8 Epic Vintage Find Fails
So, today I’m going to write about some of my vintage find “epic fails” (I learned that phrase from my kids. It was popular for a while, but now that us old folks know what it means and have started using it, it’s no longer as “in” as it once was, LOL.)
We all make mistakes, right? I don’t tend to take photos of my fails, but since I had the idea for this post, I’ve begun taking some so I could share them with you. Ready to take a look?
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1. Broken Folk Art Horse
I bought this folk art-y, hand-carved horse last fall at the World’s Largest Garage Sale for $2.00. Upon closer examination, once I arrived home, I discovered that the tail had broken off and been quite poorly reattached.
There’s glue everywhere (how did I miss that?!!) and the seam completely mismatched(!). I have it set aside so that one day I can re-break it and try to reattach it better. Who knows if it will ever be worth anything, which is too bad because I think he’s really rather charming.
Read about why folk art is one of ten
often overlooked and undervalued finds at garage sale.
2. Broken Wellsville Pottery Pitcher
I hesitated to even buy this pitcher when I saw it because I find that decorated ironstone does not sell very quickly. But for $1.00, I decided to go ahead, thinking I could always keep it to use as a vase.
The Wellsville Pioneer Pottery Co., located in Wellsville, Ohio, used the W. P. P. Co. mark from 1897 to about 1922. I think “DORA” refers to the pattern.
But it’s not going to be holding flowers anytime soon with this hole, now is it? Into the Goodwill box it went.
3. Chipped Johnson Bros. Ironstone Platter
I bought this ironstone platter just a couple of weeks ago in Ballston Spa (NY) for just $1.00 and was very pleased with myself, until I began to wash it after I got home. See the chip on the far left edge? Yeah, me too.
A nice early 20th century piece of English ironstone, it has not gone in the Goodwill box. I’ve not decided what to do with it just yet. I may put it in my Vintage Shop since many collectors don’t mind if their ironstone has a small chip or two (value: $15-18.00).
4. Cracked Cast Iron Iron Stand
I thought this iron stand was so interesting, with the name of a company cleverly “written” around the edge: Enterprise MFG Co Philadelphia.
When it came time to take care of some of the rust, I realized that it’s cracked (see upper left-hand side, by the “F” in MFG). Fortunately, I only spent $2.00 on it.
UPDATE: See how I used this piece to make and sell a striking junk angel.
5. Faulty Brass Desk Lamp
I have great luck selling brass lamps, and was therefore pleased to find this one for just $3.00. I figured a bit of cleaning would make it very appealing.
Sadly, when I went to replace the light bulb, I saw that the bulb had begun to heat the protective metal plate so hot that it burned the cord. Not something I wanted to get involved with. Out it goes.
6. Repro Chanel Brooch
When I first found this “Chanel” brooch, I thought I had come across a real steal of a deal for $2.00. I imagined that it might be worth hundreds of dollars.
I spent quite a bit of time researching, including on one of my new favorite sites, WorthPoint, and determined that it was a reproduction. Boo hoo. Live and learn, right?
7. Poorly Repaired Quilt
You may recall this pretty quilt from my 10 Favorite Vintage Finds post in early January. I mentioned how surprised I was that no one had bought it from my antique booth.
A reader from the West Coast wrote that she was interested, so I had the shop set it aside for me.
As I began to fold it to fit it in a box and weigh it for shipping, I noticed several spots that had been [poorly] repaired. Like eight or nine, and then I noticed a really large area where the seams had come apart altogether. How did I miss all that when I had originally priced it?
I’m guessing it’s a combination of dealing with a lot of stock, bad vision, and haste. Ever since I started wearing transition lenses (5 or 6 years ago now), I feel like I just plain don’t see as well as I once did.
In any event, I apologized to the disappointed buyer profusely, folded the quilt carefully to hide it’s shabbiness, and hung it over our second floor railing. I love it!
8. Reproduction Hermes Scarf
Final Epic Fail: I scooped up this Hermes scarf a little over a year ago for a dollar, even though I didn’t know if it was authentic or not. A little research revealed that, no, it is not real. You can read the 5 reasons why it’s not in this vintage finds post from October 2016.
Some of you may not consider these epic fails because I spent so little on them (and some of them still remain useful in one way or another). But the perfectionist in me gets a little bothered, and in addition, my fails don’t get a whole lot bigger than this because I buy so cheaply–all the time.
The way I run this side hustle is to buy low, sell at prices 4-10X my buying price, and keep the inventory moving out and fresh at all times. It allows me to “support my vintage buying habit,” helps me decorate our home inexpensively, and has contributed to my sweet daughter’s college tuition.
I’m SO grateful to be able to do something I love and share it with you on my blog. Thanks for that–you are very appreciated!
