This Week’s Vintage Finds #101
Hi everyone! I’ve got some fun finds for you today, along with a special giveaway to celebrate last week’s 100th Vintage Finds. This past Friday, I stopped by two estate sales and a couple of garage sales and came home with quite a load of stuff. Ready to take a look?
One of the garage sales had large number of sewing supplies for sale. The baggie containing these notions caught my attention when I discovered a sterling silver mark on one of the thimbles (cost: $1.00 for the bag, value of sterling thimble: $10-12.00).
You can see the mark, with the size 11 stamped beneath it.
This thimble says, “Use Savings Banks.” It’s collectible, too, but is not in very good condition (value: $2-3.00). Antique Trader has a terrific article, Antique Thimbles, American Style, that you should check out. Look for the delightful acorn thimble case.
I seem to have begun collecting scissors, and I found the shape of these rather interesting, as well as the mark on the side: “Radiant, Golden Age, Rustic,” (cost: 50¢, value: $4-5.00).
This platter with sterling silver overlay decoration, likely had a bowl to fit the center. Clear glass is not terribly collectible these days, but this piece was so reasonable, I couldn’t pass it up (cost: $2.00, value: $10-12.00).
This Lucite and metal Boy Scouts of America compass, made in Sweden, dates to about the 1950s or 60s (cost: $1.00, value: $10-15.00).
At a living estate sale I attended on Friday, the woman of the house was a talented weaver. Several of her pieces were available for sale, but very high priced. I found this table runner and two placemats tucked away (and pinned together) in a bedroom, marked $3.00. They have a bit of a grain sack sort of feeling to them. I’ll be keeping them for now.
[I apologize for the very Voldemort-looking bust(!).] I try to avoid vintage hats because I don’t find them to be very saleable. But this faux leopard skin beret caught my fancy (cost: $2.00, value: $10-12.00).
The plastic, faux tortoise shell accessory adds a nice touch.
I liked the color of this hat, and the low, low price (cost: 25¢, value: $6-8.00). Looking for some good information about collecting vintage clothing? Check out this Antiques Roadshow article: Collecting Vintage Clothing.
I was surprised when I arrived at an estate sale an hour after it had opened and found this chalkboard still for available. I think it’s just wonderful and so functional–for home schooling, advertising on the street, decorating the family room, etc. The board flips and the opposite side is also a “green” board. I’m tempted to paint it black and keep it for a while (cost: $5.00, value: $35-40.00).
I know this guy is pretty cruddy looking, but I think it will clean up nicely. I’m planning to bring it to the Shaker Craft Fair (I’m setting up tomorrow) to add some height to the half a table I’ve been allotted as a volunteer (cost: $3.00, value: $20). I had hoped to rent a full space, but the show is just too popular! I’m blessed to be a part of it at all.
This 1970s or 80s version of a primitive candle box will benefit nicely from a do-over, perhaps some chalk paint and a stencil or graphic transfer (cost: $2.00, value: $18.00+).
Call me crazy, but I fell in love with this still life–the blue and sunny yellow and peach colors in particular. Unfortunately, I don’t think I have a place for it in my house (cost: $3.00, value: $35-45.00). I’m considering painting the frame black or dark gray. What do you think?
I picked up this landscape at a different sale, and I’m quite taken with it as well. I find the water and the pink flowers very peaceful and soothing (cost: $3.00, value: $40-50.00). This frame definitely needs a make-over, too, but what color?
What do you think about this stern fellow? Was I nuts to buy him? Something about him just spoke to me and the next thing I knew, he was in the back of my van (cost: $5.00, value: $25.00?).
This classic, Queen Ann style otttoman requires some attention, but it will be a fun project; I’ll enjoy picking out the paint color and fabric (cost: $5.00, value: $40.00+). It has an added bonus–
The top lifts off for storage. Handy, right?
Minus one shade, this pair of lanterns
I couldn’t pass up this [newer] ironstone creamer (cost: 25¢, value: $4.00).
Made in England by Maddock & Sons of England in about 1960. Check out my Ironstone Price Guide for more info.
Final and Favorite Find: A boxed set of butterfly flash cards. This is a new one for me, but I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. Companies probably manufactured flashcards for every subject you can think of, including these sweet butterflies (cost: $1.00, value: ?). I have to decide how I want to sell them–as a boxed set (the box is kind of a mess) or individually. I’ve been selling individual vocabulary flash cards for $1.00 each. At that rate, I might be able to make $50.00 off this one box(!).
Okay, it’s time to take a look at my two giveaways:
Some lovely vintage paper goods–bingo cards, dictionary pages, Dick & Jane pages (not vintage), 4 yds of jute, a pleather bird and more.
Three hand-made tags–a thrifted sweater Thanksgiving tag, a vintage “grain sack” tag, and a pretty love tag.
