Estate - Bummer

This was a bummer estate sale. Was 5th in line a few minutes before opening which had me wondering why no one was there. Appeared that the family had cleaned out a good bit of the house. Everything was priced at $20-25 no matter what it was? I personally saw nothing of value.

Did manage to dig out of the basement this large lovely Brasilian Rosewood bowl by Jean Dobre. Passed on damaged Italy tray cause the quoted price was to high along with a Nymolle Bjorn plate that was priced higher than Ebay. There was a lot of Mexican birds, figurines and pottery all priced 4x that of Ebay. Everything seemed to be priced beyond Ebay which is probably why no one was buying.

The cats are from the worst cat collection I've ever see. Should have taken a photo. The mark was missed on the Baccarat cat which was lucky for me. Plus a pair of wood cats.

While I loved the textile design below, $50 I thought was to much of a risk for a piece covered in cat hair, water stains, a smaller suspicious (perhaps permanent) stain and a fabric pucker. In addition, the fabric would have to be removed from the frame to be professionally cleaned. Have no info on the artist Noss - V. Martius.

Some estate sale bargains can be enjoyed below.

Antiquing In Itsy Bitsy Hell

My friend Amy and I decided to go antiquing in PA. Lordy, girdy-hurdy heaven! All itsy-bitsies! Everything was the same and virtually no furniture. Oh and the prices were surprisingly high.

I only ended up getting three things. A Vera scarf of pink locks and keys, I believe this to be one of her very early designs. Trio of German wood angels and a Lamont linen tea towel.

Other then waking up at 5:30 am it was a fun day of looking at junk and eating a humongous pretzel. But you won't find me going back!

Here is some of the things we saw. I really wanted the Emsa Germany breakfast set cause I love plastic and orange. The Wiinblad poster was priced retail at $225. As you can tell modern was slim pickings.

Besides the Christmas booth (were I found the Vera scarf) the fox and lion were my favorite sightings. This woman sold vintage Lea Stein jewelry and contemporary French plastic jewelry. She said new designs were cut from old stock Galalith (similar to Bakelite.) Below are examples of French artist Marie-Christine Pavone's work.

Thrift - Fondue Time

Went late as usual and can't believe that this Cousances fondue pot was still there but maybe it had just been put on the shelf? Several folks pointed out to me the bottom stand is upside down-oops.

Some cute little hankies these may have not be a good buy? A Mickey Mouse mug. A wood type puzzle for those text lovers SOLD. Three vikings a rare find for me. Black one is SOLD. The man and lady ones are SOLD. And a little Daum France signed glass bird SOLD.

Below are some Libby cork storage jars with original labels SOLD. Vintage jute from Carolina (remember the days when Carolina used to be a textile manufacturing hub? ) for macrame or those hanging macrame baskets (11 rolls total). And a purse for the sis.

Thrift Part I - Another Scale & Another Mug

At my fave thrift found The Bellevue tin, made in England. Another corked jar. A very cool large Terraillon scale, made in France. Huge Schmidt chest tin, made in Germany. A Holly Hobby-esque mug. Older Scottish Patterson's shortbread tin back before Britain went metric (oops, the thrift store charged me 10x the price)

A Pennsylvania Dutch style tablecloth and a Vera tablecloth.

Thrift - Belgium Jars

Not a crazy day at thrift. Picked an orange fondue pot for my sister-your welcome. Worn Denmark orange spoon for 10 cents. Another Tiki mug made in Japan. For Sale

Vilac "Noddy" car made in France (found a wood Vilac apple bank last year) Can't say no to little wood toys! Ran into my glass guy, he mentioned he purchase a 1930ish mixer pre-electic for $25-didn't get to see it but I would guess it's a little earlier.

Three 1970s large glass apothecary jars-2 made in Belgium found at GWill. For Sale

Estate - German Sale

Our second estate sale was a German family. The son talked about how difficult it was to sell his childhood toys and that his mother would be upset when she returned to her empty house.

