prices ranging from around $50 to thousands of dollars.
• LiveAuctioneers is an international live auction site. Depending on who's bidding, you could nab a bargain or drop a bundle on a quality inkwell.

How to Clean and Care for Your Antique Inkwells

With a little elbow grease and time, you can bring old inkwells back to life and actually use them for all kinds of dip pen activities. From calligraphy for your personalized thank you notes to writing in your favorite journal, there's always a reason to pick up a dip pen and stretch your handwriting muscles. But, before you dump a bunch of ink in the wells, you need to look inside and see if there's any leftover dried ink in there. Because, if so, then getting that out of there is your first priority.

Step 1: Investigate Your Inkwell

When you're cleaning any antique, you need to know what kind of materials you're working with so that you use the right cleaner. In almost every scenario with these old inkwells, a bath in lukewarm soapy water and being scrubbed with a toothbrush or cloth should do the trick. But, if you're living the high life and find out you've got a sterling silver piece, you'll want to be careful about not using tools that'll leave lasting scratch marks.

Step 2: Gently Take Apart and Clean

Some antique inkwells have detachable wells on the inside, and if yours does, then removing it from the outer case (which might be much cleaner than the inner well where the ink usually sits) can make cleaning a lot quicker. Using a mild soap and water mixture, you can gently scrub away the dirt, dust, and debris on your piece. A cloth or toothbrush for the harder pieces will work fine. Once you're done cleaning, make sure that you carefully dry each of the pieces.

Step 3: Polish to a Sweet Shine

Whether it's made out of wood or metal, you can use a good polish to really make your inkwell look like it belongs in a museum. You can use commercial or homemade polishes for silver inkwells, and brass inkwells require a little bit of spot testing before using a polish.

• Here's How to Polish the Sterling Silver on Your Inkwell Like a Pro

Live Life the Write Way

There are some collectibles that, when you hold them in your hands, just make everything feel different; the past seems much closer than it ever has before. Antique and vintage inkwells are perfect examples of small trinkets that can hold so much of the past in their little packages that people love to buy them. It helps that they're usually less expensive than your date night dinner bill. So, whether you've got your great-grandmother's inkwell from her childhood, or you found a stranger's inkwell with a mysterious past at a thrift shop, display them with pride.

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New listing ANTIQUE TRAVELLING FIGURAL INKWELL DIP PEN CHAMPAGNE HEIDSIECK BOTTLE MINIATURE

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10 Best Flea Markets in Costa Rica

Flea markets all around the world provide a unique place for second-hand shoppers to find one-of-a-kind items that can fill their homes, offices, workspaces, and more.

These trinkets, furniture items, dishes, books, and art can make an ordinary space extraordinary and unique in its own way.

Flea markets are also an incredible way to get some souvenirs from places you have visited around the world.

Anyone can get a souvenir or a trinket from a roadside stand, a kiosk at the airport or shopping mall, or a booth downtown.

Shopping at a flea market overseas is the best way to ensure that your souvenirs from your trip are truly one of a kind and that no one else will have one like yours.

Costa Rica is a beautiful country with a lot of vibrant colors and a vivacious culture.

Tourists come from all over the world to enjoy what it has to offer.

If you are traveling to Costa Rica,  the best place to find that perfect souvenir is to shop at one of the ten best flea markets. 

1. Antigüedades Imperio

2. tamarindo night market, 3. farmers fair (ferias del agricultor), 4. central market (mercado central), 5. feria del agricultor, 6. old harbor art & craft market, 7. samara farmers market, 8. cartago central market, 9. eco market el coco, 10. feria de sámara, the 10 best flea markets in costa rica – summary table, costa rica safety overview, how many total flea markets are there in costa rica, what city in costa rica has the most flea markets, what is the most popular flea market in costa rica, the ten best flea markets in costa rica.

Near Guadalupe, Costa Rica is one of only five flea and antique stores that are open daily in the country of Costa Rica.

Antigüedades Imperio is open daily and sells both flea markets and antique items.

It is very rare to find a store that sells old and antique items in Costa Rica because the culture in the country is much different than in other parts of the world.

Many Costa Ricans do not ascribe value to old things.

Parts of Costa Rica are more impoverished, and old things do not necessarily gain more value.

However, some people do dedicate their time to antiquing and finding rare and one-of-a-kind items for souvenirs at flea markets.

Antigüedades Imperio is a great flea market that provides things as small as trinkets and collectibles to larger things like furniture, dishware, and more.

