Listing, Selling and the Last Round of Boxes

Next week I’ll go through the last five boxes at that big private pick. I have so much that I’m still working through from the previous two pick sessions that it seems silly to be buying more right now, but I know this is one of those rare opportunities that just don’t come around too often. Some of this stuff is really old, crazy good and has been in storage for decades.

I’m trying to keep on top of it so every morning I sit at our kitchen table and list three to five items. It’s tedious work. Taking and retaking photos. Cropping them. Researching. Writing descriptions. Measuring. Noting every condition issue. Trying to come up with 13 search terms. Figuring out the fair market value price. It’s surprisingly tiring, but 100% necessary!

What I’m Listing…

Yesterday I listed this antique beaded cushion likely made by the Iroquois or Mohawk in the late 1800s/early 1900s for the tourist trade. At 9.5″ tall it’s bigger than a pincushion or whimsy and in super nice condition other than a small area of beaded loops that need to be stitched back in place and the lightly foxed chintz on the back. It’s surprising heavy and lavish with beads.

My friend at the pick pointed out to me that these were trench art pieces because of the shell casing supporting the crucifix. Well, yes and no! The shell case in the back was from the war…WWI that is, but not made in the trenches. As it turns out Reims Cathedral in France was heavily damaged in WWI and shortly after the war ended starting producing these shell crucifixes to help fund repairs. Still cool old pieces with a bit of history. Listed at $90 for the pair.

Realized I hadn’t listed this small Rebecca Minkoff leather bucket bag that I bought a couple of months ago so I finally did that. It’s in wonderful pre-owned condition.

I did pop into my neighborhood thrift store for a quick minute two days ago. Ran into my thrifting friend Diane and we had a good natter. At the store there were things I would have bought if I didn’t have a backlog of inventory. In the end I did buy this hand-blown glass candleholder made in the West Bank known as Phoenician glass (artisans add substances to the molten glass to create a range of colors). It was just so pretty. Not super old or valuable, but a nice thing. Perfect as we head into longer nights in the Northern Hemisphere when one is inclined to light candles.

What’s Selling…

In the FINALLY category, I sold this piece of Kerr Eby artwork that had been in my store since 2016. Seven years!!! In the end I negotiated on the price and the buyer just left me nice feedback so I’m glad it all worked out.

This sassy little brass (with worn plating) incense burner was a cutie I bought for myself at the flea market last year for $10. I decided I could let her go and she sold in a few months for $30.

These Mappin & Webb silver-plated cordials, circa 1930s, were a great Goodwill find about 18 months ago. I was a little concerned about the buyer for these. He messaged me with some questions and was already telling me he would return them if they had too much plate wear. I was thinking “Geez fella…give ’em a chance. You haven’t even bought them yet!” After they were delivered he sent me this message: “The 4 martini coupes are lovely — everything that I could have hoped for.” He is combining them with two others and a coordinating cocktail shaker and selling them in his antiques store. Glad he was happy with them.

When I bought this “Mechanics of Fluids” 1946 textbook for $1.69 I was hoping it was one that might sell for $40+. Well, it wasn’t and it had condition issues. Still I listed it and it sold in six weeks for $10. Made about $6 profit. Enough for a gallon of gas! 😭

So on Tuesday morning I’ll do my last rummage through the private pick boxes. I am excited. Certainly this influx of goods is keeping me busy. And of all the things I’ve listed from the two hauls, eight have sold. (The Victorian-era woven hair bits have been the hands-down favorite. Three of the four lots have sold.) I am surprised that none of the rosaries have sold yet, but it’s early days.

I’ll close wishing you happy hunting in your neck of the woods,

Karen