The red desk lamp was the the son's he used to study by. He said it was designed by Fritz Hansen and made in Sweden-I didn't think it was slick enough to be F. Hansen. It's actually an L-1 version by Luxo made in Norway, circa 1970's. Originally designed by Jac Jacobsen in 1938 it's still in production today. It's a lovely working lamp unfortunately with a crack on the base, sadness. SOLD

I rescued a custard yellow Arabia Finland "Teema" or is it "Kilta"creamer vinegar cruet designed by Kaj Franck. It has a huge chip on the bottom. Fortunately, I recognized the matching egg ring. Production 1950-55. The son said there had been a whole Teema set but over the years accidents happened, sadness. Heavy bright yellow enamel creamer, maybe French. SOLD

http://collections.vam.ac.uk

This would make a great tablecloth 3 or 4 yards of neon green "Scallop" tiki style textile by Carol Baldwin Odell 1974. I haven't found any info on the artist-please comment if you do.

My sister picked up a vintage ski sweater, Vera slip and hats (see last photos) Plus, a 1952 W. German puzzle "The Animal Fair" by American illustrators Alice and Martin Provensen. All in all, I think it was a pretty good day of finds and hopefully I'll list things very soon.

Vera

Estate - Poopy Sales

Went to two advertised mid century estate sales this morning. Made me realize why I haven't been to one in months. Rosewood sofa set for 2 grand, really? The houses were empty too. It seemed more like a moving sale. For my sister I picked up a pair of black kid gloves, made in France by Baltman & Co.

And a pair of Taylor & Ng mugs, had to pass on a damaged duck mug. Turns out the cat is rare. Both SOLD.

Paper mache pigeon signed Mateos, Tonala Jal(isco), Mexico. SOLD.

Blue enamel Turkish pot. I'll have to sell these just to make up the gas money.

Charlottesville Road Trip

The hubby and I celebrated out 10th anniversary at Mas Tapas in C-ville this year. Driving down Route 29 we stopped at numerous antique and junk shops. Here's a helpful hint, if something in an antique store is marked at least $10 or $20 they will usually give you 10-20% off, just ask. Or if the owner of the stall happens to be present they are usually happy to bargain.

In the back is a yellow "man food" tray that I still need to clean by Chein Co., made in the USA. The illustration reminds me a little of pop artist Peter Max. SOLD

Herb illustrated linen tea towel signed "by hand wert" Found this info on Ebay: "Country Print by robert darr wert was hand printed and hand assembled by out neighbors who work with us in our barn workshop-set among the hillside ledges, wood lots and pastures along the peaceful Connecticut in in Gill, Massachusetts." Wert died in 1966. Mom freshly laundered it for me. SOLD

Royal Haeger matte brown vase 7.5"h, factory is still based in Illinois SOLD. A children story book in very good condition with bright illustrations. The hubby picked up a Civil War book.

A Raku lion with an illegible stampSOLD. It reminds me a little of Lisa Larson, ha ha. A Rosenthal Studio Linie white china cup & saucer by Finnish designer Tapio Wirkkala SOLD.

Taylor & Ng "Elephant" mug SOLD. A little glass troll by Bergdala of Sweden.

Below are a 1950-60's matched pair of circus clowns for ring toss game marked "Made in France" Bojensen style soldier see original in background. A favorite is the 1955-65 stamped "Bennington Pottery Design of Vermont" lidded jar with wood dowel designed by David Gil.

Thrift - Raymond Peynet plate

So I returned to my Old Biddie thrift today, hoping they might have more mid century items and what luck, they did! I found a small but weighty German butter pan with rosewood handle.

A signed trinket box from Mexico very much in the style of Ken Edwards. I'm unfamiliar with the artist signature and know little about Mexican art or craftsmen. For sale on my Etsy site. I looked at that Wiirkala vase again, sigh.

But my most favorite find was this $4.50 Rosenthal Studio Linie pin dish or coaster by the French illustrator Raymond Peynet. How could I resist the squirrel?

Thrift - Yuck! Fur

Mink collar I found for my sister at the bottom of a bin. In good knick but going into the freezer. SO Gross!