The Tamarindo Night Market is a full-fledged experience located in the town of Tamarindo, Costa Rica.

Every Thursday night from 6:00 pm-9:00 pm, the market opens and welcomes people from all over the world into its charming atmosphere.

This market is a picture of Costa Rican culture, with live music and entertainment, fire dancers, a DJ with dancing, family activities, a clown for the kids in your family, food, and so much more.

Food trucks come to serve everyone some delicious food and souvenir vendors from all around Costa Rica sell their wares at this night market.

You can find so many things here, from food and grocery market items to souvenirs, trinkets, artwork, books, and so much more.

The Farmers Fair, or Ferias del Agricultor, is located in Quepos, Costa Rica, and specializes in fruits, vegetables, meats, and other food items.

However, it is not just a food market.

Many people rave about the freshness and deliciousness of the product that you can find at Ferias del Agricultor, but you can also find household goods, books, art, and souvenir items at some of the booths at this Farmers’ Fair.

Any item that you would like to find, you can get at this simple and traditional market. 

Located in the capital of Costa Rica, the Central Market (Mercado Central) gives the streets of San Jose a very cultural and vivacious feeling.

On the market’s surface, it may seem like any other Central American market with produce, fish, meats, household goods, clothing, and souvenirs.

However, Mercado Central is one of the largest and most popular markets in Costa Rica and boasts some great finds for those who want to find some gently used items, household necessities, and souvenirs.

In addition, Mercado Central is home to Costa Rica’s first ice cream parlor.

El Sorbetero de Lolo Morao offers traditional Costa Rican ice cream, and you can sit for a small break from shopping at their ice cream counter while you enjoy a scoop.

Located in Grecia, Feria Del Agricultor is an agricultural market that takes place once a week.

There are many agricultural items that are for sale here, which is why it is named Feria Del Agricultor.

However, there are many other items that are for sale here, such as cultural items, souvenirs, clothing, household items, and more.

Many shoppers have described this market as abundant and, at times, overwhelming because of all of the beautiful options.

The market is abundant and very popular amongst the locals and tourists in Grecia, Costa Rica. 

The Old Harbor Art and Craft Market is by far one of the most popular things to do in the city of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca in Costa Rica.

Many vendors occupy the endless booths that make up this arts and crafts market, and they sell all kinds of unique and fun things for you to take home with you as a souvenir.

This market is only open on the weekends, so you can visit it on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday from 3:00 pm-8:00 pm.

Everything is handmade, guaranteeing that you will have a piece that no one else has.

They sell everything from jewelry to clothing to pottery. 

The Samara Farmers Market is located in Playa del Samara in Costa Rica.

It takes place once a week every Friday, from 3:00 pm-6:00 pm.

The market takes over the downtown area of The Natural Center every Friday afternoon.

This market does have an abundance of produce, groceries, meat, cheeses, and more, but it also has much more than that. You can buy unique souvenirs, trinkets, and household goods, and even enjoy a nice meal with live music.

The Samara Farmers Market is a great way to kick off your weekend. 

The Cartago Central Market is located in Cartago.

Vendors are located all over the middle of Cartago in this market, and there are various kinds of booths that you can choose to shop at.

Here, you can buy local goods, household items, grocery and produce items, and much more.

Anything that you need for your home, you can find it here.

Shoppers have said that this market is always bustling and busy and that it is always well kept and clean. 

In Playas del Coco, Eco Market El Coco is a great market that will meet all of your flea market needs.

This market is both a farmer’s market and an artisan market.

Your whole family can spend the afternoon at Eco Market El Coco, and it is a true picture of the culture and life in Costa Rica.

This market focuses on earth-friendly items and sells jewelry, souvenirs, food, and much more. 

In Playa Samara, the Feria de Samara is an authentic market that is truly one of the most cultural markets in all of Costa Rica.

Here you can buy second-hand items, household items, and much more, such as furniture, pottery, jewelry, and more.

Many of these items are handmade by Costa Ricans who live in Playa Samara and who make their living on making these beautiful things for tourists just like you. 

READ THE FULL REPORT: Costa Rica Safety Review

• OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
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• PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
• NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
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Frequently Asked Questions

There are about 10 flea markets, street markets, and antique stores in the country of Costa Rica.

San Jose and Tamarindo have the most popular flea markets.

The flea markets in the country of Costa Rica are scattered all across the country, but they are most highly concentrated in these two cities.

The Central Market, or Mercado Central, is the most popular and well-liked market in Costa Rica.