I’m not publicizing this widely because it would be great for a regular Vintage Finds reader to win.
Let me know in a comment if you’d like to be a “contestant.”
Thanks so much Kathy and Brook for the feature:
I’d love it if you’d follow me by email,
or some form of social media, if you don’t already:
Facebook
Pinterest
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I’d love to be a “contestant”! I’m an avid reader of your blog. You always find the neatest stuff and your adding prices is a nice plus! Thank you for the opportunity to win!
You’re in! Thanks so much for the encouragement 🙂
Nice finds, as usual. Do you ever worry about a customer learning what you paid for an item here and then seeing it in your shop for more? I’ve wondered that, because I’ve had a couple of unpleasant encounters with buyers over prices mark-ups. I’d like to be entered in the contest, please.
Yes, I did worry at first, but I decided it would be very helpful to my readers (both buyers and sellers) to hear the “real story” from me about what I pay for items and what I feel their value is. I have found that in order to actually make a profit, I need to make about ten times what I pay for an item. That’s in order to pay commission, rent, gas, etc. I think most of my readers are mature enough to realize that I’m running a business and have to make smart, business decisions. That includes selling merchandise at market value. That said, because I get such super good deals on so many items, I often pass that blessing on to my customers by setting prices at slightly below market value when I feel I can, especially for my readers. I don’t feel like I have anything to hide and feel confident about the prices I set. Some items I make a little, some I make a lot, but it all balances out in the end to a pretty small income! As many dealers say, I make enough to support my habit and maybe a little bit more. Great question; thanks for asking it.
Thank you for your explanation of pricing. I also have a booth and sometimes wonder if someone sees what I’ve boughten from them for resale. I like to pass on bargains also and I love that you tell us what you paid and what you think the value is. It educates me and also I appreciate what other regions get for antiques etc. Love your blog!
Hi there…not sure if this contest is open to Canadians…but thought I would send you a message….I would love to win your fun selection of tags! Being a new reader of your blog, I am finding it very interesting & I am learning a lot! Thanks!
Yes, of course, it’s open to our wonderful, northern neighbors 🙂 So glad you’re enjoying my blog. You’re in!
I would love to be a contestant. Cute way to have a giveaway. I follow you by email and always enjoy seeing your great finds.
I’m so glad, Kathy! You’re in 🙂
Great finds. Love that chalk board and the sterling thimble.
Thanks Kim!
I think I’ve been reading your blog since around vintage finds #1! I would love to be a contestant. And can I add – that chalkboard!!!!! I wish I had one that size for my wedding instead of the small one I had. I would definitely paint it black so that the chalk will stand out more.
I think you’re right Melissa–those were crazy days when I had no idea what I doing, and bloggers like you made it look so easy 🙂 I would have so sent that chalkboard out to you! But I don’t think you have anything to worry about. From the photos I’ve seen so far, your wedding was spectacular. You did a terrific job. You’re in!
I recently discovered your blog and enjoy seeing what “finds” you have… I’d like to be entered in the contest, please.
I’m so glad you’re enjoying my blog Kathie, and it’s so nice to meet you 🙂 I look forward to more “chats.” You’re in!
count me in !!!
You’re in Karen!
Love your blog and would love to be a contestant!
Thanks Marilyn! You’re in 🙂
I love your blog, it makes me miss the seasons and I am envious the wonderful vintage sales you go to. I would love to be entered in your giveaway! On the paintings, I would paint the first picture frame in black. The second, landscape, I would leave the frame as is, I like the texturing on the wood. I love the stern old man, I think he has character. My fave find is the woven table linens.
That is so sweet of you to say Laura–it’s so encouraging to hear from readers that they like what I write and show on my blog 🙂 Thanks for the insights on the frames–I hope I make the right decision…you are definitely a contestant.
Oh Pick me Pick me! I absolutely Love your blog, and receive lots of emails but I see yours and click on it so fast, your head would spin! I really adore how much knowledge you have about the items you pick up, not to mention your eye in picking something up.
I will try to pick you Dyan, I really will! You are SO sweet–thanks loads for all the encouragement. It blesses me that you like my blog 🙂 You are absolutely in the contest!
Yes, please. I’d love to be a contestant! Your Vintage Finds are my favorite of your emails that I receive.
So sweet of you to say, Sue!! You’re in 🙂
Wonderful finds! I also love the fact that you list values of your finds. I’d love to be entered, thank you for the chance!
Marti
Thanks Marti! You’re in!
Love all the things you find. Thank you for educating us.
Smiles
You’re so welcome, Nancy 🙂
I would love to be entered in your giveaway. I LOVE yard/garage sales!
Then we share a passion, Heidi–so nice to “meet” you 🙂 You’re in!
Love reading your blog, it’s nice to follow someone who has the same “thrifting passion”!
