Thrift - Cheap Thrills From The 1920s (bee's knees)

After a stinky retail-plus priced estate sale I stopped at a nearby thrift and found two more Wendt & Kuhn fish wives, a Shanghai Tang box and a photo album. Figure the album dates from 1910 - WW1 - 1920s. Here are some of the pics, you'll see some naughty pics of knees - for your delight.

Thrift Part II - Artemide Globes

My old biddie thrift was 1/2 off today and it was crazy crowded at 10:30 in the morning! Before even walking through the doors I glanced in the Free Pile and what did I see? Two minimalist Dioscuri hand-blown & acid-etched glass globes. These lovelies were designed in 2000 by Michele De Lucchi & made in Italy by Artemide. They need some cleaning but hopefully, Shapoopy can replace our cheapo Home Depot bug-catcher stairwell lights with these beauts.

Also picked up a pair yellow gooseberry Pyrex bowls SOLD (sigh, I shouldn't buy Pyrex anymore unless its one of the few desirable patterns or in mint condition) Some Swedish style fabric tape. A tiny little Anni 01 Iittala frosted vase designed by Jorma Vennola SOLD. Prob. dates 1970-74 (triangle label was used until 1974)

Thomas(Rosenthal) Germany white tea pot. Continental China was originally designed by Raymond Loewy in 1951 for Rosenthal SOLD. I suspect this is a later production. The lady said they had the tea cups still in the back, hopefully, I can find them tomorrow. Dang, they said they sold em! And an abstract violet fish batik fabric.

Above is a Swedish batik Skord (Harvest) signed Ilse (Swedish textile artist and ceramicist Ilse Roempke aka Ilse Claeson. Besides being known for her textiles, she was also a ceramist at Rörstrand between 1926 and 1938) and an Egyptian batik signed A. Akar. Still need to see if some information can be found on these two. Mom kindly offered to wash these guys for me too.

And how could I resist the large Vernor Panton-esque Op-Art fabric frame. Very 70s. Now to convince Shapoopy to hang it above the orange velvet sofa.

Estate - Faked Vase

Our third and last estate sale of the day. I usually avoid this company because they bring in tons of items and they mark most things retail. Today wasn't any different. Unfortunately, they do almost all of the mid century sales in the area.

Arabia Finland pale periwinkle blue "Ingrid" teacup. I found 4 or 5 a year or two ago. I need to start selling some of my tea cup sets as I have an unbelievable amount. Four vintage girl & boy mice, knee hugger style, made in Japan. SOLD

They were trying to sell these Lagardo Tackett as a sugar bowl and vase. When I mentioned the lid was missing the woman near blew her top. The vase is actually a tumbler. SOLD I picked these up 'cause I have the bowls.

My sister picked up a wallet.

Passed on two "Valencia" Arabia Finland 1960's plates handpainted and designed by Ulla Procope 'cause they were $22 each and I had no way of checking prices. I was tempted as they were very beautiful and probably a mistake to pass! There was some other Arabia dishes that I passed on as well.

We stopped at the thrift store and I found two little red Swedish pigs candle holders.

All Sweden

All of this belonged to a lady who emigrated to the U.S. in 1946 from Sweden. She eventually opened a business importing Swedish crystal and Scandinavian furniture.

Lisa Larson "Lotta" Kid series figurine for Gustavsberg, 1962-79. SOLD

Pair teak and wicker bread baskets, stamped "Made in Sweden." The little delicate white S+P and sugar shaker are by Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg, I believe these to be quite uncommon. Unfortunately the salt has a hairline crack.  SOLD

Huge "Paprika" vase designed by Anna-Lisa Thompson (1905-1955) in 1948 for Uppsala Ekeby, Sweden. All hand incised. It weighs 12 lbs! The plan is to sell this but I'm unsure how to mail it safely.

Danish teak sculptural lamp by Ernst Henriksen, still wired for Sweden. SOLD More Spisa Ribb plates but these are seconds.

