Trying to Find Some Vintage Goodies

Lately sourcing has been a struggle. I’m just not finding much at any venue. And that’s always a worry in this biz. Will I stop finding things? Will I run out of inventory? Yikes! Thankfully I’m still eking out a few finds here and there.

First I Didn’t Buy These…

I adore vintage glass advertising ashtrays and this one from the Sands in Las Vegas was fantastic…EXCEPT for the huge chip at the top. Drat! (There was a number of vintage ashtrays on the shelves and I’m guessing someone’s collection got donated.) The brown purse is Dooney & Bourke (needing a bit of conditioner) and the other Etienne Aigner. Both were leather, nicely made, good names, but these styles are not particularly valuable in the resell market.

But I Did Buy These…

This vintage rattan and leather summer purse is a Bara, handmade in British Hong Kong! You don’t hear that very often. It is so pristine I wonder if it was ever used. It’s circa 1950s to 1970s–so Mad Men!

And this vintage 1980s Dooney & Bourke “all weather leather” cross-body bag in the Cavalry Trooper line was a purse I could say “yes” to. Yes, yes, yes.

And I thought this pottery wabi-sabi hand-made cherry blossom pot/ginger jar was a bit wonderful.

And so reminiscent of antique Chinese pieces…

Since purses seemed to be a theme for me this past week, I decided it was time to let go of some lovely ones that I always intended to display, but never did. Time to give them new life. This antique micro beaded one is likely patterned after a rug and is outstanding.

Moving Forward…

When it gets harder to find items for my vintage stores, I know it’s time to switch things up a little–mix in some new sourcing venues (I’ve been hankering to go to some estate sales), be open to different items and definitely spend time learning about more about antiques, makers and trends.

Without a doubt education has proven to be the most important piece in this biz. Time and time again I realize it was a bit of knowledge that made that made the difference in spotting good things.

Here are some simple examples–spotting the English hallmarks on the small gavel at the thrift store and knowing it was sterling silver as well as later being able to find out the maker and exact date. (Paid just under $4, sold for $135.)

The ceramic dog figurine was not marked, but had signs of age including the open bottom that showed the clay had been hand pressed into the mold!! Bingo! I knew that was good. (Paid $10, sold for $100.)

A few years back I learned that vintage trims were sought-after items. These flea market finds were really nice and in good condition. (Paid $5 for all, sold for $200.)

All of these were nice scores, but I have so many areas where I have so little knowledge that I also know I’ve passed up fabulous things out of ignorance. Sheer ignorance. So I’m trying not to get frustrated about my current sourcing struggles and trying to spend my time wisely in other ways…like doing more research. Hopefully that will improve my odds!

Wishing you happy hunting,

Karen