Super Cool Find!
Friday, May 27, 2011
Vintage Toy Tin Cars
These vintage toy tin cars were a great find at a local auction. We have seen these go for incredible amounts of money at auctions and were surprised when we got these for $35 for the pair. We don't know much about these vintage tin cars but they are cool looking and collectible! We could have over paid but won't know about it until we try to sell them. Marked made in Japan we think they are 50's era. The blue one is a friction car and is much larger than the race care. The paint is pretty good on both which usually is not the case with these old collectible vintage toys.
Super Cool Find!
Super Cool Find!
Monday, May 23, 2011
Garage Sale Find: 1937 Restaurant Menu
Saturday's best garage sale find was a couple of very old restaurant menu's. This particular menu was in the best condition, it's dated 1937. "The Shack" offered sandwiches, daily specials, soups & salads, deserts & drinks. You could have a deluxe hamburger with everything on it for 40 cents and a piece of pie afterwards for 20 cents.
These vintage menu's are fun to look through, the graphics and the prices are usually very interesting. From an artistic point of view there are many different styles, ranging from very plain to cute, some even beautiful.
These old menu's are also quite collectible. There are collector's of restaurant memorabilia, vintage menu collector's, vintage graphic arts collector's, and people who collect items from their home town or city. In this particular case collector's of Hollywood memorabilia would also be interested in this menu.
The most collectible of these vintage menus are usually the menu's with art work, especially if the artist was well known or has become well known after death.
This was a $2 find, I will probably list it on eBay for $10-$20 and see what happens.
Email me pictures of your best weekend find!
Friday, May 20, 2011
Coast to Coast route 50 Yard Sale 05-20 to 05-22-11
Every Year several states get involved with the Coast to Coast Yard Sale. Cities along route 50 participate, you can jump in anywhere along Route 50. Take a look at this website to see what towns are participating in your area.
http://www.route50.com/yardsale.html
http://www.route50.com/yardsale.html
Thursday, May 19, 2011
2011 City Wide Garage Sales in Colorado
Ault, CO
City Wide Garage Sale
May 7, 2011
Contact: (970) 834-2844
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Aurora, CO
City Wide Garage Sale
May 20 & 21, 2011
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Erie, CO
Annual Community Sale
May 20 & 21, 2011
Contact: : (303) 423-0371
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Green Valley Ranch, CO
Community Wide Garage Sale
June 17 & 18, 2011
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Poncha Springs, CO
City Wide Yard Sale in Conjunction with Coast To Coast Hwy 50
Saturday May 21
Contact: (719) 539-6882
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Victor, CO
City Wide Garage Sale
May 28, 2011
Contact: (719) 689-3300
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Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Collecting Pez Dispensers
Every kid seems to know what a Pez Candy Dispenser is but did you know that Pez candy has been around since the late 1920's. They didn't start making the figural Pez dispensers until the 1950s and there have been literally thousands of different figures since then.
The earliest dispensers are quite rare and expensive. There are collectors books on Pez dispensers for those who want to know the value and dates of many of the Pez dispensers produced. The earliest Pez dispensers were not dated but if you find one without feet then it is safe to say it is a vintage dispenser. Pez dispensers didn't start adding the feet until the early 1980's.
Today Pez dispensers are very common, the more valued dispensers are from character themed movies. The newer Pez dispensers are more valuable if you have the original packaging but the older dispensers are valuable regardless.
Below is a picture of a Mexican Character Pez Dispenser which is worth about $100.
The featured lot of newer Pez dispensers below are relatively valueless, they are very common and there is no packaging. You'd get more for these guys at a garage sale at 25 cents a piece than you could by selling them in a lot on eBay.
Collecting Pez Dispensers
Every kid seems to know what a Pez Candy Dispenser is but did you know that Pez candy has been around since the late 1920's. They didn't start making the figural Pez dispensers until the 1950s and there have been literally thousands of different figures since then.
The earliest dispensers are quite rare and expensive. There are collectors books on Pez dispensers for those who want to know the value and dates of many of the Pez dispensers produced. The earliest Pez dispensers were not dated but if you find one without feet then it is safe to say it is a vintage dispenser. Pez dispensers didn't start adding the feet until the early 1980's.
