Posted by Every two years my city holds a citywide yard sale day and my eldest and I have a tradition of going together. But this year’s treasure hunting was a bit of a disappointment. We had mapped out a number of “must-visit” sales amidst the 100+ only to discover that some folks had decided not to set up! Other locations we highlighted because the yard-sale map depicted several sales in walking proximity, again to find just one home had set up out of four or five listed on the street. We were scratching our heads. Why had so many people signed up but not followed through? And frankly some of the sales we did find were just not that interesting. Lots of worn clothes, shoes, used juicers, cheap Christmas decorations, sports equipment, junk jewelry, or bits of crystal and decor priced too high for a yard sale.
Overall it just seemed tougher this year and after driving around for a couple of hours and visiting 15 to 20 sales, we threw in the towel. In the end I spent $42.
My Favorite Yard-Sale Finds of the Day
I adore art and am always on the lookout for interesting and authentic pieces. This framed (and triple-matted), signed print titled “The Drumbeat” by Ugandan artist Paul Nzalamba fit the bill. It’s a striking, colorful image based on an original batik textile by the same artist. I won’t mind this piece hanging around for a while! It’s so joyful. I’ll list this for $175.
The old small bronze bell (missing its clapper) also appeared to be African inspired. The woman selling it had some interesting vintage embroidered textiles, but the pieces I wanted were priced at $125 and $60 (yikes!) and I knew there was no money left in them. Then I spotted this weird metal guy on one of her tables amidst the tea cups and mass-produced resin collectibles and thought he was worth a gamble. Something about him was just good. Maybe you know that tingly feeling.
At home I Google Lensed him and it turns out it’s likely a vintage/antique Benin or Yoruba bronze. (These typically sell in the $$$.) It definitely has some age, is not mass produced, and the head shape/design looks right compared to others, but more research is needed. Still I am very pleased with this interesting piece.
I also bought a couple of vintage beaded purses. This black one from Hong Kong is my favorite. So classy. So 1950s/60s. Generally beaded purses do not sell quickly for me, but they do sell and this year alone I’ve sold five, though two of those had been in my store for years.
I sell books because I like books and it is a solid bread-and-butter niche for me. At our first stop a lovely gal running the sale had tons of books that she was practically giving away (25 cents each). This is one of several that I bought. It is a delightful peruse and reminds me of my grandmother. Brand new this sells for $50. I’ll list mine for $35.
So I did find some stuff and got to spend time with my eldest which was a treat given her busy schedule. But overall it was a let down for both of us. My friend Beth who also tried her luck at the sales was underwhelmed too.
Wishing you happier hunting!
Karen
Hunting for Vintage 