Thrift - Royal Copenhagen Teacup

After the estate sale I stopped at a GoodWill and another thrift store. A second Sandra Boyton stress mug. I keep buying these and I haven't sold even one. 1969 Royal Copenhagen of Denmark teacup for 25 cents. SOLD And my second Heller - Vignelli loaf pan. SOLD

Thrift - Syracuse Restaurantware

First time, I've ever found a little Dansk spider candle holder at a thrift store. It's later production since it's stamped Taiwan SOLD. Unused hand-printed linen tea towel by Rodriguez, Australia SOLD.

Lilian Vernon "Winter" tile SOLD. Snoopy mug, made in USA. My third Big Hug Mug. SOLD And 4 Syracuse China restaurant plates, I have no info on the pattern. Production date U-4, April 1940. Onondaga Pottery Company. SOLD

Estate Score! Arne Jacobsen Cylinda Fondue

On the way to the Post Office I happened to pass an estate sale with the worlds small signs. But boy, was it it worth it! Saw this baby from across the room! It's Arne Jacobsen's stainless steel 1964-67 "Cylinda Line" fondue pot for Stelton Denmark. 

Originally designed in 1952 by world-renowned designer Eva Zeisel, is the "Classic Century" teapot this is a current version marked Crate & Barrel, made in England. SOLD A small matte white "Van Briggle" of Colorado Springs pot I picked up super cheap! Guess, it pays to watch "Antiques Roadshow" on occasion. SOLD  

A silk scarf made in Italy for the sister. And the Richard Scarry book for myself. I hope to one day find some of his Big Books because they were a favorite as a child.

Thrift - Bahhhhh

By far my fave find today was the ram and his ewes! Even has a black sheep. Nice box frames that someone made. I can't believe no one picked this up!

Otherwise, there seems to be a drought on for really cool stuff. Teeny tiny 1960's Tensor lamp. SOLD

1969 Royal Copenhagen Blackberry vase, I paid too much. SOLD Russian doll missing baby. Homemade 1960's hand crocheted card basket. 1960's Napco mini Santa mugs, made in Japan. SOLD. Handmade Virgin Islands straw ornament. And in the background an 1960's electric hot plate. I love how they tried to jazz it up by using the iron Dansk candleholder, ha ha. SOLD.

Thrift - The Blahs

Don't have much time but here's a photo of some thrift finds. Pair Taylor & Ng mugs SOLD. Donvier ice cream maker, I've already sold a few SOLD.

1981 made in Japan trash can. Made in Japan hanging bird plant pot SOLD. Porcelain heart box made in Germany SOLD.

Orange Tupperware container, made in USA. 'Twelve Days of Christmas' glasses in box, never used, made in USA. SOLD

Good quality basket for $5 for the garden. USMC Couroc tray SOLD. Recipe tin, made in USA. Christmas pin dish. SOLD Four Vera Christmas napkin rings, made in Taiwan. SOLD

Estate - Raymond Loewy 'Plaza' Form 2000

So I threw in a bid for a set of Rosenthal plates from Thursdays estate sale (Heller plates & IHQ teak tray) and won! I made my poor husband stop on the way to the in-laws to pick them up.

"Form 2000" was designed by industrial designer Raymond Loewy in 1954. He did the "Plaza" illustrations in 1961-64. I don't think set has been used since Nixon because of the old newspaper stuffed in the teapot.

Likely a luncheon service because I can't imagine a man eating his roast beef amid doves, flowers and streamers. Hidden behind the large coffee pot are 17 saucers without teacups. Now, I don't know if this person broke 17 teacups or what? The agent did mention the attic is still packed with boxes so I have high hopes. Set includes; coffee pot, tea pot, vase, ashtray, large oval platter, 2 round platters, 4 dinner plates, 12 salad bowls, 12 lunch plates, and 17 saucers.

Overpaid for these lotus bowls and got home and discovered more than half of them are chipped. That's what happens when your in a rush. Likely used for desserts. First time, I've seen them with 12 saucers so that's kinda neat.

Thrift - Bjorn Wiinblad Glass Candlestick

After the estate sale stopped at 6 area thrift stores. Also got caught in a massive flood which gave me a nasty cold, bleh. Half of them I found nothing and in one I found most of the items.

