My Cheap Vintage Finds [& What They’re Worth] #179
Hi everyone! My sweet daughter attended her Junior/Senior banquet this weekend to be followed this coming weekend by her high school graduation–so much excitement and so many emotions. I’m sure many of you can relate. But that doesn’t mean I plan to abandon my post, no, no, no, no.
However, I’m reorganizing my blogging schedule (did you know I had one?) because on Wednesday, I’m introducing a new monthly feature. I and six other vintage DIY bloggers, calling ourselves the Thrifty Chicks, plan to hold a monthly, themed makeover event, and that’s scheduled for this Wednesday.
So today, I’m sharing some recent vintage finds, and you’re not going to believe it, but I didn’t pay a single dime for any of them(!). Not too long ago, we ran into an estate sale late in the day, and while we perused the offerings, the organizer shouted out, “Everything is free now!” Be. Still. My. Heart. A junker’s dream come true. And of course, it doesn’t get much cheaper than free, right?
When the estate sale sellers said everything was free, they meant it, including this attractive tea and coffee service (cost: free, value: $55.00+). The back-stamp “Eales 1779 EPNS India” indicates the set is silver-plated. EPNS stands for Electro-plated Nickle Silver. I have a difficult time selling almost any kind of silver plate, so I’m considering breaking up the set because I think it will sell faster that way.
This interesting, over-sized safety pin measures about 5″ (cost: free, value: $5-6.00).
A brass hanging rack that I began polishing on the one end (cost: free, value: $12-15.00). Read about how I clean brass here.
A large brass tray (cost: free, value: $35-40.00).
A 1960’s amber crackle glass pitcher measuring about 5″ (cost: free, value: $10-15.00).
You can see the broken pontil mark on the bottom. Learn more about pricing crackle glass here.
An iridescent, purple carnival glass vase (cost: free, value: $18-25.00).
A first edition Better Homes & Garden’s Cook Book, © 1953 (cost: free, value: $15-25.00). Read more about vintage cook books here or get help pricing cook books here.
A men’s faux fur hat–love those ear flaps! (cost: free, value: $8-10.00).
An 80’s men’s valet sorely in need of a makeover, which I plan to happily give it 🙂 (cost: free).
Final Fabulous Free Find: An old, hand-made box with a brass closure and label holder. I’m not sure how I feel about the “Paint Sprayer” stencil and the top is in pretty rough shape. It may require a makeover (cost: free, value: $18-22.00 as is).
Thanks so much for stopping by and taking a look at my FREE vintage treasures. Happy hunting friends and here’s hoping you find some free goods yourself 🙂
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Bye for now,
Always adding new merchandise!
Love your posts! I think the large safety pin may have been used by a college laundry service. Had one when I was on the swim team, could have stinky clothes washed for free!
Thanks for saying so, Virginia! Interesting take on that over-sized safety pin–thanks for the input–
What junker doesn’t love free stuff. It allows you to expand into picking up stuff you wouldn’t normally. That way you learn about new stuff and expand your junker’s knowledge bank. I encountered several yard sales last weekend towards the end of the day and people would say everything left is a quarter or something similar. You’re helping out that person by relieving them of stuff and they’re helping you out with the price! 🙂
Excellent point, Melissa. Free is a win/win–good for the buyers AND good for the sellers 🙂
FREE!!!! Wow – never heard of anyone doing that. You got some great things too.
It was VERY fun, Kim!
You never cease to amaze me! Great assortment and interesting, too. I had to laugh at the safety pin because it closely resembles my old diaper pins! 😊
When I was about 11 years old I had a kilt skirt that was very popular at the time, 1960’s. It had a safety pin identical to that one that held the skirt together in the front. Mine was red and beige plaid! Loved that skirt! Great find!
I realize it was not most likely a diaper pin, but it did make me think of them. I pinned diapers on 5 babies, so guess I have the image engraved in my head… 🙂 I know the skirts you say and always thought they were “cool” but never had one. She finds the neatest things!
How cool it THAT!?! FREE!!! My kind of word.
Agreed 🙂
Dear Diana…Free, honestly—you have the Thrift Fairy on your shoulder all the time. The large pin—is probably from the late 50’s early 60’s. Kilt pleated skirts were popular at that time-and the Pins were used to keep the skirt front from opening. Often they had tassels, attached and sometimes school charms. Very nice lot you found, thanks for sharing, Sandi
Oh my gosh, Sandi, you had me laughing out loud with Thrift Fairy–I LOVE it!! The kilt pins that I’ve seen have had a slightly different look (double bars on the closing end), so I wasn’t sure if that’s what this one was?
You had me laughing out loud with “Thrift Fairy”–LOVE it! I wasn’t sure about the pin because the kilt pins I’ve seen looked a bit different (double bar on the closure end), but it is the right size…
Wow! Did you luck out! When I have a set of anything that I think might sell better separately, I price them that way, then add a slightly lower price for the whole set. I HATE separating anything that has been together for THAT long!! That man’s valet would be awesome in a military blue or dark green! I’d fill that brass tray wit1h a variety of candles for a centerpiece on table or buffet for holidays! Your paint sprayer box has lots of possibilities! Great finds.
Great ideas all the way around, Kathy, as usual 🙂 I hear you about the tea set; I’ll have to give the whole things some thought, lol. Thanks for dropping by to chat!
Yay for you, Diana!! Love those old chests and boxes. Anxious to see your make-overs!
Thanks Naomi! Hopefully, I’ll get a chance to work on them soon 🙂
Wow, I can’t believe you got all that for FREE!!! How awesome!
Tania
Crazy, right?!!
I applaud you!
Thank you!
Wow – that is some awesome stuff! I’m a sucker for vintage and I cannot imagine getting some for FREE! Congrats!
Thanks Cindy! It was a lot of fun–I hope it happens to you someday 🙂
Oh, my goodness… free!!?? I would have lost my ever loving mind. That would be my dream come true. You got some great stuff. The hat is great. The tea set is AMAZING. The amber pitcher is beautiful.
Ha ha! Here’s hoping you come across a free one someday soon, Carrie 🙂