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1 Comment on 10 Best Flea Markets in Costa Rica

The Tamarindo Night Market is a must-visit for its lively atmosphere, unique trinkets and delicious food trucks; it’s an authentic Costa Rican experience that shouldn’t be missed.

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Samara Joy Can Find Good Vintage Anywhere

I n April 2023,  New York  Magazine celebrated  “It” girls : who anointed them, what it was like to be them, and where they are now. Follow along as we continue that celebration by interviewing musicians across genres who we think have “It.”

“My voice is like my power,” musician Samara Joy tells me. “I feel so much like myself when I’m onstage and I’m singing or I’m singing with my family. That’s when I’m able to connect with my truest self.”

Born Samara Joy McLendon, the 23-year-old two-time Grammy-winning jazz musician is confident in the strength of her vocals, but she isn’t one to let herself wind down. When we spoke in October, she was supposed to be taking a day to relax in Monterrey, but in reality, she was already thinking ahead to her many upcoming projects, including a tour with her father, uncle, and cousins in December (they all perform together), a solo tour across Europe, and the release of A Joyful Holiday , her five-song Christmas EP. Releasing a Christmas album wasn’t something she had planned for, but she says she relented after a lifetime of people telling her that her voice was made for Christmas.

Her voice has even become so associated with the holiday season that she recently partnered with Theory for a holiday fashion campaign inspired by jazz stars of past generations, like Billie Holiday. Her looks for the campaign include a structured black pantsuit, a black-sequined midi dress, and a white minidress, all ideal for end-of-year celebrations. “It’s very luxurious,” Joy says about the collaboration. “There was this double-breasted blazer dress that I felt like an ‘It’ girl in. I really felt like if I stepped out in tennis shoes or in heels, that blazer dress was ‘it’ for me.”

What do you think makes someone an “It” girl? 

Somebody that has so much inner confidence in themselves that it just exudes off of them. It’s not in the clothes, ’cause you can tell when somebody is putting on airs to cover up whatever is inside of them.

Who are some “It”-girl musicians who inspire you? 

Jill Scott, Abbey Lincoln, Victoria Monét, and Cleo Sol. Every time I hear Jill, her lyrics and everything she sings just sounds so true. It seems like she spent a lot of time with her thoughts and developing how she communicates them to the world through song. Also, I love her voice. I’ve loved seeing Abbey Lincoln’s creative and musical expression change over a couple of years from being molded as the next Hollywood glamour girl to being an activist and talking about civil rights. I love the confidence and unique tone of her voice and power that she sings with. It’s raw emotion.

Who are other “It” girls, in your opinion?

My first thought is Lori Harvey and Zendaya. I love both their senses of style and how that’s evolved over the years. I adore their fashion sense and their confidence and the fact that they keep their business to themselves. They only show the world what they want to show.

Where do you like to shop? Do you feel that as you’re getting older you’re finding your own sense of style more? 

I feel like when I was first beginning to shop for myself, I just went to the places my mom went to, like Burlington, Kmart, Marshalls. I still go from time to time, but I feel like now that I’ve been working with a stylist and been able to go on different TV shows and be styled for those particular events, when I’m shopping I now go to consignment and vintage stores wherever I am.

Are there any specific consignment or vintage stores you love? Or do you have any tips for finding some when you’re traveling? 

I literally look up “consignment shop near me,” look at Google Maps and look at photos online, then just go. But there’s a thrift store in the Bronx called My Unique, and I absolutely love that store because it’s big. I could go through those racks all day. As a shopper, I have to go by myself because I’ll go back to the same rack three times just to make sure I didn’t miss anything.

Is there anything you’re dreaming of finding on your thrifting adventures? 

Every thrifter’s dream is to find the most incredibly rare vintage thing for ten bucks, so I’m on the lookout for that, but I keep an open mind. I follow a lot of thrifters online, like ieshathegr8 and some others. I just keep an open mind, whether it’s an old grandma church gown or whatever. If you have style, anything can work.

What are your favorite jazz clubs in New York? 

There aren’t too many these days, but Blue Note, Mezzrow, and Dizzy’s Club are a couple of my favorites.

• Este Haim Is Letting Her Freak Flag Fly

'That car was something big in my life': OKC attorney wants to restore the Big Red Rocket

For Oklahoma City attorney Gary James, the Big Red Rocket symbolizes Oklahoma football almost as much as the Sooner Schooner.