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I’d love it if you’d pin me 🙂
Oh yes, I’ve some epic fails, including one this weekend. Apart from all that, I think the brown transferware platter is endearing with its chip. We all get chips on our shoulders when dealt with poorly, no? 😉
Darn it! Sorry about the fail; you know I feel your pain(!). I’ve got more chips on my shoulders than I care to count, Rita, LOL. Keeping the platter for now…
Next time you are in the shop can I show you some Chanel faux pearls for your opinion? BTW…..I am new to this business and understand totally about epic fails!!!
I’d love to take a look at them Joyce, though my knowledge in the Chanel area is limited to my POOR choice, not a GOOD choice. Thanks for sharing my epic fail pain 🙂 I’ll see you soon at the shop–
That has sure happened to us all! I don’t mind using a chipped piece for display, though.
I buy boxes of stuff at auctions and often times find treasures with cracks, if not to sell than I use in my decorating and hide the flaw. I especially love the ironstone platter with the brown transfer – I love brown. And the ironstone pitcher! Fun finds!
Yes, a lot of my personal collections contain pieces with imperfections, too, LuAnne 🙂 Boy, everyone is loving that platter!!
I love the transfer print, I have a couple of chamber pot tops that coordinate, one is listed in my Etsy shop now. Thanks, L
Me, too, about the platter. I also liked the quilt anyway, and probably the scarf since I love scarves!
I’m lucky that most of these fails can still be used or enjoyed in some way. I don’t need perfect to make me happy, which is what I hear everyone else saying in the comments 🙂
Me, too. Given a choice I have even chosen an imperfect, “dinged” item over a more perfect one. Sometimes it has been “loved” more… And, like the one comment said, for my own use to make something or for a display, its great! (your quilt)
I had to chuckle when I read your post on Epic Fails and like most of the comments have said, we ALL have some epic fail items in our boxes of stuff. I find that most of my epic fails are because of what Diana mentioned….failing eyesight….. I know mine is getting worse and worse.
I attended an Estate Sale this last Sunday and while happy with most of my purchases, I did buy a wooden box that had a small crack on the hinged lid (which I did NOT notice) I just thought it was pretty and put it in my pile of stuff before anyone else could grab it.
Also many times in estate sales the garages or basements or attics are poorly lit, so it’s harder to see flaws. This time I went prepared with a magnifying necklace around my neck, and a flashlight to see in those dark areas, but wouldn’t you know it….this is the first time the basement and attic were brightly lit LOL. Epic Fails are part of the business….let’s just all remember our Epic Successes! Have a great day everyone!
It’s so nice to have someone to commiserate about eyesight with, Elaine! Great tips to bring a magnifying glass and flashlight (phone with flashlight). Keep bringing them with you cuz you know you’re going to need one or the other sometime soon! Yes and amen to our Epic Successes 🙂
Epic successes or fails…..I keep going! In fact tomorrow with my magnifying glass necklace and flashlight in tow….I am going to another estate sale!
Hi Diana, Just another thought…..epic fails of china pieces can always be used in mosaic projects!
We’ve all been there. I once bought a quilt at an auction and failed to open it up all the way to inspect it. When I got it home, found that a mouse had neatly eaten away a section. Someday I’ll turn it into pillows or a wall hanging, but I never made that mistake again. My garden is full of “fails” that are nonetheless charming.
Those nasty little mousies. I hung onto a stunning quilt for a number of years while trying to decide what to do with it and for some dumb reason, I stuck it out in our garage. Yep, the mice found it. I was heartbroken.
Gardens are an excellent place for our fails to end up–good tip!
I always enjoy and appreciate all the good information you pass on to us. I am really liking your blog–especially your projects. Keep ’em coming.
That blesses me to know, Vikki–thanks so much for taking the time to let me know 😉 I’ll be sure to keep the projects coming!
Diana, the quilt is lovely! With some effort on the part of a quilter, it could be nicely repaired and be usable! Many people collect old, repair needing quilts. Don’t give up on her yet!
Someone with much more patience than I would have to work on that quilt! Right now it’s hanging over my banister and I’m loving it there 🙂
I have painted several coats of clear nail polish on chips (so people don’t get cut) and labeled them “as is” with an arrow (and priced accordingly). Sometimes the chip just fits into a plate groove or is covered by a plate frame. In a vignette, oftentimes, you can drape something over the flaw to camouflage it–especially with the popularity of fairy gardens.
I have made some fairy teacups glued sideways on their saucers to camouflage chips/small cracks with moss! Actually, I look for .25 cups and saucers! I’d put a tag on the iron stand (for an iron?) with as is arrow. Could your horse be “painted” with some sort of textured paint after mending? I have reinforced mends with wire and/or tissue inserted into the two pieces so the 2 surfaces with glue have more to adhere to; works great on figurine heads!
