This Week’s Vintage Finds #68
Hi everyone! I hope your week has started well. Over the week-end, I dropped by two thrift stores this week, attended two estate sales with my sweet husband, and bought a few items from other dealers at my [new] shop. So even though we’re still in the deep freeze, I have some vintage finds to share with you. (Okay, the sun did shine yesterday and melt a little bit of snow.)
I bought this postal scale (c. 1968) from the owner of my shop. I almost never buy from other dealers because their prices are usually too high. I follow the rule that says you should only buy merchandise, if you can–at a minimum–4X your investment. I bought the scale for myself, because I really like the large face, so I probably paid a little more than I normally would. He had it marked at $12, but offered it to me for $10, so I said yes. I think it’s worth about $35-40, so I’m pretty close to my minimum (4X).
The off-white cupboard door was just $2 at the Restore, and I’ve got a couple of ideas for it. Even if I just use it as background to show off another piece, it was well worth it. The wooden box on the right was an impulse buy at the shop that I’m kinda regretting. I’m going to see how I feel about it after I clean it up.
It has some compartments inside, which make it more interesting, and one of the side panels (sorry no photo) says “Seedless Raisins,” and that certainly adds to its value.
I believe this small pitcher is another piece of Torquay. I bought a Torquay dish not too long ago, but it was marked on the bottom. This one has no mark. It pictures a little thatched roof house and says, “Fresh from the coo,” which is either a misspelling of “cow” or is the way a back country person from Devonshire (where the pottery’s made) would pronounce “cow.” Worth about $12-15.00.
Here’s the story on this piece: it’s all about the dog. You know how when you’re scolding your child, you use their middle name? Well Xander doesn’t have a middle name, so when he’s bad, I refer to him as the dog. Early one evening, while alone in the house for about an hour, he got into every waste basket, regardless of their actual contents, and poked into every box and bag I had sitting around (and there are plenty of those, let me tell you). He had a grand time ripping open a small box of stencils and knocking over a basket of goodies, which contained the sweetest little child’s tea set. All that remains are the two plates you see in the photo above. My son discovered the wreckage and gave Xander a strong talking to and put him in his crate for a time out. That’s all I’m going to say about it.
I absolutely fell in love with this watercolor the moment I saw it at the Habitat Restore. I think it has strong Matisse and Cezanne qualities. The decorative background, especially, reminds me of Matisse and the bold, outlined fruit of Cezanne.
Signed, “Jane Linton,” it measures 24″ x 30″ framed. I bought it at a very reasonable price and will sell it (if I can’t find a spot in my house for it) for $75-80.00.
I was suckered into buying some silver plate by low, low prices. The simple lines of the water pitcher make it very versatile and the scalloped edges of the two smaller pieces are quite attractive. The hobnail fan vase, manufactured by Fenton, starting in 1941, is a cutie. I used to collect vases of this size, but recently divested myself of them all. This opalescent one is worth about $15-20.00. I’m not sure what the little glass piece on the right is meant to be, but it sure makes a sweet cloche. Don’t you think? It’s a sturdy piece with the number “12” embossed on a small knob on top. (About.com has a brief, but informative article about Fenton.)
Another globe! Because one can never have too many, I guess. Actually, this one is likely going to be sold soon. It was made around 1981 by Replogle Globes Inc. (USA), a well-known globe-making company. I’ve never sold a globe before, so I’m not sure what the going rate is right now. I’m thinking that this wooden pedestal version is rarer than a desktop version, so perhaps it is worth more. If I had to guess, I’d say somewhere around $40.00.
I’ve been looking for the right basket to display some German, paper mache Easter eggs, and I thought this one would be perfect.
Over the summer I bought several of these cardboard eggs, remember?
I stumbled across another piece of Pyrex–a 447 bowl in the Gooseberry pattern. It was pink and cost $1.99 at the Goodwill, so of course I had to buy it. Guess what I learned today? The Pyrex numbers that Pyrex collectors always refer to are not some secret code–they are embossed on the bottom of each piece(!). Who knew? Certainly not me.
I’m not sure where the postal scale’s final home will be, but right now he’s sitting on my peninsula (taking up a bit too much space), but I think he’s happy. I know I am.
Thanks for featuring my post Andrea:
Bye for now,
Okay, you know what I love best? That box! I think it's awesome, Diana. Yesterday while out walking in the neighborhood, I came across a huge pile, I mean really large, of white shutters being thrown out for trash from a renovation – must've been on all the windows (which were replaced). I am still thinking about those……but I really haven't been shopping (in any form) since before Christmas. Very unlike me…..
You're always stumbling across some great goodies every week! I think your booth is going to be very successful, since you're such a great treasure hunter. 🙂
That watercolor is amazing!! It looks like a Matisse!!! And I happen to really be smitten with that wood box!! I would hang it and stock it up with plants! IT is so cool! Happy day to you!! Nicole xo
Oh I love that globe. I just missed a similar one a few weeks ago. Globes sell really well in my booth but I learned that they sell quicker if there is only one globe there at a time. Go figure. You had a great week thrifting!
I always love seeing your finds, Diana…it's like shopping with you! I really love that old box, too and the painting and the scale are favorites, too!
Diana … I think you made some good choices. You will love that old tool box once you clean it up. The wood is nicely aged. It likely had a shallow tray. Look forward to seeing how you display it and the eggs in the basket too. Love the painting too.
I am so ready for Spring.
Audrey Z. @ Timeless Treasures
Hi Diana, Love all your great finds. The scale is awesome and looks great in your vignette on your peninsula. Too bad about the little dish set. Curious pups can really get into some trouble!!
Have a great day!! Think Spring~
Hugs, CM
Wow, you did get a lot! Love that globe and the scale. A little winter weather can't stop you!
xoKathleen
Love the scale and the wooden crate.
What lovely finds! You have an excellent eye for great design. So much creativity.I love your displays and especially the turquoise touches.
Oooh, that pink Pyrex is beautiful!
Is it more fun to find great things now that you have a whole new booth to fill? I'd be in heaven looking for stuff to fill it! Great finds as always! I sold a Replogle desk top globe for $45, so you are in the ball park!
Love all your finds, but truly would buy that watercolor…gorgeous!
Great finds! I love the watercolour, and the silver pieces are gorgeous.
Great Finds Diana. Love the scale and what a great price.
Kris
i saw some similar shaped "nipple covers" as your little glass piece recently on the net somewhere…i don't think they had knobs but it might be a place to start…
I need to get to the Canby restore!!!!
I'm drooling over your scale!!! Thanks for sharing it at the VIP!
Wonderful finds! Love the pink Pyrex and the Fenton fan vase, and the watercolor is fabulous!
Hi Dianna. Lots of great stuff this week. Love your comment on the Pyrex. I never knew that either.
Wooden box love! Also the silver water pitcher. The postal scale looks right at home. Poor, poor puppy sent to time-out.
You found some fabulous stuff! I love that postal scale, it would be really hard to part with. Thanks for sharing your treasures at Vintage Inspiration Party.
You did done good girl! lol! Love the scale and that box. I don't think you'll regret buying it. Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
Awesome finds, Diana, I will be featuring your post in this week's Home and Garden Thursday,
Kathy