Today Pez dispensers are very common, the more valued dispensers are from character themed movies. The newer Pez dispensers are more valuable if you have the original packaging but the older dispensers are valuable regardless.
Below is a picture of a Mexican Character Pez Dispenser which is worth about $100.
The featured lot of newer Pez dispensers below are relatively valueless, they are very common and there is no packaging. You'd get more for these guys at a garage sale at 25 cents a piece than you could by selling them in a lot on eBay.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Collecting Vintage Compacts
Compacts became quite popular during the 1920's & 1930's, there are some much older, however, society was starting to accept women wearing make-up and of course the market became flooded with them. There are so many different types, styles & materials giving Compact Collectors a large variety to add to their collections.
Compacts can be found in many flea markets and antique shops, usually locked in a lock box. Every once in awhile I get lucky and find them at an auction or yard sale.
Here are two great examples of beautiful vintage Compacts. This first one is a Stratton Compact. It has a beautiful floral design, on the back side it has a textured shiny gold color. It measures 3" in diameter, inside there is a cover compartment that holds the powder and on the other side there is a mirror.
The Compact below is a Art Deco Compact. It's made of Celluloid and foil. This one is marked Gwenda, Made in England, and "Tap Flap". A Tap Flap is an inner cover inside the compact to hold the powder in place. It is held in place with a small spring and when you tap it, it will release a small amount of powder. It is smaller that the Stratton compact, measuring only 2 1/8". Both are beautiful, both brought $25 during a recent consignment auction.
Compacts can be found in many flea markets and antique shops, usually locked in a lock box. Every once in awhile I get lucky and find them at an auction or yard sale.
Here are two great examples of beautiful vintage Compacts. This first one is a Stratton Compact. It has a beautiful floral design, on the back side it has a textured shiny gold color. It measures 3" in diameter, inside there is a cover compartment that holds the powder and on the other side there is a mirror.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Black Americana Cast Iron Mechanical Coin Bank
Found a vintage Black Americana Cast Iron Mechanical Coin Bank at a garage sale the other day. This bank is really in great shape for it's age, probably 1940's or 1950's. Although it would be considered a racist in today's world, these old pieces of black characters were a part of America's past. Today, they call it Black Americana and it usually goes high dollar at auctions. This particular bank would probably go for $100 at auction, give or take a few dollars.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Nailsea Art Glass
Nailsea Art Glass is identified by it's beautiful threading of color. The exterior of the pictured bowl has applied threading on the hand crimped ruffled edge. The bowl is blown of clear glass and opal white, the threading is cranberry. Nailsea Crown Glass & Bottle Manufactures in Nailsea, near Bristol, England lent their name to this style of glass, however, Nailsea usually is referred to as the pattern and not the maker as many, many glass manufacturers produced Nailsea Art Glass over the years.
Nailsea was originally made in the 18th century during the Victorian Era, these rare early pieces are very old and very valuable. Because of high taxes on flint glass and no taxes on bottle and window glass, Nailsea Art Glass was born. It became a common practice for bottle and window glass companies to produce tableware. To dress these items up a bit they added lines and white dots, creating something beautiful out of something ordinary.
The antique Nailsea Art Glass is rarely marked with any glass manufacturers identification. Today, Nailsea is often a description of any glass item that has lines that have been pulled and combed.
The antique Nailsea Art Glass is rarely marked with any glass manufacturers identification. Today, Nailsea is often a description of any glass item that has lines that have been pulled and combed.
The Primitive Country Kitchen
Isn't this a great Country Kitchen set up. My daughter loves this old stuff, it is just full of warmth and character. The look and quality along with the worn patina make this room a wonderful example of days gone past.
I can't tell you how many primitive kitchen utensils I have bought at garage sales and auctions over the years. There are always collectors and decorators that will buy this stuff up.
If you want to make your kitchen a country kitchen, or want to spruce up a flea market booth, mix your primitive utensils with your pottery pieces, add some vintage t-towels and some old worn cabinetry and you will have a great display that will get lots & lots of compliments!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
2011 Texas Trade Days
A Trade Day is the equivalent of a huge flea market or swap meet where usually hundreds of vendors set up and hundreds of bargain hunters show up. Trade Days are usually a one weekend a month deal, some more often, some only every other month. Texas is loaded with Trade Days shopping opportunities. Antiques, Collectibles, Crafts, Clothes, Home Furnishings, Electronics, Live Plants, Live Animals, and Just Plain Old Junk & every thing in between are very common at most Trade Days.
