Featured Finds Thread

The thrifts here go out of their way to be fair on availability of merchandise. Even employees can not buy when working. Goodwill does siphon the best merchandise to their on-line auctions and are less flexible with pricing. Dealers often do get the good buys, as they are usually first in line and visit often.

Any favor towards dealers/good customers at the other thrifts comes from cultivated relationships. I would be lying if I did not say I got better deals than the next person due to my relationship with the management at my favorite thrifts. I do not generally get better access to merchandise but management is often willing to give me a better price if I ask.

 

It's pretty much the same here, except when it isn't. The local Ill Will has a reputation for five-fingered discounts - employees taking stuff before it ever gets out on the floor. Anything good gets siphoned off before being put on the shelf for regular buyers; it all goes on line. Given the you-cant-live-on-it wage levels I honestly don't blame them. A previous "stuff" manager at the local ReStore was reputed to be a thief - note the previous. It's still true in the only Sally still in operation and the smaller thrifts though for the most part.

I do get some deals due to "cultivated relationships", also due to donating other items at the same time as I"m buying others. It only happens in small thrifts though.

Alas the older neighborhoods here tend to turn over. I look online on realty sites to see last sale dates. A 90s house with one owner tends to be better than a 30s house resold in 2010. Or 2022 like yesterday. Church rummage sales can be great if you're at the head of the line. THe prices are great and you don't have to worry about good stuff being sold cheap. Estate sales can be good too, with the same proviso. Unless you're looking for furniture and it's really a moving sale, although underpriced or valuable things tend to sell quickly there too.

I've hit a few estate sale with pieces mentioned but missing when the doors opened. In those cases I knew the show runner was honest; if the family demands something back, back it goes if the sale runner wants a next sale. New gigs tend to be word of mouth. It happens.

 

I'm to the point where I have so much already. It was fun collecting it for 50 plus years, but I am ready to let it go. I can't tolerate the heat anymore in the summer. I will go to some events hunting, but have cut way back.

 

Ditto Gang-I hunt now for fun,but like Marko,after 50 years of buying it's time to lighten the load & get in some travel while we're still able to walk !
If I find a real awe-inspiring piece that's affordable we might buy-but that was a more feasible occurrence 40 years ago.

 

FBM find of the week.

1st one is a salesman sample Quick Meal

2nd French salesman sample cooking Stove with a copper water well..

 

those kick ass !!!!!!!!

 

Yeah I am a happy camper lol and didn't pay much

 

SD's consistently got the 'touch'-of all places FBM !
Our local one has always been a dry hole for me-I put it in the same class as Craigslist (but obviously not for everyone !).

 

Those are wonderful. I went to the Ill Will and the ReStore today and spent $5, and had to think about the $5. Meanwhile you score those. At least somebody found something!

 

A bunch to show here, as I have been remiss in photographing lately. Some of the pics aren't the best due to waning light when I took them. Mea Culpa! All from the thrift stores.

Believe these are New Martinsville Glass Co. There are quite a few crystals missing but, for $6.00, I could not pass these up. Am thinking the bobeches might be more valuable than the candlesticks?



Oil and vinegar split bottle was $2.00.


Set of 10 Waterford apertif glasses for $3.00.


Three Roseville/Raymor dinner plates for $4.00. You just hardly see these any more.


My box fetish continues. Set of three inlaid Middle Eastern boxes for $8.00.


The quality of the porcelain and art deco motif struck me into buying these despite not being old. Pictures don't do justice. The body is embossed with an all-over white on white pattern. Covered box and matching bowl. Hankook china, Korea. Bought for $5.00.




Very small Yixing teapot with 2 matching plates. Assume this is missing cups? Bought for $2.00.


have not been able to definitively attribute this covered bowl. Has some age. Pretty large at 8 1/2" diameter x about 5 1/2" tall (including lid). Bought for $4.00.

 

Just to save you the trouble... The Waterford pattern is Sheila. Looks like the cordial glass.

https://www.replacements.com/crystal-waterford-crystal-sheila-cut-cordial-glass/p/7647651

Debora

 

Another one I have not been able to attribute. MCM, Japanese? Bought for $2.00.




This MCM lamp was $6.00.


Yet, another box. Fairly large and in great condition. $4.00.


I bought this because I have never seen it before and condition is great. Was able to find a clear one without attribution. Color is applied on this. Bought for $2.00.


This vase is huge (didn't measure but maybe 28"-30 "). Asian in origin, new, and can be pricey. Bought for $6.00.


I don't usually look twice at these but this is nicely done, about 12" long, and was only $2.00.


This was free due to a screw being broken off inside the handle. Was able to fix this with a little work. Chase chrome does not have the following it used to but still worth more than free....


Bought the same day, it almost matches. Think it is modern (Made in Taiwan). Bought for $3.00.

 

I own a version of that box, but rounded top with a faux lock attached. It was my mother's, so probably about 60s/70? I assumed it was a version of the Lane Furniture boxes. I'd have to ask...

 

Not sure about this pot. Orange glaze has some copper dust quality that doesn't show well in the pics. Maybe Rumrill? Bought for $2.00.




This small MCM drop crystal lamp was $4.00.


This lamp was apparently made by Texans Inc. It is a company I was not aware of. Here is their website.

Texans Incorporated: the History of a Lamp Company.

Ugly as it is, I paid $9.00 for it. Hoping that ugly sells in this case.



Had to pick up this sundial for $4.00. Seems to be accurate if you point it in the right direction.....

 

The Lane boxes are different. I think these were gift boxes, often given at Christmas, and packed with dried fruit or candy. Probably could have been purchased without contents as well. Often see them with a souvenir stamp from one place or another. I always thought they were more 50s-60s. Lots of them out there with many variations. I own more than I care to count.

 

That pinkish “Japanese” vase is west German I believe.

 

Great haul Brad. We never see prices like you get.

 

Brad........ that's NICE !!!!!!!!!

( u have to wind the sundial for it to work..!_)

 

It wouldn't surprise me. The lamp too, unless it's Japanese.

These predate the Lane boxes. They often had decals on top , but some didn't. Some even held cigars.

 

Very cool!