My Cheap Vintage Finds [& What They’re Worth] #176
Hi everyone! Anyone else feeling a little busier than they would like? Seems like suddenly the days have gotten shorter and my to do lists have grown longer, LOL. As I write this, I’m taking the time for a fresh cup of coffee and some lunch–both of which I sometimes skip in order to just keep working. I’m so glad for all my special blog friends who make writing this blog such a deep and genuine pleasure for me. And since I know my vintage finds are one of your favorites, it’s always a joy to write about them. Today’s post is filled with some of the treasures I hunted down this past Saturday at the [huge] neighborhood-wide sale I attended on Saturday with my sweet husband. Enjoy!
At one sale, the sellers had a box of silverware, each piece sold separately, so I picked out these six pieces (cost: 25¢ each, value: $3-6.00 each). I normally stay away from silver plated flatware, unless I want to use it for a project, but at this low price, I picked out a few items that I thought would sell–the butter knife (far right) and the baby spoon (third from left), in particular. Serving pieces will also sell if priced correctly, but the center spoon may be sterling. It is light, unmarked, and quite beautiful. As soon as I get the chance, I’ll have it tested at the coin shop I sell all of my scrap silver and gold to.
At another sale, I picked up a small tin containing about ten band-less watches, plus this one that still had its band, all for a dollar. I have a small stockpile of watch parts that I use for various projects, but before I added my newly found watches, I checked each carefully to see if any had been made by a famous manufacturer. No such luck. However…
The buckle on the watch band is made of 1/20–12K gold, which means that it’s gold-filled, so it will bring in a few bucks. Gold-filled means it has a thick coat of solid gold applied to a base metal, probably brass since there’s some verdigris. It’s value is roughly equivalent to Sterling silver.
The back of the other watch indicates that it is gold plated, which if true, must be white gold since it’s silver in color. Again, may bring a couple of bucks.
I bought this mostly because I liked the tag(!), but they’ll come in handy at some point, I’m sure (cost: 50¢).
An assortment of vintage hooks (cost: 25¢ each).
A metal milk jug carrier (cost: $1.00, value: $15-20.00).
Metal and leatherette “Private Eye” opera glasses (cost: 25¢, value: $10-15.00).
A copper and leatherette beverage tray (cost: $1.00, value: $10-12.00).
I’ve been wanting a fun, 1970’s era set of dishes, and I stumbled upon this set of four place settings, mint in the box, Royal China “Monterey,” with three extra dinner plates and a cream and sugar. At the price they were asking, I simply could not pass them up (cost: $5.00, value: $10-15.00 on a very good day!!).
The mark.
An antique gavel (cost: $2.00, value: $28-35.00).
A bunch of vintage yardsticks to add to my ever-growing collection (cost: 50¢ each).
A pair of Lufkin brand folding rulers (cost: $1.00 each, value: $10-12.00 each).
A vintage quilt or blanket rack (cost: $2.00, value: $25-30.00).
A large display (cost: $10.00). I plan to use this next fall during the Shaker craft fair I participate in every year.
Final Fabulous Find: A great old “United Drug Co.” crate (cost: $5.00, value: $40-50.00). Interestingly, United Drug Co. was a precursor to Rexall Drugs. I’m going to give it a rub down with some Howard’s Feed-N-Wax to bring it back to life.
Believe it or not, the back of my van is still filled to the brim with more of last weekend’s buys. I will post about them slowly but surely. Thanks for hanging out with me and taking a look at my loot 🙂
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Bye for now,
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That crate was a steal at 5.00 and my favorite of the day!
You always have great finds and I love reading about them and also learning their value. Thanks so much for posting. Have a great day. 🙂
Does the display shelf have a “hollow” back so that you can pack stuff in/around it? I have a plastic spice shelf that I use that way and it is a really good use of space. Itching to see what you do with the quilt rack. I see a pastel chalk paint finish! The metal milk crate brought me back to college days; I had one stuffed full of LPs with a pillow on top for seating in my dorm room! Still use it as a step stool now and again! The crate is fantastic!
You always find great things…the crate is amazing…and the display will be perfect for you!
Nice finds! I like the little standing butter knife. My mother enjoyed finding those at flea markets and ended up with a small collection!
Hi Diane,
I have a copper and leatherette serving tray with green leather, just like yours. I bought it in the 60’s at a copper party I hosted. The label on the bottom says “Coppercraft Guild” Taunton, Mass. Nice to know it is worth something. Thanks for sharing your finds with us. I do love them.”
I love the United Drug crate and the metal milk jug carrier. Can’t wait to see the rest of your loot!
Oh! I love those dishes!!
Tania
I especially love the folding rulers. The yard sticks come in a close second. I’m still amazed at the tiny prices you pay for such wonderful stuff.
I don’t think I could part with that crate! I don’t know why, but I just love butter knives and pick them up when they are the right price. Love the folding rulers and yardsticks too. Nice treasures.
Once again, I see that you are buying the same type of things I buy. It is really fun to see that there is another kindred spirit out there that sees beauty in the ordinary, utilitarian things from the past. Thanks for sharing this with us, it is inspiring!
I always pass by old watches even if marked as affordable. Where do you sell your watch parts?