Welcome!
I'm Philly Rains, an avid vintage ANRI collector in the Arkansas Ozark Mountains, but I was born in the Mississippi Delta, in Helena, Arkansas. My collection began with ANRI bottle stoppers in the early 1980s and I quickly became hopelessly addicted. If you're here, you're probably addicted, too.
My collection focuses on items produced specifically between 1912 and the early 60's, and includes bottle stoppers, bar sets and other bar items, smoking accessories, desk top items, kitchen items, and other functional things.
Of things not ANRI, I'm a full-time antique dealer selling a variety of things on eBay, including consignment items. I'm also a self representing artist, a member of ACEO (Art Cards Editions and Originals,) an art group with almost 3000 members all over the world. My creations are available on eBay and there are links to my art and ANRI auctions on the opening page of this website.
Black Cat, Inc., is my company, named for my black cat, Minky. She adopted me at the Humane Society in 1991, is quite the Queen of the house, and I adore her.
R.I.P. Minky 1990-2011
In 1995 I got another kitten to keep Minky company. (Unfortunately, I forgot to consult Mink.) They've never gotten along, but I can't imagine 'home' without both of them. Her name is P.I.T.A. (Pain In The A**,) but I call her Pete. She was orphaned before her eyes opened and raised with puppies, so is more dog than cat.
P.I.T.A. has a new home now, and I miss her. Minky doesn't.
When I'm not helping other ANRI collectors, or listing antiques and art on eBay (user name "phillybelle" and "phillybelles*art",) I spend my time reading, spoiling my granddaughter, Aby, and visiting friends and family in Minnesota and Arkansas.
Me and my Granddaugher, Abygail Morgan Williams
December 2009
Please enjoy your visit, and once you've seen all the ANRI exhibits, I hope you'll peruse the rest of my website, especially my Family Album, and My Friends links. You'll meet some wonderful people there, and if you get in touch with them, tell them I said hello.
Should you have questions about vintage ANRI please check my FAQ first. If you need more information, email me, but please be patient if I don't answer right away. I answer all email personally in my "spare" time, and I get
dozens of emails each week. I also welcome comments about my website. Enjoy!
Thanks for visiting, and check back often for updates.
Philly Rains
If
you
would like to use any of the photographs on this site,
please write for permission with details
about your intended use.
Thanks.
©1997 thru 2012
by Philly Rains
All rights reserved.
