Grease lights were first used, giving off a very dim light along with an unpleasant odor. Candles were a great improvement. This picture shows a candle mold, a candle box for storage, a nice tin lantern, and a wick trimmer. These early lighting items bring nice prices at auction, but be careful of the punched tin lanterns because they are being reproduced.

Recent auction prices: pair of brass eagles, $15; pottery jug, $17.50; brass spittoon, $15; two old bayonets, $50; machinist chest, $65; pitcher pump, $45; straw fork, $20; Daisy BB gun, $35; meat cleaver, $27.50; photo album, $25; store scale, $20; hatchet, $8; Cleveland Indians scale, $20; set of hames, $9; Monitor iron, $35; Stanley plane, $15; small glass churn, $45; lightning rod with white bulb, $47.50; reflector light, $85; and a great Stanley tool box with tools, $95.

Happy hunting, Brooks.