Found all of the following at my Fave thrift store. Heller white plastic ice bucket by Italian designer Sergio Asti. I have a yellow one but it has a crack. Circa 1970's. SOLD Unsigned little pottery piece with interesting green & metallic glaze. Probably nothing special.

Digsmed of Denmark teak & brass nutcracker. I didn't realize until getting home it come with a teak nut-board. Which I find a week later. SOLD Yet another blueplate from Denmark. I don't know why I pick these up? Made by Desiree designed by Mads Stage depicting Hans Christian Andersen's "The Snow Queen" Company now defunct.

One of my favorite finds is this little wood apple money bank & it still has the key. Made by "Vilas" their banks are usually brightly lacquered red & yellow apples, pears, owls, and mushrooms. It's strange that this one is unfinished SOLD.

I can't resist German pottery even if it isn't even my style. White bisque Dogwood vase made by Kaiser of Germany, designed by artist Michaela Frey. Numbered 652/7. Circa 1970's. Kaiser made really cool Op Art vases too. SOLD.

3D textured stoneware pot signed "Freud" (pictured below) It has a glorious translucent turquoise glaze on the interior. Late 1960-1970's. Tiny hand painted wood clogs from the Netherlands. Circa 1950-50's. Set of 10 wood and brass rivet hor d'ourves forks. Just cleaned & oiled. SOLD.

Thrift - My First German Vase

It's a German week! Stopped by some thrift stores before the German estate sale. Didn't find a lot of things but some real goodies.

My first W. German vase "Jura" by Scheurich. Stamped "232-20" "W.Germany" Was kind of grimey and had to wash it (Hi Dunja) The company was founded in 1954 by Alois Scheurich. Haven't found much info on it yet but certainly love it!

Grass lamp shade. I'm sure, I'll find the lamp for it. Brown Creuset made in France. Don't think it's ever been used. I have an orange one that Mom bought at a car boot sale in London a couple years back.

Rosenthal of Germany

A $4 Rosenthal of Germany "Studio Linie" gold porcelain trinket box. "Quatre Coulerues" designed by Bjorn Wiinblad, 1960 (I have a broken vase in this series.) It was all sticky and yellow grimey before I washed it. I think, I kinda scuffed the gold top. It's listed as rare? This is a fave score for me-I love it!

Vintage glasses. Cause one day I'll eventually find 8 of each. Free Japan rabbit from the German estate.

Thrift - St. Andrews Abbey Plaque

"Last Supper" St. Andrews Abbey

So I'd been looking at this large ceramic wall plaque at my fave thrift for a few weeks now trying to remember where I'd seen it before and drawn to it's obvious mid century style. Plus, wondering how long before it breaks.

Then one night, I remembered it from St. Andrews Abbey in Valyermo, CA. Designed by Father Maur Van Doorslaer who grew up in Flanders Belgium, he went on to study decorative art in Ghent before entering the monastary. The plaques where designed in 1965 after a visit to study Mexico's folk art. Identified by the large-eyed abstract figures and flat, rough clay used for the handmade pieces. Each section is hand-glazed in different colors. The back is impressed with the abbey's mark.

This particular plaque is a little different from the current design and it's colors are brighter. I would guess to say it's at least 20 years old. It's in excellent condition with the exception of two chips to the bottom rim but they are not very noticeable.

When I returned to the store it was still on the shelf, this never happens for me! For Sale

Thrift - "Erika" Lamp by Noomi Backhausen and Poul Brandborg

Not the best week for thrifting. Walked out of most places empty handed. All the stores were busy, maybe they are hit hard? Plus, I don't know what it was about this week but everything seemed to be from Ikea.

At my fave only picked up a stack of 1960's flash cards. No graphics or pictures except for the math box and the ones lying out. And a small Longaberger basket signed "1986" with nice detailing to the copper handle rivets. 25 years, I guess, these things do last. Probably just go in the bathroom.

"J'aime Paris" (I love Paris) mugs. Made in Staffordshire, England by "Kiln Craft" 1980's. Sold in the first day, huh.

