My Cheap Vintage Finds [& What They’re Worth] #175

Hi everyone–I hope your week is going well! Even though last week was crazy busy with family in town, I squeezed in a little vintage shopping on Friday (yipee!). I found some pretty neat buys, including two items on my “what I look for when garage saling” list: Bakelite jewelry and ironstone. Bakelite is not something one often finds at garage sales. But that of course is what keeps many of us on the circuit–the absolute thrill of finding a sought after treasure, whether for keeps or for sale. Am I right or am I right?

I believe the color of this stretch Bakelite bracelet, c.1930-40, is “apple juice.” As you can see, it has some beautiful transparency. Chunky Bakelite bracelets like this one can bring upwards of $100 or more, depending upon color, shape, carving, and embellishment. Unfortunately, apple juice is not a terribly popular color–buyers look for vibrant, vintage colors like cherry and emerald. In addition the shape is rather plain, and it bears no carved decoration or silver/gold accents. Which is not to say that I am not thrilled to have found it–I am. Just wanted you to know the details on value (cost: $1.25, value: $40-50).

At the same sale, I purchased a “matching” apple juice necklace (cost: $1.25, value: $70-80). Check out my Jewelry Price Guide for help valuing your own vintage jewelry.

I know this little basket isn’t much to look at, but any older basket I find that can hang on a door or wall sells immediately (cost: 25¢, value: $8-10.00). Basket Price Guide.

While this piece isn’t old, it promises to make a great display piece and I believe someone will snatch it up fairly quickly (cost: $3.00, value: 28-32.00).

Another item I always buy–red, orange, or blue berry wreaths. They sell well and look great in a farmhouse/primitive style antique booth (cost: 50¢, value: $8-10.00).

A darling little Japanese angel bell (cost: 25¢, value: $10.00).

Found these two in a FREE box–they cracked me up (value: $5.00 each?).

I’m thinking about giving this metal index box a little makeover (cost: $1.00).

My sweet daughter collects pipes, so this may make it into her stocking next Christmas (cost: FREE, value: $2-4.00).

An original painting (watercolor on card stock) with a terrible, laminated frame (cost: $2.00, value: $25-30.00 reframed). You may be interested in seeing some of my personal collection of artwork.

A small, handmade tool box (just waiting for a stencil?) (cost: $1.00, value: $15.00).

I bought this longer, green toolbox at the same sale (cost: $1.00, value: $18-22.00).

An antique watering can (cost: $1.00, value: $22-25.00). LOVE the big, curvy handle.

I sell these clover tins quite regularly (cost: $1.00 each, value: $8.00 each).

A set of six vintage brass knobs (cost: $1.00). They’ll come in handy for a future project. I’ll leave them tarnished, but wanted to mention last week’s post about cleaning tarnished metals.

I think these are back plates for drawer knobs, but I bought them to have on hand for future projects (cost: 50¢).

An old metal pitcher painted black (cost: 50¢, value: $10.00). I added a stencil and will give you a peek soon.

A vintage metal shelf (cost: $2.00, value: $25-30.00).

This darling little silhouette is hand drawn with pen and ink; it just needs a new glass (cost: $1.00, value: $28-32.00).

I bought this pair of Nordic-style mittens with Christmas in mind. I’ll probably tuck some greens inside and hang them on a door knob (cost: 50¢).

A finely made eyelet runner (cost: 50¢, value: $10-12.00).

A set of homemade wooden cubes (cost: $2.50 for all three). I’m thinking about painting them and numbering them 1-2-3. Other suggestions?

Final Find: An ironstone candle snuffer–the second item on my “to find” list. I suspect it’s part of the 1970’s Pfaltzgraff line of ironstone, but it has a nice shape, so it will go in my personal ironstone cupboard (cost: 25¢).

If you’re wondering about what other sorts of vintage treasures you should be keeping your eye out for when vintage shopping, whether at garage or estate sales, thrift stores, flea markets, or antique centers, I think you’ll find this post interesting: 10 Vintage Items Often Overlooked & Undervalued at Garage Sales. Happy hunting, friends!

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