The Big Red Rocket, as older Oklahoma football fans will remember, was the 1920s Model T Ford that belonged to the late Cecil Samara, arguably the Sooners' No. 1 fan for more than four decades.

Samara, a lifelong Oklahoma City resident, drove the Big Red Rocket to every home Sooner game and many road games from the 1950s and into the early '90s, "Boomer Sooner" playing over the car's loudspeaker.

Samara wore a big red cowboy hat and a red-and-white suit with Sooner crimson cowboy boots. He would blare his raspy voice through a bullhorn with shouts of "Let's Go Big Red!" toward fans before and during OU games.

"While I was growing up, Cecil Samara and the Big Red Rocket were synonymous with Oklahoma football," James said. "When I played football at OU (in the early '80s), Cecil was a big part of us. He stood behind the bench and drove us nuts with that megahorn of his."

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Crimson and cream car sits in storage

So when James recently met Samara's son, Cary, he asked about the old Model T that he remembered so fondly.  

After Samara's death in 1994 at age 77, the Big Red Rocket was donated by his family to the OU RUF/NEKS spirit club. It's been sitting in storage at the University of Oklahoma ever since.

Now James is leading an effort to restore it and bring it back as part of the Sooner football game day traditions.

"That car was something big in my life," James said.

This is not the first time there has been talk of getting the Model T restored. But in the past, any effort to get it done "always just dies in red tape," James said.

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Attorney raising funds to restore Model T

James, though, thinks this push to restore the car might be different. He's been in discussions with OU athletic officials about making it happen.

OU athletics doesn't have any money in the budget for the car's restoration, James said, but he's offered to help pay for it and has other Sooner fans lined up to help.

The car will require significant restoration work, James said. He hopes to raise at least $200,000 for the project and has high hopes the car will be refurbished.

"We are probably going to dismantle the car, put in a new undercarriage, completely rebuild it with probably even a new engine," he said.

Mark Chaney, the current RUF/NEKS adviser and coach, confirmed that OU athletic officials have given a green light to the project.

The legal details of how it will happen are being finalized, said Chaney, a RUF/NEK from 2008 to 2011 who drove the Sooner Schooner.

 "The athletic department is all on the same page," Chaney said. "We are all in agreement it's going to happen."

OU officials are discussing an endowment to pay for restoration and provide funds for future upkeep and maintenance, he said.   

It will probably be next season, however, before the Model T can appear at OU football games, he said.

"Everybody is excited to get this going," Chaney said. "Everybody wants to see it back in its rightful place on game day."  

Samara and his bullhorn were an honorary part of the RUF/NEKS squad, and he sat near the RUF/NEKS as they fired their shotguns and cheered on Owen Field.

'He was kind of like an icon'

Samara also drove the antique car to Orange Bowl games in Miami, Florida, from the 1950s through the 1970s, towing a small trailer with spare parts in case of a breakdown.

Traveling at a top speed of 35 mph, Samara, a Rotarian, stopped at cities along the way to speak at Rotary Clubs. He would take two to three weeks to get to the games each year the Sooners played at the Orange Bowl.

"To me, he was kind of like an icon," said James, who hopes in the future to see the Big Red Rocket at Sooner games again. 

Samara's oldest child, Sissy Tubb of Edmond, is thrilled her father's car is being restored.

"it's been a long time coming," said the 78-year-old.

Tubb said the dilapidated Model T was given to her father as payment of a $25 debt. The debtor left the car for Samara and a note that read, "Cecil, I can't pay what I owe you so I am giving you this," she said.

Tubb said her father and uncle liked to tinker with cars and got the old Model T running. They dressed it up and drove it to the OU-Texas game for the first time in 1952.

"The car was a big hit," she said.     

Samara owned the Big Red Flag Co. in Oklahoma City, and he was without a doubt the most flamboyant Sooner fan in history.

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When Samara grinned, his upper front dentures sparkled with gold letters that read, "Big Red." He had another set of dentures with an "O" and a "U" on them.

"He absolutely loved OU and absolutely loved Oklahoma," Tubb said. "He had a great time being an OU fan."

"Boomer Sooner” was played at Samara's funeral. He was buried in an OU tie, an OU belt buckle and a red jacket with an OU pin.

His obituary read, "It can truly be said of Cecil that he was Sooner born, was Sooner bred, and now he is peacefully Sooner dead."

Reporter Ed Godfrey looks for stories that impact your life. Be it news, outdoors, sports — you name it, he wants to report it. Have a story idea? Contact him at [email protected] or on Twitter @EdGodfrey. Support his work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today.