Count me in for the contest!!
I’m so glad, Diana (and so nice to meet you). You’re in!
Trying to pick a favorite this week is impossible. Incredible finds all around.
Thanks Sharon!
Love your stuff, i would hang the still life painting in a closet just to keep it. LOL, Might want to consider very—palest light light gray. The gray may kick up the yellow even more—and you would want the blue-white to make it more saleable. Same I think with the landscape—which so looks like upstate NY. Lots of great finds. Good Luck with them.
You’re a sweetie, Sandi. I like your ideas on the frame colors–thanks so much 🙂
I’d love to be a contestant. I follow your blog by e-mail and also on Facebook. Love all your finds!
So nice to “meet” you Connie–I’m so glad you like my finds 🙂 You’re a contestant!
Love the old man portrait! ! would have bought all the same things. And kept some. Good luck at the show – I ‘m sure your half table will be filled with goodies. Yes, Contestant!
You are so encouraging Donna 🙂 We’ll see. It lasts for six weeks, so that’s very nice (and unusual, I know). You’re a contestant!
The still life is my hands down favorite — it’s just beautiful!
I know, I agree whole-heartedly, Julie 🙂
Would love to be a contestant! Love the old papers!! No, you’re not crazy for snagging the “stern man”. Someone will enjoy him in their office. Great stool!! I’m going to show your BSA compass to my husband. He is an Eagle Scout and always on the lookout for old BSA items. (Mostly knives!) I am really enjoying your blog!
I’d love to hear your husband’s thoughts on the compass, Terry 🙂 You’re a contestant!
Oh, I’d love to be a contestant! Your finds are always so cool.
Thanks Mary Ann–of course, you’re in 🙂
Your blog is my “Go To” for any true info!Yes I would love to be a contestant! Thanks, Ann.
So nice of you to say! You’re in 🙂
I’d love to be a contestant also. Your blog is great, it brings me bits of info from Willow Ware to my weakness Buttons ! …. I grew up visiting the Adirondacks from Star Lake to the Saranac area. Still in the Upstate Fingerlake region, I follow you and so many on the addicting Pinterest…
Take care, Betty
Hi….I follow you on FB. I ENJOY YOUR BLOG …would love to win!!
Love your finds this week. I especially love the chalkboard. They seem to hop in my car. I am surprised it was still there. Please count me as a contestant. Thanks!
xo Dianne
I’d love to be a contestant!
I love coming here Diana, and I love seeing your vintage finds! Those thimbles are amazing, love the green oil lamps and the footstool…all amazing finds! 🙂
I am having a give-a-way too – so please enter! 🙂
Kimberley
Ever since I saw your tutorial on those grainsack tags, I have wanted to try and make some
I have also wanted to make some of those grain sack tags; even sent the link to a friend who will enjoy the project. Meanwhile, I would love to be a contestant in your giveaway!
Love your finds! Is that creamer an individual-sized one? I have a bunch of those, but most are plain white.
Hi Diane, I would love to be a contestant. I subscribe to your blog and really love all the information that you share with us, as well as your projects and finds. Also, I too am from the Adirondack region!
Please enter me in the contest! I love your blog and all things vintage!
I woul dlove to be a contestant! I never miss a Vintage Finds of yours! 😉
Great finds, Diana! I just love that thimble… I’ve always wanted to find one in silver. Thanks so much for stopping by and for your input on the “Tools of the Trade”. Have a great week.
Hi Diana … as usual; very interesting finds. Hard pressed to pick just one favorite. I love the picture of the “stern fellow”. I would have bought him if I had a retail shop. Love your scissors … I have been buying old scissors, especially unusual ones. Scissors used by people who hang wallpaper are really long and I love those. The butterfly cards are interesting and would be nice to frame a few. Nice give-aways …. Love your tags. Count me in.
Audrey Z.
Hi Diana. Please enter me in your contest. I appreciate that you share what you pay for an item and what you think it is worth. Kathy
Would love to be a contestant!! I’ve got to check out my late Mother’s thimbles now that I’ve learned some are collectibles!! Love seeing all your wonderful finds!
You always find the best stuff for great prices Diana! The kids chalkboard is my favorite this week. Your handmade tags are super cute too:). Thanks so much for sharing what you have been up to @ Dream. Create. Inspire. Link. Have a great week and take care, Tara
Call me crazy, but I like Mr. “Stern fellow” best!
What an eclectic collection of finds, Diana! I will be featuring your post in this week’s Home and Garden Thursday,
Kathy
Okay, how much fun is to to read about and see all your goodies. I too could buy every week, but I would have to add on to this house! I have a hard time parting with my treasures. I will be featuring you on “Flea Market Friday” today and I have a fun share about your handsome fellow you found! xxx….Brooke from http://www.creativecountrymom.com