Retro 80's 'Caffeine Meter' mug. Boynton 'Furry Christmas' cat mug. Paid $1 for 'Informal' Iroquois China, by Ben Seibel has a chip in the spout but this is probably as close to I'll ever get to this line. Swedish cheese slicer, milk glass vase and glass & cork bottle.

Two 1960's handmade Heath ashtrays. I've only found Heath ashtrays and half the time they are damaged. Perhaps Heath was not popular this area or too expensive? SALE Swedish Reijmre glass owl. SOLD in minutes

Found an old printer drawer or shadow box for 4 bucks so the hubby can display his bullets. Have to take a photo of it...

Cute illustrated German schnapps cup by Susanne Dolker. Where is the bottle? My favorite, a Bjorn Wiinblad glass angel candleholder for $5. Marked 'Rosenthal, studio linie' (the other candle stick is a short angel with wings but where is it?) Iittala beer mug (my third) SOLD Never used German Melitta coffee pot. Paid too much but I can't resist 'em.

Thrift - Dorothy Thorpe & Rorstrand

Saw this Dorothy Thorpe style bar set last week at GoodWill and balked at the price. When I went back a couple of hours later it was in an Etsy-iers cart. But when I returned today there it was on the shelf! SOLD

Two vintage 'Better Homes and Gardens' cookbooks. Pair of recent kitsch owl and Japanese doll mugs, made by Jewel Japan SOLD. Porcelain Mallard by Royal Dux, Bohemia (I think, it's dated 1962) Four 'Sophisticate' teacups & saucers by Mikasa, 1985-87, attributed to Ben Seibel in my reference book.

Current tomato-red Grobal baby planter designed by Karim Rashid (peice of junk as it faded in a year. Pair 'The Black Horse Tavern 1794' wood and cork coasters, Japan sticker on back.

And below, at my old biddy store I discovered four Rorstrand of Sweden handpainted 'Fokus' teacups sans saucers, 1970-79. Maybe I'll get lucky and the saucers will show up later. At this thrift in the past, on two separate occasions, I found matching Rorstrand 'Picknik' bowls and teapot.

Thrift - Owl Pane

Thrift was slow and I was getting desperate and picking up anything. Pyrex butter dish. Tupperware cups. Vase. Owl light catcher pane.

Glass vase. Children books. Tiny Limoges vase depicting William the Conqueror 1066, made in France SOLD.

Thrift - Hello, It's 1985 Calling!

So I stopped by my mom's GoodWill and this is what I found. The coolest phone ever, probably from 1980-85. Made by Crusader this red "My Flower" phone utilizes the petals as the push buttons. You hang-up the phone simply by setting it down. It works too! Has a strange ring that I haven't heard before. I was talking into the petal side and kept hitting the numbers with my ear whilst complaining I couldn't hear anything. The hubby says turn the phone around and use the other end. Duh! Sold.

A large Nissen, Denmark teak cutting board in very good condition. For Sale.

And a sea foam Russel Wright by Steubenville dinner plate. The two other I left because of recent rim chips. There are some imperfections to the rim so they were probably seconds. Originally priced at $4, I asked for 50% off.

The second is a $2 blue gray speckled dinner plate "California Living" by Laurel, 1950-56. Living's design is attributed to Caleb Jackson and refined by Ted Scarpino. Living won a MOMA award for excellence in design. Both for Mom.

Thrift Score - At GoodWill?

I'll never understand the GoodWill by my house. Most times I stop by, the shelves are empty but for HomeGoods and tons of 'Made in China' crap. But today was different.

A horribly tacky 80's ice cream mug that I couldn't resist. A Selandia stainless steel server and a rosewood server, both made in Denmark. I love when materials are mixed.