Things to do and see in Samara Russia

If you travel to Russia you must visit Samara, a city full of monuments, museums and beautiful natural landscapes, as well as its beautiful architecture full of modern buildings and temples. The Volga River near the hills creates a truly satisfying sense of tranquillity. The city is 900 kilometres southeast of Moscow. So if you want to learn more about the Second World War or the culture of the Soviet Union, this is definitely the city for you. Read on to find out more!

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Things to do in Samara Russia

Stalin’s bunker.

If you are interested in Russian history, Stalin’s Bunker is a must-see in Samara, Russia. It dates back to 1942 and is 37 metres deep, built as an escape route for Stalin. It is connected to other important facilities in the city by tunnels, and it has a private office as well as many fake doors inside. What was a refuge in its time is now a large museum that you can visit to learn about the Soviet Union and its wars. You can find it under the Academy of Culture and Arts.

Kuibyshev Square

Museum of Space History

If you want to find out about the development of Russia’s space industry, the Museum of Space History in Samara is a must-see. The exhibition is permanent, open every day except Mondays, with long opening hours, and costs €1.50. Among the things you can find there is a real Vostok rocket and parts and models that were used during the war as “Yantar-4k1 or Resurs F-1” which are models of rocket boosters. As well as some exact copies like the legendary “Soyuz” rocket. A unique experience for those interested in technology as well as astronomical progress.

Organise your travel itinerary with Passporter , completely free to use, easy and practical. Get inspired by the experiences of other travellers and choose the places that interest you most by adding them to your route map.

Zhiguli Brewery

After touring several monuments you must see the iconic Zhiguli Brewery, one of the city’s first enterprises and a symbol of Samara. It is in the centre of the city and was built by the Austrian Alfredo Von Vacano in 1880. One thing that visitors tend to like is that at the Zhiguli Brewery you can taste the beers directly from a keg which you can then buy and take home with you.

The Iversk Women’s Monastery

This monastery on the banks of the Volga River is one of the most beautiful monuments in the city. Founded in 1850 with the women’s community of the Sisters of Charity, it later became a women’s convent. Although it was destroyed, it was restored in 1991. The Iversk monastery grew into a town with three churches, ten residential and administrative buildings and two cemeteries. Over the years it has also served as an orphanage for girls and an academy. It is near the Zhigui brewery. Visiting hours are from 7:30 to 8:00 pm.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

Things to do around Samara Russia

Zhiguli Mountains : If you are a fan of natural landscapes you have to see the Zhiguli Mountains. It is perfect to enjoy the calm and see beautiful views, as it is in fact it is a UNESCO nature reserve. You can see the views of the Volga River, ideal to escape from the stress of the big city.

Konstantin Golovkin’s Country House : If you are a fan of architecture you must see this estate. Inside the residence is the design of two life-size elephants, built at the beginning of the 20th century. Although nowadays it is in disuse, the estate is so beautiful that it is one of the places you must visit in Samara.

Samara Beach : In the coastal area you can enjoy Samara beach, the warmest area of the city, if you go in summer you can take a swim and if you go in winter you can have a picnic or enjoy eating in restaurants around with nice views.

Visit the Volga river and its viewpoint : If you want to have a nice view you have to go to the viewpoint of the Volga river. It is an old heliport, and takes very little time to get there as it is on the outskirts of the city, but it is worth it. Here you can distinguish the curve that separates the river from the Zhiguli mountains, a place to find peace and quiet after visiting the city.

Samara Embankment : If like to take long walks talking about life, you have to see this spot. You can find one of the most beautiful gardens in the city and see the views of the Volga. There are beautiful statues, kiosks and street musicians that brighten up the promenade. Not one to miss.

What to do in Samara Russia in 3 days?

We recommend, depending on how many days you stay, you make a list of the places you really want to see, so that if you are too tired on the third day you can enjoy yourself and not rush. It is normal to want to see everything, but it is very important that you rest well to enjoy yourself at all times.

• Stalin’s bunker
• Kuibyshev square and surroundings

Second day:

• Samara space museum
• Iversky monastery
• Zhiguli mountains
• Samara embankents
• Zhiguli brewery

Tips for your trip to Samara Russia

• The currency in Samara is the Russian ruble (1 Russian Pablo = 0,012€).
• Change your money in advance and always have cash on you, especially if you are going to buy something from a local souvenir shop.
• If you decide to visit Samara in summer, always bring water, a hat or cap, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• If you decide to visit Samara in winter, take a thermal shirt and a warm jacket, as it can get very cold if you are not used to it.
• Take a small first aid kit for emergencies.
• Take comfortable clothes if you plan to travel to different places and especially to see mountains and natural landscapes.
• Get plenty of rest and wear comfortable shoes if you want to walk a lot.

