This Week’s Vintage Finds #97

Hi everyone! I went shopping solo this past week-end. I like it that way sometimes, especially in the fall when I can roll down the windows and enjoy the cool air and the leaves as they start to change. I enjoy the quiet and time to think. When I’m with someone, I focus on them and our conversation, so the experience is different. In any event, I hit some really great sales and pretty much filled up my van. Are you ready to see what I bought? Let’s take a look at this week’s vintage finds, shall we?

I’m loving this neat mid-century lamp with its interesting base. What do you think the spirals are for? Just decoration? I like the black and gold and the shape of the shade is terrific (cost: $1.00, value: $25-30.00). Neat West German clock, too (cost: $3.00, value: $15-20 if working).

This vintage paint set came with everything you need (except instructions!) to create your master piece (cost: $3.00, value: $20-25.00).

Believe it or not, I picked up this print because of the wood backing; I plan to make a sign with it (cost: $1.00). Croquet balls (cost: $1.00, value: $15.00). Ceramic number balls (cost: $1.00, value: $10.00).

I love books. I love reading books and I love buying books. It’s a bit of a problem. What I’ve found with my new booth space is that if I use books as platforms for display, or place coffee table-sized on stands, they tend to sell much more quickly than if I just have a shelf or two full of books. I’m also pricing them much lower than I have in the past. I try to buy them for $0.00-1.00 and merely try to 4x my investment rather than 8 or 10x.

These five, for example were free at a garage sale. I selected them because they’re classics and they have attractive covers. I’ll price them at $1-2 each and then stack them on their sides and put something small, like a vase or pair of spectacles, on top of them.

This Strauss radio, in excellent working condition, has a great MCM look (cost: $3.00, value: $50.00(?)).

Oh for the love of Shiny Brites! Aren’t they pretty? Just like candy and in great condition, too (cost: 25 cents for the box, value: $15.00). Note: My experience has been that vintage bulbs like these sell for more money on Etsy than they do in my shop in Upstate New York. I could probably price them at $25.00 or more on Etsy.

These aqua/turquoise bulbs will be joining my personal collection. Last year I intermingled bulbs this color with my ironstone and the effect was beautiful. Read my post about vintage Christmas for more info, or the one about decorating with Christmas bulbs, or my Christmas price guide.

This teapot is perhaps my favorite find of the week-end. Once a year, a woman who lives nearby, holds a yard sale and sells vintage and antiques that she’s picked up during the previous year. I always try to attend because I usually find at least one or two items priced low enough for me to offer them for resale. I found this Art Deco style teapot there this year. Marked “StayHot” on the bottom, it wears a hammered chrome “jacket” with a padded lining to keep the pot warm. Interesting, right? And British Made, as you might expect (cost: $5.00, value: $40-50.00(?)). (Although I saw a similar pot listed for $234.00 on Etsy!)

The lace that you see decorating the glass and wood tray is actually printed on paper. I may take it all apart and put something more attractive behind the glass. Flower frog (cost: $1.00, value:: $6-8.00).

Here you see the chrome jacket removed from the pot. The latch that opens the sphere is on the right. For more info on teapots, check out this blog: Teapots Teapots Teapots.

I’ve been searching for [what I call] a French-style chair for a while now, not simply because I feel left out while other bloggers find theirs and give them a makeover, but also because I really like the look. Finally, this past week-end, I found one that I really like and was totally in my price range (cost: $4.00, value: ? once made-over). I’m planning to paint the caned sides and the wood a creamy white and to recover the seat and back with either canvas or a drop cloth. I’ll keep you posted.

Who agrees with me that it’s darn near impossible to pass up a good pig? I like this guy’s shape, but the shiny, orange-y surface has to go. I’ve decided he’s going to be my first electric sanding project. I just bought the proper sand paper and am ready to power up (cost: $4.00, value: ? after his make-over). He’s quite a thick, heavy beast.

Final Find: Another pig! What are the chances of two pigs in one week-end? This guy was clearly meant as a cutting board (he’s got a meat juice mote on the other side). His snout is a bit odd; I’ve not encountered this shape before (cost: 25 cents, value: $20-25.00). He also is quite thick and heavy, and would make a nice addition to a cutting board collection.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Thanks so much for featuring this post Dagmar!

Linking up this week with these great parties:
Elizabeth & Co.
Bella Rosa Antiques
Vintage Inspiration Party
Dagmar’s Home
Savvy Southern Style
Dream. Create. Inspire. Link
Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson
A Delightsome Life
Thursday Favorite Things
Share Your Style
From My Front Porch to Yours
Your Turn to Shine
The Cottage Market
Share It One More Time
DIY Sunday Showcase