When I worked as a carpenter, there were four separate incidents in which the leaded glass windows were either stolen from the job site that I was working at, or I was called in to replace ones that had been stolen. In all but one case, the house was vacant and there was evidence of work being done. When these thieves see a dumpster out front or contractors going in and out they know its an easy target and they break in at night without having to worry about confronting the residents. Then they sell the leaded glass piano windows and cabinet doors to antique dealers. Many antique stores have stopped buying these because they don't want to support this activity, but you don't have to drive far to find one that will. So think about that next time you walk into an antique store and see stacks of stained glass windows. We're not taking any chances, so we stripped the house of all of her finest jewelry and tucked it away in an undisclosed location until we're ready to take up residence. Here's the living room and dining room with most of the art glass removed:
of all the devious, rotten behaviors of man, you must admit that's clever. though i'd never condone those actions.
ReplyDeletelead glass window panes are one of my favorite details to these older houses around mke. something about recalling a time where craft was king: nostalgic.
looks like you're digging up some goodies all around. keen eyes. i dig.