How to get to Samara Russia?

If you plan to travel to Samara from other parts of Russia, a great option is to use public transport such as trains, buses, trams, car-sharing or even rent a car.

By train from Moscow to Samara it takes thirteen to seventeen hours and costs twenty to fifty euros. The same is true from St. Petersburg to Samara, varying in price and time. Trains in Russia connect all cities. We recommend buying your ticket online to speed up the process.

If your idea is to travel directly to Samara airport, there are several bus lines that will drop you off in the city centre.

To get around the city you have the cheap option of using trolleybus, tram and metro, as the city is very well connected. In fact, you can get a metro pass for the days you are staying in Samara to save on travel, the price is 15 Russian rubles.

Another more expensive option is to use taxis to get around the city – these are private companies and are available all day, and average around €15.

Where to eat in Samara Russia?

Kipiatok : Located in the old town, famous for its varied menu of local Russian cuisine and beer. The price is between €4 and €14.

Restaurant Olli : Located in the city centre, famous for serving typical Russian food, it has vegetarian options. The price is between €5 and €35.

Cambridge Café : Located in a shopping centre in the city, ideal for going and relaxing after sightseeing, it serves European and British food. Prices range from €1 to €14.

Restaurant-museum Staraya Kvartira : This place is famous for its 60’s style interior design. It looks like a trip into the past of the Soviet Union. The food they serve is typical Russian, although you can ask for vegan options. The price is à la carte.

Na Dne : A pub famous for offering various types of beer. The bar is located near the Zhiguli brewery. Price between 1€ and 6€.

Megapolisbar PEOPLE`S : Famous for the amount of meat they offer, as well as European food and vegan options. It is in the city centre. Prices range from €2 to €24.

Where to stay in Samara Russia?

Moya Glinka : It is a hostel with different rooms, they offer services such as fridge, air conditioning, etc. The facilities are very good, they have a gym, bicycle rental to explore the area, activities for children and breakfast included. Price between 37 € and 41 €.

Ibis Samara : Located in the centre of Samara, pet friendly, shuttle bus service to the hotel, air conditioning, free parking, and conference facilities. Price between 30 € to 35 €.

Hampton by Hilton Samara : It is a hotel that is in the landmarks of the city, ideal if you want to be in the centre. Nearby you have Chapaev monument and The Temple of George the Victorious. Moreover, it offers free breakfast and free parking, wifi, air conditioning, TV in the rooms, etc. The price is 46€.

Hotel Volna : Located near the beach in Samara, the rooms include a fridge, air conditioning as well as free wifi. The price is 23€.

Like Hostel : Located near the Volga, the facilities have wifi, free parking and also a children’s play area with DVDs and books. Prices range from €14 to €30.

How to organise what to see in Samara?

Sign up or download the Passporter App and discover all its useful features.

• Get inspiration from the experiences of other travellers.
• Create your own itinerary and add the app’s suggestions to it.
• Add the spots you are most interested in, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat (you can use the points of interest listed in this post as a reference).
• Organise your itinerary by days and according to their location (you can take inspiration from the routes presented in the post).
• Check the travel budget that the app calculates for you based on your travel stops, restaurants, and leisure activities.
• Make the necessary modifications and you are ready for your trip.
• Finally, share your experience. Upload photos of every place you visited to the app and recommend to other travellers all there is to see in Samara, Russia.

If you have any doubts about how to plan your itinerary, you can read our post:  How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter .

Frequently asked questions about a trip to Samara

– Solianka is a fish soup to start with. – Pelmeni, dumplings filled with meat, it can be beef, pork or lamb. – Blini, a typical sweet made of crepe with butter, jam, sweet cottage cheese, apple and honey. – Varéniki are small pies filled with potato, cabbage and cottage cheese. – Baltika, a typical Russian beer.

It depends on what you are looking for. In spite of the cold, the snowy city is beautiful and worth it, despite how could you will be. On the other hand in summer everything is very beautiful and green, especially the natural landscapes.

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Further reading....

Things to do on your trip to Vladivostok Russia

Things to do and see in Kamchatka Russia

Things to do and see in Kazan Russia

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