Finally…Time for a Little Hunting

Lately I’ve been diligently staying home and listing older stock in my Etsy store. It’s tedious, but needs to be done. And I’m doing it. But I’ve missing sourcing. A lot! And I finally decided this weekend it was time to let myself have some fun!

The first opportunity just dropped into my lap on Friday morning–a house on my street was having an estate sale. Just 10 houses away. Of course I had to go! Doris had lived there for decades (and decades) and had a houseful of bits and bobs. I was there in the first few hours but the items didn’t excite me. Most seemed to be stuff I see all the time–misc. mugs, worn 1960s silverplate, cutesy knickknacks, newer costume jewelry pieces, QVC-type clothing for mature ladies.

I did find this vintage wool, made-in-the-USA throw in darn good condition with just a few tiny repairable holes.

The worn leather-like tag is similar to Pendleton ones and in the same position. Need to do a bit more research to confirm but even if it isn’t Pendleton, it’s a nice piece. (Paid $10 after negotiation.)

This nice vintage stag horn handle carving set is from Latham-Owen in Sheffield, England. But the knife has some scratches and needs to be sharpened and I rather wish I hadn’t spent what I did. ($20) Still I will come out ahead.

Saturday was our local flea market and I HAD to go this month. My eldest daughter loves this sort of thing too and joined me. (She found some cool vintage T-shirts and shorts for a snip.)

I did not buy much. Which was the plan.

My first buy was a collection of vintage kitchen tools. This seller is a hoot because every time I see him he says that has a friend who looks just like me. (Some day I need to see a photo!) I wanted to buy just the masher but he said “How about all of them for $5?” Done and done!

Okay these 8 little tin canape trays had the coolest designs. Made in 1968 they were offered from The Youngstown Sheet and Tube Company as a promo. I was a smitten kitten. They were unpriced, but I was thinking they’d be $10 for the lot. Instead the seller quoted $5 a tray!!! Yikes! Thankfully said she’d do a discount if I bought all of them. I offered $20. She countered $25. I backed out at that point. I had no intel on these and was worried that it was too much to spend. I said I’d think about them and was set to walk away and she said I could have them for $20. Walking away wasn’t a strategic negotiation move on my part. I’m fairly rubbish at that. I just felt $25 was too much for me to pay.

And I’m glad I didn’t pay more. Years ago some sets only sold for $25 online. Thankfully these seem to sell for more now. And mine are in beautiful condition. So I’ll do okay.

Okay this small Ivory Soap advertising item had age (1920s/30s according to the seller), cuteness and was usable with its knob hanger. But the seller wanted $10. I hemmed and hawed because this was out of my wheelhouse. I held onto it as I continued to look at his other stuff and he added “that’s the best thing on the table.” But he would say that to get me to buy it, wouldn’t he? Frankly it had been piled in a box with a lot of random crap. Not displayed as a “good” item. Still I really liked it and in the worst case scenario I could keep it for myself.

Turns out it has sold for $35 and $95 in the past and is now rather scarce. So shut my mouth, it is good! (Listed for $75.)

And on the free front, friends sent me this delightful Victorian-inspired stand with hands for my store. Back in the day these would hold calling cards and such. This one was likely made in the 1930s/40s as a Hollywood Regency style piece. A quirky bit of fun. (Thanks Gaylord and Judy!)

It was nice to go out and hunt for a little bit. I’ve missed it! And I’m happy with everything I bought this weekend, though I wish I had paid less on a couple of things. Now back to listing!

Wishing you happy hunting,

Karen