My best find of the day is the 1959 ZooLine hungry hungry hippo trinket box. The tail looks freshly broken probably at the thrift store. He need a little love. There was a lady standing in front of the shelf and when I saw the hippo, I said 'Excuse me' and shot my hand out in front of her. She gave me that sort of dazed look. Hey, I wasn't going to take the chance she'd see him. The photo is blurry because the light was very dim. SOLD

A lone knife to add to several I have already collected. A blue 1976 Bicentennial Ball jar that I got for the hubby but I just might sell? A loud 1970's stoneware plate signed Mikasa 'Indian Feast, Half Moon' I don't believe it to be by the elusive Ben Seibel SOLD.

A yellow & teak thermos I recognized immediately because I'd just seen it on A La Modern's site. Designed by 'G. Rosendahl, Falkenberg Sweden, Made in USA.' I've seen ones made in Sweden online. The tag on the bottom calls it a 'Keeper' 'International Coffee & Tea' 'Camarillo CA' Otherwise, know as "The Coffee Bean" established in 1963. I can only guess this was sold in stores in the 60-70's. Went back to the thrift store - guilty of crappy condition and beer goggle judgement.

More Bodum glasses -  looked and looked for the cork coasters. And a pair of unused stacking Christmas mugs from the 60's, what great graphics and colors.

A very tall Pinocchio made in Italy. I almost bought one in Cville a few weeks ago. Glad I waited. I have a growing Pino. collection SOLD. A leopard print vase of a lady names 'Emily' signed Susan Paley by Gant. I picked some serious tack today SOLD. Four mid 70's to mid 80's Sandra Boyton mugs. For Sale in my Etsy store.

Ladies, let this be a lesson not to apply self tanner! A funkadelic Skipper doll. Her butt says '1965 Mattel, Made in Japan' Her arms face and legs are a weird yellow and sticky. Her leg is broken, I mean broken as in taped together! Don't know what I will do with her? She was $2 so I said 'what the hell" more beer goggles. Behind her sits a milk glass vase.

Found a second 1979 Chein metal recipe card box that has never been used SOLD. A cute little jam jar. I was attracted to it because of the rattan handle. It's signed on the bottom "handpainted".

A pair a Murano glass paper weights. I think the left one is old. Unfortunately I noticed a crack in it when I got home. The other has a foil label. It's not older than the 80's SOLD.

Three bundles of blue garland tinsel, made in Germany, probably 60's. I think crafters will like it and more beer goggles.

Pyrex From Mom

Stuff Mom is ready to get rid of... Lemon pitcher, made in Italy.

1973 "Potters Wheel" handmade stoneware creamer designed by David Yorath, one of the great Denby (England) designers.

Mom gave me her excess Pyrex in exchange for the pattern she collects "Butterfly Gold" It's not a pattern I care for and probably the most frequent I see at thrift stores. Patterns in photo "Homestead" and "Horizon Blue"

Orange Tupperware container. It might be missing a handle strap. 1997 Pfaltzgraff "Naturewood" creamer and sugar that mom insists I try and sell on "Itsy" SOLD.

Thrift - Lucite Creamer & Sugar

First, I have to apologize for the terrible photo. Today's finds are from my two local thrift stores.

Hiding in the back is a museum-grade acid free archival box with metal corners for large format negatives, photos or storage, impressed Hollinger Corporation, Fredericksburg VA 22401 and still in business today! For my collection a large Hanson postage scale from 1968. Interestingly, it has an older postage rate sticker underneath. Blue Delft crocus pot, handpainted in Holland.

Three adorable Pyrex "Summer Impressions" in Honeydew (light green) mugs SOLD. IDing thanks to www.pyrexlove.com. Pair of children books "Small Pig" by Arnold Lobel 1969 and "The Stupids Step Out" by Harry Allard 1974.

Stack of mint condition pastel colored party trays by Colonial Plastics of Cleveland, Ohio. I already have two that I've been using as drawer organizers. Plus a white book holder from England (a have a dark blue one that I found at the same thrift a year ago) SOLD

This is probably one of the oddest things I've found thrifting. From the old biddy store came this Plexiglass / Lucite creamer & sugar with tray. It reminds me of the 1980's Post Modern Memphis style. It has that handmade quality to it but I haven't found any information. Plus, it couldn't have been easy to make with all those parts for assemble. SOLD