Thursday, June 30, 2011

Paul McCobb Planner Group Desk



Every garage sale season I find something like this and it makes all of it worth it. This is a wonderfully fabulous way cool Paul McCobb Planner Group Desk! It's had a not so good restoration done to it so I'm thinking this will be my summer project. Can I bring it back? I'm hoping so!! The real question is how did a Paul McCobb desk manufactured by Winchedon Furniture in Massachusetts go from a hotel in Shanghai, China to our little Mid-western town?

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Talking Pictures



What a great way to document the personal history of people's lives.

Paden City Pottery Dinnerware Set

This is a great old set of Paden City Pottery dinnerware in the ivy pattern.

Available for sale HERE!

Monday, June 27, 2011

Kodak Bantom RF 35mm Camera 1953 by Industrial Designer Arthur Crapsey


Woha! This is a Kodak Bantom RF 35 mm Camera designed by Arthur H. Crapsey. This bakelite camera was produced from 1953-1957 by Eastman Kodak. Crapsey was a degreed Ceramic Designer that joined the US Army Air Corps during WWII. He lost his leg and ended his flying career but began his career in industrial design. The Bantom RF makes 28 x 40mm exposures on Kodak's type 828 special 35 mm paper backed roll film. It features a non-self-cocking 300 shutter and 50 mm f/3.9 Kodak Ektanon lens. Because I am not able to verify the working condition of the camera I have it priced to sell.

The Bantom RF is available for sale HERE!

SOLD

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Elle Pottery Plate


And people wonder why I garage sale! ;) Tisk, tisk I have a Norwegian Elle Pottery Plate! Elle Studio produced pottery between 1942 and 1967 in Torkildstranda in Drobak. Elle was lead by Tor Samuelssen.

SOLD

This Elle pottery plate is available for sale HERE!

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Garage Sales on the Back Roads of Indiana

This is downtown Metz and today is the annual Metz Road Garage Sales. I pass through Metz often and have always found everyone so very nice. You know you're in a very small rural town when everyone waves at you when you drive through. The sales were great and the people just a bit better. Rural areas always yield the most interesting finds and sometimes unexpected ones. I was lucky enough to find an old record player, a funky railroad lamp and New Orleans glassware. Then it was off to the annual Crooked Lake Garage Sales where I found a cute retro set of barware glasses with golfers on them, a Staffordshire mug, Elle Pottery plate and a nice pyrex dish. There were some other goodies as you can see in the photo. Now it's time to kick back and enjoy the afternoon in the sun. I'll sort this out on Monday.





Friday, June 24, 2011

Libbey Cocktail Glassware 1962 "Jewels"

I found these two glasses and thought I'd never in a million years be able to identify them. The only thing I was hoping for was maybe a manufacturer. Sometimes it's just about going to the right place and that place was MODish. This morning I posted this image on my blog there and by this evening I had a great lead.


Their post lead me to Libbey's historical section of their website and I just guessed a year and ta da it's on page 20 of this catalog.

Mid-century Ceramic Drip Pottery Lamp


Do you suppose there is a Lampoholics Anonymous group for people like me? Ok could not resist picking up this lamp and making it available for sale. I would hate to think of it in the garbage. The colors are stunning and it's in good working condition. It's available for sale HERE!

SOLD

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Bitossi Art Studio Danish Modern Ceramic Base Lamp

I suppose I have mentioned I am a confessed lampaholic. But who in their right mind could resist this gem? It's a gorgeous ceramic Danish Modern lamp in warm greens and just a hint of rust that contrasts perfectly with the teak table it's sitting on. It took me a little while to identify it but finally found the matching lamp on Ebay and it was marked by Bitossi Art Studio.



Wednesday, June 22, 2011

ArtFire Shop Announcement

Don't worry Etsy and Ebay I still love you. We will be opening a vintage shop on Art Fire at The Garage Sale Archeologist in the next week. We will still sell at our other venues but simply wish to diversify our locations on the Internet. Please check us out for Mid-century, Eames Era, Danish Modern, Atomic and Retro housewares, home decor and furnishings. Our goal is to find cool stuff for cool people at a cool price.

Monday, June 20, 2011

Kovels the Go to Source for Antique and Collectables

This 1991 Campbell's Soup Tureen & Sauce Pan is available for sale HERE!
Kovels is a great online resource for identification, marks, pricing, tips and communicating with other vintage and antique collectors. You have to register to gain access to certain areas but it's free. They also have a premium membership with additional information available. The forums allow you to exchange ideas and information with other members. So the next time you're stumped by all means check out Kovels.

