I’ve Seen This All Before…

Initially I was thinking this would be a fine thrifting weekend. I had good venues lined up (some of my favorites) and I was moderately excited. But my excitement soon fizzled. Nothing grabbed me. At times I thought I’ve seen this all before–the same cloisonné bits, the same Mexican pottery, the same china teacups, the same silver-plate trays, the same ’50s linens, the same ubiquitous made-in-china stuff. There were the same people grubbing around in the goods beside me. The same head-shaking prices. I sighed. I was living the thrifting version of the movie “Groundhog Day.”

I don’t know why it hit me so hard this past weekend but it did. I was expecting to hone in on some good scores with decisive and clear thinking. Instead I felt jangled, wishy washy and even bored. (Bored!!) I didn’t buy much at any venue.

Here are a few of my finds…

In an attempt to buy something different I bought a baggie stuffed with vintage plastic cocktail swizzle sticks for $10.

A few of the sticks are from international locales or defunct businesses. There are collectors for these and folks who want to add a vintage touch to their drinks cart. I’ve split them into two groups of 20+ sticks for $30 each. We’ll see how they do. [One lot sold two days after listing!]

This small wood triptych was so attractive. How could it not be when it’s of the world famous Ghent Altarpiece?! But it’s just printed images, not a hand-painted rendition, so not valuable. Still it would be perfect for a home altar.

Pottery is one of my favorite categories, but sometimes pieces take a long time to sell. Particularly when you don’t know who the artist is. I liked the look of this naive, graphic ceramic pot and for $3 it seemed a no brainer, but I honestly I should have left it behind.

I do buy books for resale from time to time and this 1950s cookbook seemed a good candidate. (Paid $2.)

Turns out it’s for sale online at a wide range of price points. Given the condition of my book (fair to good) with dust jacket (including unclipped price) asking $38 is reasonable. [It’s already been put in someone’s cart…but not purchased. Unfortunately this happens all the time.]

I liked this pretty wool hooked rug (28″ by 18″) found at my neighborhood thrift store. It’s another item that’s a bit different for me. I noticed the rug appeared to have the initials CM in the bottom right corner…and bingo turns out it’s a Claire Murray rug. Brand new it sells for $140.

So a few things. No big scores. Nothing that prompted a happy dance. Hopefully this Groundhog Day feeling won’t dog me for too much longer! I know if I become consistently bored with thrifting and antiquing it will be time to liquidate and close up shop. 🥺

Wishing you happy hunting,

Karen