Found Me Some Eclectic Goodies

First a health update–despite two family members having recent close encounters with colleagues infected with Covid, we have all remained healthy and testing negative in our house. Phew! Relief all around. But after staying close to home most of the week, I decided to go our local flea market which finally reopened this past Saturday after two rained-out months. Sadly not as many vendors showed up. Still, I found a few bits…some quite out of my wheelhouse!

Flea Market Finds

I got slightly giddy when I spotted this antique papier-mâché Easter egg for a snip. Likely German, though I know nothing about these! Turns out that lace bit around it is known as “Dresden trim.” Listed for $75.

The same seller had this small, heavy (almost four pounds) cast iron lion door stop at $25. And again I know nothing about door stops but Leo appeared to have age and I liked him. I dithered and left without buying him, but came back later 20 minutes later and offered the seller $20 and he was mine.

Door stops first appeared in England in the late 1700s. Made of cast brass, they were used to help prop open the heavy English doors, allowing air to better circulate through homes. The earliest door stops had wooden handles so they could be easily moved. Handles disappeared in the 19th century; by then, cast iron had replaced brass. Most door stops you’ll find today were likely made in America sometime between the turn of the last century and 1940. They hit their peak of popularity during the 1920s and ’30s.

New England Yankee Magazine

Here’s my BIG concern—is this a repro? The seller said “that’s an old one” but did he mean antique-old or 1970s-old. (I didn’t ask!!) From my brief research so far, repros tend to have a rougher texture and certainly mine does seem crude, though most of the wear seems honest. But I am on the fence. I’ve been fooled before with cast iron items. Real or repro? And has he been repainted at some point? Hmmmm. May need to consult an expert.

I was struck by this bittersweet family reunion photo of Black Americans, likely late 1940s/early 1950s. There are few smiles. Mostly looks of resignation and weariness. And with good reason. It breaks my heart.

One of my fav sellers had a tableful of beautiful vases on display in colorful glass and ceramic (for Valentine’s day he said). And there were so many stunning pieces to look at but it was this minimalist artisan pottery piece in a bronzy glaze that wowed me. I often gravitate towards pottery that is more organic and intriguing than pretty-pretty.

Neighborhood Thrift Store Find

My local Goodwill yielded up this Biagioli Gubbio ceramic vase in their red Cesti pattern. Not my style, but a nice thing. Would be perfect in a Maximalist house! Will list for $58.

Online Buys

While I was researching vintage tooled purses, I stumbled on an Etsy listing for this little antique Jemco sweetie for $38 with free shipping. The handle was broken, but I thought I could replace it with a long crossbody strap and perhaps use it for a night out.

Some current listings…

In Closing

So I’m not doing cartwheels over any of these finds. But it was nice to get out for a bit and it’s always fun looking. Wanted to find some jewelry at the flea market, but most of what I saw was new, handmade pieces (nice but not for me) or made-in-China junk jewelry. The “jewelry lady” who brings tons of good vintage stuff was just too crowded. Another guy brings cases and cases of good jewelry, pocket watches, etc, but the few times I’ve asked prices it’s always been soooo high. I rather feel he is too posh for our tiny flea market!

Wishing you happy hunting,

Karen