It’s a privilege to admire objects of different eras inside the Berman Museum. Historic objects are there in abundance. But at least once a year there are treasures in showcases there that you cannot only admire — you can pick them up and handle them and try them on for size. Buy them, and you can take them home.

The “artifacts” referred to here are the varied pieces in the third annual Vintage Bazaar, scheduled for July 30–Aug. 6. Coordinated by The Berman Alliance, the consignment sale offers valued pieces (at least 30 or 40 years old) owned by museum supporters. They are treasures that these friends of the museum are willing to sell.

The event often leads to a new home and new life for oil paintings, lithographs, small furniture, fine china, pieces of jewelry and more, thanks to those of you who cherish old things.

Lynne Isom, chairman of the project, wants to involve everyone with the sale. Now is the time to look through your belongings and select pieces you are willing to part with for the benefit of the museum and yourself.

Sellers receive 65 percent of the selling price; the Berman Museum will retain 35 percent. (Or, if you are feeling especially generous, choose the optional 50-50 percent split). If you are interested in being a seller, call David Ford at The Berman Museum at 256-237-6261 and request the paperwork.

Just as the Berman’s exhibits chronicle the past, collectibles at the bazaar have their certain place in world history, too. Those who browsed through the first two years’ showcases saw a large array of costume jewelry from different time periods, rings with semi-precious stones, a handmade American Indian necklace with coral and turquoise stones, and a hand-cranked music box.

Buyers have seen antique toys, a sterling silver spoon from Ireland, vintage hats, framed antique maps, and a saber. Limoges, a whiteware porcelain decorated with Victorian motifs, has graced the showcases, as well as Miriam Haskell costume jewelry. Haskell was an important American designer whose creations were rooted in the Art Nouveau era. According to Internet sources, her jewelry and accessories were well-suited for the free-wheeling Roaring Twenties and for high society. It remains popular today.

It’s interesting to meet both collectors and casual buyers, Isom said, and to pinpoint their particular interests.

For example, a raccoon hat attracted lots of attention. The man who bought it planned to place it in his antique store, Isom said. An oil painting reproduction from the estate of Alfred Lee, of the family of Lee Brass, caught the eye of two very serious buyers, Isom clearly recalls.

“In that case, there was a bid-off,” she added. “I only wish we had had two of them.” The subject matter was a young lady musician playing the cello — a beautiful piece from all accounts.

A colorful print in a past sale that represents the social and athletic atmospheres in Scotland in the 1850s is that of “A Grand Match at St. Andrews Links.” It is now the possession of Chip Howell, who has played on the internationally known course north of Edinburgh.

“This print had special meaning to me,” Howell explained. “St. Andrews is the home of golf.”

Volunteers helping at the sale will be Louise Lokey, Sara Starling, Susan Waldron, Craig Waldron, Sarah Ballard, Patsy Young, Robert Smith and Linda Mann.

The Vintage Bazaar will be held in the Berman Auditorium during regular museum hours. There is no charge to browse.

Contact Hervey Folsom at 256-236-9874