On the front page Kovels lists their Top Ten Collectables for May! The Kovels' Top Ten list is the results of hundreds of thousands of searches that took place on its website during May, 2011. I was pleasantly surprised to see that Number 5 was the Campbell Kids! It just so happens I have a cute little Campbell's soup tureen and a matching sauce pan circa 1991 available on Etsy. The tureen and sauce pan are white with red fleur-de-lis patterns and of course feature the Campbell Soup Kids.

Top 10 for May 2011:

1. Occupied Japan
2. Coca-Cola
3. Red Wing
4. Pepsi Cola
5. Campbell Kids
6. Pairpoint
7. Shirley Temple
8. Howdy Doody
9. Cash Register
10. Bottle Opener

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Georges Briard Owls Glassware Set Brings Back Eames Memories




Sometimes it seems I find things in 3's. When I was visiting in Japan the family that hosted a dinner at their home shared that the number 3 was very lucky in Japanese culture so I am hoping these "on the rocks sets " I have found in the past few days will bring some luck to me and to those who purchase them.

Is there anyone else out there that grew up during the Eames era that remembers all the owls? Well I hit an estate sale of one such collector. Owls, owls and more owls but it was this glassware set by Georges Briard that caught my eye. It sparkled like a jewel amongst all the other owls. The gold is worn here and there but the glasses themselves are mint. And to go with them I picked up the cute little toothpick holder pictered below.


Georges Briard Glassware Set of 6 can be purchased HERE! SOLD

Little Ceramic Owl Toothpick Holder may be purchased HERE!

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Atomic Era Fred Press Glassware Fish Pattern Set of 8


Sometimes I find the coolest things when I'm not even looking that hard! This is a set of fish patterned glassware from the 1950s designed by Fred Press. It's in great vintage condition. Press was a well known sculptor that was born in Boston, MA. But it's his glassware from the 1940s, 50s and 60s that everyone seems to be after!!

This set is available for sale HERE!

SOLD

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

C. Miller 1957 Carafe with Warmer


This is a piece by C. Miller circa 1957 and the stopper has been repaired. I have seen several of these carafes minus the stopper available for sale at the same price without the warmer. I am taking a chance on it. This begs the question would you buy a piece with a small bit of damage? In the case of the stopper, it is a separate piece that may be replaced . Therefore, I made the decision that it has potential beyond the repair. It's not often, almost rare, to have the warmer still in tact. That alone is worth the price of this set.

It's available for sale HERE!

Here are a few tips on detecting ceramic or porcelain repairs. First: don't be alarmed by "crazing". These are small fine cracks in in the glaze and should not be restored. Always look closely at the crazing, if there are inconsistent areas or sections that show no sign of crazing there is a possibility of a restoration and further examination may be needed. Second: run your fingers along the edges and on the surface to check for chips or other subtle changes in the object that may indicate a repair that isn't easily noticed when looking at the piece. Third: a cracked piece will not ring like a bell when lightly tapped. You don't have to tap hard, a light tap with your finger should give an indication if there is a crack. This is especially helpful on opaque ceramic pieces. Fourth: hold the piece up to the light. This is a great way to view delicate porcelain pieces for flaws.

Eames Era Coffee Set




Today I found this very stylish coffee set in mint condition. These are the kinds of items I love to locate. The set hails from the late 60s and possibly early 70s. This set reminds me of the days when Danish Modern and Earthy colors were at the top of the design market. The set is marked "Japan" on the bottom and boasts a pattern that appears to be butterflies. Love this set!!

It's available for sale HERE!

SOLD

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Thrift Store Sales are UP


With so many retail businesses struggling with the economy there is one bright spot. Thrift store sales are up! According to Commerce Department report thrift stores are enjoying a spike in sales. Not sure if this is good news or time for pause.
One bright spot stood out. The report noted that sales at thrift stores and other merchants selling used merchandise are up by 27.4 percent during the past 12 months.