"Erika" series lamp by Noomi Backhausen and Poul Brandborg

Had to rescue this Arabia of Finland "Linnea" bowl with cracked rim. Has a blue leaf border design. Don't know the designer, I suspect, this might have been sold at Crate & Barrel a long time ago?

Here is proof that you shouldn't give up even on the worst & most overpriced thrift stores. Visited the scary warehouse backroom where the furniture is sold. All of it is piled into rubbish heaped mountains of the cheapest & most damaged furniture you could hope for. Spotted the danish stoneware lamp but it was without a price, while waiting for staff, I glanced around at other lamp prices. 80 dollars, 90 dollars, a small glass Ikea (again) lamp with that stupid "hand blown glass" sticker(does it count as handmade if  made by slave workers & are they actual artisans?) marked 30 dollars! Yikes!

So the stoneware lamp belongs to the "Erika" series designed by artists Noomi Backhausen and Poul Brandborg in the early 70's. Stamped "Soholm Stentoj" "Bornholm Denmark" "Handmade" Quite a heavy piece. I'm unfamiliar with this type of harp? Probably will sell this since, I might be able to pack it reasonably well?

Current piece by  Kosta Boda "Atoll Votive" designed by Anna Ehrner. It's very oversized and heavy. They retail for $50. For Sale on my Etsy site

Passed on a Ken Edwards mug since I was unsure about the "KE" signature and if it'd be worth anything, oops. I'm sure, it'll be gone by my next visit.

Also passed on 3 Couroc "Fishing Village" glasses at GoodW. And why does stuff cost twice as much at this location compared to the one by my house?

"Linnea" Arabia of Finland

Thrift - Huge Pawn Teak Shakers & Post-Modern Nan Swid

Ernest Sohn "Copper & Color Coffee Set" image courtesy of MODish.net

"Tawny Owl" & "Mourning Dove" French Bird Calls

The black handled creamer is part of an early Ernest Sohn line marketed under the name "Copper and Color." The Copper and Color line was introduced mid-year 1952. The pieces featured black iron (or painted steel) frames and stands and also had copper covers or lids. The nobs are black painted wood. The white ceramic was apparently offered in a number of colors. I am missing is the coffee pot and stand with sugar bowl. These items only had a foil label on the side and the bottoms are umarked.

Pair of French Oiseaux (bird) calls in slide wood boxes. "Tawny Owl" & "Mourning Dove" Distributed by "Quelle Est Belle Company" Handmade in France. Retail new for $36 each. SOLD

1972 & 1982 Pink & blue cutesy Hallmark plaques. Four vintage orange plastic Tupperware containers, can't decide to keep or sell? Had to pass on a huge bright yellow Tupperware container because it had a melted hole on it, so sad.

Teak Salt & Pepper,  Nan Swid Creamer

Huge pair of chess pawn shaped teak salt & pepper shakers. Because they have such a rich patina & are so heavy, I'm guessing they are 1960's? Signed "Thailand" For sale in my Etsy shop.

Another pair white lotus bowls. Made in Japan. (I'm going to have to sell my collection very soon) "Fairies" book, used to drool over this as a kid though my favorite is still "Gnomes"

Post-modern (that means 80's) tabletop designer & mixed media artist Nan Swid's simply white porcelain creamer for Crate & Barrel. Signed "Nan Swid" "Crate & Barrel." Probably early to mid 90's. Made in Thailand. Company existed from 1982-mid 90's. (Also have a pair of statuesque nickel candlesticks designed by architect Richard Mier for "Swid-Powell Design" purchased 15 years ago.)

Pair of  1960's "On The Rocks" gold drink glasses. Found the matching pair a couple of weeks ago at the same thrift.

Massimo Vignelli designed "Colorstone Sapphire" service ware for the Japanese company Satsuma. Signed "Made in Japan, 1986." Four stoneware plates and six cups & saucers. Mint condition. Absolutely no wear. (Funny, found 2 white cups a couple of weeks ago) He also designed plastic Star Wars stacking plates & mugs for Heller.