Common Courtesy and a Few Good Finds

The other morning I popped into my post office to drop off my one lone order. I walked past the manager who was stocking some shipping supplies and wished her a good morning. As I was leaving she said to me, “All the time you’ve been coming here, you’ve always been the same. So kind.” And she put her palms together and gave me a little bow of thanks. I was flabbergasted and touched. Gosh they must deal with a lot of grumpy/difficult people. I never thought that my little interactions with the staff were anything but common courtesy. But her words made me think…what an opportunity we have to make someone’s day!

A Few Finds

I bought this agate brooch on Etsy to enjoy for a while. I thought the stones were handsome and it was well made. But I became more interested when I read that the piece was signed “Nass.” The seller had buried that info in the description. And it appears they hadn’t researched the name as they would have discovered that this is not a 1920s piece, but a mid-century one by New York City jeweler Max Nass. Similar pieces (though larger than mine) of his have sold for $90-$120. (I paid $33.) Looking forward to wearing it as a pendant.

At my neighborhood thrift store I found a number of pretty Wedgwood china teacups and dessert plates. I tried to locate the name of the pattern while in the store, but was unsuccessful. I dithered about whether to buy it all but in the end settled for two tiny espresso/demitasse cups for $9.18. Turns out the pattern is a discontinued one called “Praze Turquoise.” I find it quite pleasing. Replacements.com are selling them at $23.99 per cup and saucer and since I found no others for sale, I’m listing mine at the same price.

I saw this sweet Japanese china tea service with an image of Mt. Fuji and thought of my 90-year-old dad. He had been stationed in Japan for some time during the Korean Conflict and has fond memories of the country. The set (missing its creamer) was priced at $41 and is in beautiful condition, but realistically not worth much and the hassle of packing and shipping this would be HUGE.

I’m sure I was the only person at the thrift store that morning who wanted this well-loved Victorian-era silver plate cracker jar. It’s not on trend and I know it will take a while forever to find a buyer!

Still I have had some success selling older, quirky silver plate pieces in the past so I decided it was worth a shot. And it would be fun to see it given a new life…perhaps as a container for dog biscuits or as a planter.

In the wee hours of the morning I made an offer on this antique hand-painted wood icon from Ukraine (listed on eBay) and she accepted. (It’ll likely be a month or more till it arrives.) Love the colors used in this.

Coincidentally, I was just reading about Ukrainian “house” icons from a fellow blogger and I’m guessing that’s what this one is.

Such folk icons, painted simply and quickly and sold inexpensively, were generally found in peasant homes. 

David, Icons and Their Interpretation

Religious icons, statues and artwork are one of my categories of interest, though my knowledge is scant. But I pick them up if I think there is any meat on the bone.

Letting Go…

I’ve have been trying to let go of more items from my personal collections as well as inherited bits and decided I could part with one of my uncle’s hats. It’s a classic Dobbs Fifth Avenue fedora circa 1950s/60s. Sadly a bit too small for me to wear. The company still makes a version of this hat that sells for $207.

I rather miss those days when men (and women) wore hats on a regular basis. Everyone looked so classy! (If you love hats, you’ll want to check out my friend Ann’s charming blog about the chapeaux she collects and wears.)

I have kept one of my uncle’s hats but want to find a place to display it. No sense in keeping special sentimental things hidden away.

In Closing

There are lots of good estate sales popping up these days and I want to go, but I don’t need more inventory! Maybe some of you know that feeling. Still perhaps if I curb my buying and limit myself to buying just the best of the best. Well, we’ll see.

Wishing you happy hunting,

Karen