Saturday, June 11, 2011

NE Indiana Lakes Garage Sales


Today we ventured to NE Indiana where the wonderful folks at Lake Gage and Hamilton Lake had their annual garage sales. We set off to Lake Gage in the fog and rain in hopes of locating some forgotten treasure. It wasn't as busy as it had been in past years but as always the people were hospitable and many deals available. The delightful little garden arrangement in the top photograph was nicely done and thought it may give someone with a small garden space some inspiration. I struck out on the vintage items but did manage to buy an old Notre Dame poster from a man who played football there back in the day and so did his son that graduated in 1996. Since my oldest son also graduated from there we had a nice chat and they gave me first pick on one of the old posters. It should bring a smile to my son's face the next time he visits.




After we finished at Lake Gage we headed to Hamilton Lake where I think everyone in Fort Wayne had converged upon. It was a bit crazy and I gladly gave out directions to several lost city dwellers. I found one vintage swag lamp at a trailer park. It'll need some cleaning up before I share it. I snapped this garage sale sign pic on the way to a sale just outside of town. We met a delightful elderly couple from Ireland. We traded some stories and the older gentleman shared some definite ideas to me about the Brits. No big finds and didn't see any guns for sale but lots of fun memories.

Friday, June 10, 2011

Mikasa Eclipse Sumay Dinnerware Set


Today's garage sale adventure rendered a beautiful mid-century dinnerware set by Mikasa. It's the Eclipse line and the pattern is Sumay. Sorry but this one is off the market as my sister saw it and fell in love with it and who wouldn't??? The set included a service for 8, a serving bowl, platter, fruit bowls and a coffee set. This set would brighten up any kitchen or dining room table. The lady I purchased it from said it was the set she bought when she got married and just didn't have room for it anymore. It's going to a wonderful new home where a whole new generation of memories will be made!!

Thursday, June 9, 2011

1950s Automotive, Industrial, Interior and Architectural Design

Grab some popcorn and enjoy the show. Brings back many fond memories!


Berggren & US Gourmet Cookware Dutch Oven?



Sometimes I find an item and no matter how hard I research I cannot locate the manufacturer or designer. This is a gorgeous piece of enamelware circa the late 60's. I found another dutch oven identicle in style made by US Gourmet Cookware attributed to Georges Briard. This piece fits the style and feel of both. Could it be one of those rare pieces no one else has? I hope so. If you have any idea please share. This is a very high quality enamelware dutch oven and will be listed soon on Etsy.

I was contacted and told that this is a piece by Berggren! SALE PENDING!!!!

This piece is available for sale HERE!

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Garage Sale Season Tips

There are a bajillion posts out there on tips for having and shopping at garage sale so I won't bore you with some of the same old same old. There are really just a few tips to keep in mind when you go and the ones I use religiously. The first thing you need to determine is your purpose. Are you furnishing a room for yourself? Someone else? Looking for period pieces and style? Hoping to pick up a few things for resale? Once you have a defined purpose, and for me it's all of the above, it makes your planning go a little smoother.

The Plan

On Wednesday evening I go to the classified section of our local online newspaper and check the listings. I select one or two that seem to have the most promising items. These are the first places I hit. After that I may only go to one or two more. I'm not interested in children's toys or clothes so I steer clear of these sales. I look for moving sales, estate sales and downsizing sales. I will more likely find mid-century modern at these types of sales. The owners are usually in their mid to late 60's and are a little more willing to sell some of those items they've been hanging on to since they got married in the 60's.

The next step is to copy and paste each address to a word document in the order that I plan on going to. The next step is Google Maps. I then get driving directions and sometimes I take a screen shot of the map as well because of the location of the sale.

The last step is to get up EARLY and arrive at the sale 30 minutes before it opens. Sometimes the owner will go ahead and open up and the dealers count on that. If you get there on time and the dealers have gone through it, most of the really good stuff is gone before it even begins.

After the first 2 or 3 sales anything else you might come across will be dumb luck. I have had a few late day finds and it's always fun.

Most importantly have some fun and always ask about the item when you make your purchase. It's always nice to know the story behind a cool piece. Best of luck to all this season!!!!

Three Piece FENTON Hobnail Lavabo Urn Planter

This was a fun find. I have always been fascinated by hobnail, I love the texture and was delighted to spot this very cool Lavabo by Fenton. Like most vintage glass I have seen it's not marked so I had to spend a little time verifying it as a Fenton piece. Examples and pricing of this style piece { not milk glass } can be found on pages 111, 112 and 116 in FENTON GLASS COMPENDIUM 1940-1970 by JOHN WALK.

Fenton Lavabo is available for sale HERE!

SOLD