Can you tell my life has a lot of previously loved and broken things! Sometimes, you’re right, we should just pass them on before investing more time/money into it. Glad you ditched the lamp! Saved someone a fire! Think I’d pin the “Hermes” scarf to my shoulder with the “Chanel” pin and smile! Anyone getting in your face to inspect them deserves a firm set-down!
Don’t you just hate those fakes! My son bought a gold necklace from someone on the street one day. He paid $20 for it after talking the man down from $50! He really thought he had something as it was marked 14K. Needless to say, it was fake. It happens to the best of us. As for your iron stand, make one of your cute signs concerning ironing and attach it to the wood. It would be so cute and you would make your money back! Just a thought! Have a great week Diana!
Hi Diana –
Thank you for your great insights and creative ideas. You give me hope that there are still collector’s out there and that this minimalist phase will be over soon! I collect primarily Christmas items–vintage as well as new–and I have had my own “epic fails” by buying ornaments that had flaws, and I thought I could turn around and trade/re-imagine/sell them – well that didn’t happen.
Thanks again and keep up the good work!
A great post, Diana. Just interesting to see what gets overlooked even by a knowledgeable and successful seller. I agree with others about the platter, though. I think a lot of people wouldn’t mind the chip at all as long as you pointed it out and listed it “as is”.
And I love the suggestion from Jerry S. about the iron stand. I think that would be a seller for sure.
Just wanted to say that I have the little blue bottle I bought from you in my kitchen window and enjoy looking at it every day as I work at the sink.
Hey I kind of like the horse, broken tail and all!
I don’t buy for resale but have had epic fails on my buys for myself. Not seeing a crack or a chip or some other big flaw. Sometimes I would have bought anyway but sometimes not. It’s a learning process isn’t it. I’m like many others and love the transferware platter, chip and all!
Well, I’m glad I’m not the only one who is kicking herself for not noticing flaws in the pieces we buy! I ask myself how I could possibly not see something, but my eyesight is not what it once was either, and sometimes the light isn’t the best in the sales. I believe you could still sell that lovely platter though. I’ve sold things that are chipped before after, of course, revealing all flaws. And I tend not to buy anything “designer” for resale b/c I simply can’t tell if it’s fake or not. Oh my goodness, that lovely quilt! If you could see some of the quilts I sell that look a WHOLE lot worse than that. People cut them up & use them for crafts. Just call it a “cutter” if you decide to try again.
Glad we’ve all had “Epic Fails”….misery loves company, right? The horse could be easily fixed…how about making a tail (unraveled twine?) and attaching it? He’s quite handsome. The transferware could be repaired with very thin layers of spackle and a thin coat of poly. It could be a charming platter with a flowery stencil. I agree with the others about the quilt – potential there for pillows, etc. I sold one last summer, the buyer thought the repairs contributed to the charm and proved that as an heirloom it had value to the next generation.
Been there, done that. I, too, have missed things like poorly constructed joints in a dresser, or missing pieces in a chess set. You’re right, live and learn. I like reading other people’s “fail” posts because I learn something every time! Thank you for sharing. 🙂
Someone else may have mentioned this already, but for the sweet pitcher, I’d just put a plain glass vase inside of it to hold the water…. don’t even worry about the little hole. I tend to run my hand around the edges of any breakable items because I will feel a chip even if I can’t see it. You would have felt the chip in the platter. Most of us don’t care about the repairs in quilts. After all, they are all hand done anyway. And just how on earth can you tell if that Chanel pin is real or not ? How did those two people know ???
Oh my gosh I have been so plagued by vision issues over the past few years I can so relate! I actually have perfect near vision, but like you I wear bifocal (contact) lenses. If I want to see even somewhat clearly up close I still have to wear reading glasses on top of my contacts! Crazy! I don’t always have the “reading” glasses with me and the light is usually horrible. So yes, I’ve had epic fails as well! Chips, holes, stains, you name it. Last week I brought home what I thought was a vintage lace iron (which it was) for .99 cents. Only problem is that I didn’t know enough to know that it was missing the handle! I try looking things up on my phone before buying but I can’t always be sure until I get home and then it’s usually too late (although my Goodwill allows returns within 10 days). But at least we usually don’t pay too much for them, right? Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm! xo Kathleen|Our Hopeful Home
What is it about thrifting, shopping, etc. that you pick up what you think are great finds & then at home – there’s something wrong with a piece – I think sometimes we look at a pc but since it’s similiar to many other pcs , our eyes & brain tell us that it’s a great pc, and we keep it & move on. Or we just get in a hurry!
Like the horse (hope it turns out to be fixable – please show pictures of how you clean & fix it. Also, think the quilt should still be worth a lot – it is stunning & it is old & the pcs are all there – enjoy my quilts on the stairway bannisters, too.
I love all your information that you pass on.
Thanks so much.
Donna Boyd, Ky.