Many
hours are spent cleaning and repairing (when necessary) items for The Curious
Phoenix shelves. However, in addition to that are the many hours, days, and
even weeks of research that are put into those same items.
Having
trained as an archaeologist, I have a deep respect for the history of all items
and the importance of careful preservation and restoration. My training as a
journalist has helped in knowing what questions to ask, who to turn to for
answers, and where to delve nose first into the dusty stacks of history.
But
the answers are not always willing to be found, and sometimes there is simply
limited information I have on any one item.
(Rest assured, however, even if an item has been listed, I am still
keeping an ear to the ground for any more whispers of information that might be
gathered.)
Some
items sit on the shelves around my workbench, waiting for me to discover their
history before I will list them. There are times I really wish they could talk
and share their provenience.
All information I have on an item is stated within the listing. If no age or date of manufacture is listed, then it is unknown to me.