Other Crafts

This section contains items of historical or family significance in addition to craft items.  The counter at the right is an old trading post counter.  These counters were used in trading posts because they were sturdy and held inventory on the back side that a trader could access while standing behind the counter.  The counters could be ordered from the Gallup Mercantile Company.  When I was a kid, I used to help the Merc with year-end inventory during Christmas vacation.   I counted thousands of small items in these drawer including a seemingly unending amount of thread spools.  When Dad purchased Gallup Indian Jewelry from the Merc, three of these counters were part of the deal.  They became fixtures in the shipping department for Gallup Indian Trading Company.  When Gallup Indian closed in the 80s, I kept this counter and used it in Sunbear Trading.  Later it became a household fixture.  It is very heavy and 12' feet long.  It was always a challenge when we moved to find a place for it.   On the end of the counter there is a panel that identifies the manufacturer, Sherer.  This panel is important for authentication and should never be altered, particularly during polishing or refinishing.   The drawer handles have slot for inventory cards.  For years, there were three broken handles.  I began an Internet search and eventually found an antique shop in Wisconsin that had exactly three handles.  $3,500