If you have a flea market booth, sell on eBay, or collect antiques, these various Trade Days are great events to pick up inventory, antiques & Collectibles
2011 Schedule Of Several Trade Days In Texas
Bonham, TX - January 6-9, 2011, February 10-13, 2011, March 10-13, 2011, April 7-10, 2011, May 5-8, June 9-12, July 7-10, August 4-7, September 8-11, October 6-9, November 10-13, December 8-11, 2011 http://www.bonhamchamber.com/index.htm
Canton, TX - Always held the Thursday thru Sunday before the 1st Monday of each Month - Dec 30-January 1, 2011, Febraury - 3-5, 2011, March - 3-5, 2011, March 31 - April 2, 2011, April 28 - May 1, 2011, June 2-4, 2011, June 30- July 3, 2011, July 26-31, 2011, September 1-4, 2011, September 29-October 2, 2011, November 3-6, 2011, December 1 -4, 2011, December 29-January 1, 2012 http://www.firstmondaycanton.com/
Fredericksburg, TX - 3rd Weekend of every month - May 20-22, June 17-19, July 15-17, August 19-21, September 16-18, October 14-16, November 25-27, December 16-18 http://www.fbgtradedays.com/
Kountz, TX - May 27, 28, 29, June 24, 25, 26, July 22, 23, 24, August 26, 27, 28, September 23, 24, 25, October 21, 22, 23, November 25, 26, 27, December 16, 17, 18, http://www.tradedayskountze.com/
Livingston, TX - January 14-16, 2011, February 18-20, 2011, March 18-20, 2011, April 15-17, 2011, May 13-15, 2011, June 17-19, 2011, July 15-17, 2011, August 12-14, 2011, September 16-18, 2011, October 14-16, 2011, November 18-20, 2011, December 16-18, 2011 http://www.cityoflivingston-tx.com/
Longview, TX - January 8 & 9, February 12 & 13, March 12 & 13, April 9 & 10, May 14 & 15, June 11 & 12, July 9 & 10, August - 13 & 14, September - Gregg County Fair, October 8 & 9, November 12 & 13, December 10 & 11 - http://www.longviewtradedays.com/
Nacogdoches, TX - January 21-23, 2011, February 18-20, 2011, March 18-20, 2011, April 15-17, 2011, May 20-22, 2011, June 17-19, 2011, July 15-17, 2011, August 19-21, 2011, September 16-18, 2011, October 21-23, 2011, November 18-20, 2011, December 16-18, 2011
http://nacogdochestradedays.net/
Seminole, TX - January 21-23, 2011, February 18-20, 2011, March 18-20, 2011, April 15-17, 2011, May 20-22, 2011, June 17-19, 2011, July 15-17, 2011, August 19-21, 2011, September 16-18, 2011, October 21-23, 2011, November 18-20, 2011, December 16-18, 2011
http://seminoletradedays.com/index.html
Stanton, TX - Old Sorehead Trade Days - April 9 & 10, 2011, June 11 & 12, 2011, October 8 & 9, 2011
Sweet Water, TX - Januray 1-3, February 5-7, March 5-7, April 2-4, May (April 30-1&2, June 4-6, July 2-4, August 6-8, September 3-5, October 1-3, November 5-7, December 3-5 http://www.tradedayssweetwater.com/index.asp
Tioga, TX - Every fourth Saturday of the month, April through September - http://westerntradedays.com/
Monday, May 9, 2011
2011 Iowa City Wide Garage Sales
Below is a list of all the City Wide Garage Sales I have for Iowa 2011. If you town is having a citywide garage sale please let me know & I'll list it for you.
Adel, IA
City Wide Garage Sale -
May 5 & 6, 2011
Contact: (515) 993-5472
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Bonner Springs, IA
City Wide Garage Sale - May 6, 2011
Contact:
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Center Junction, IA
City Wide Garage Sale - April 2, 2011
Contact: (563) 487-2621
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Durant, IA
City Wide Garage Sale - May 14, 2011
Contact - (563) 785-6099
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Dysart, IA
City Wide Sales - May 7, 2011
Contact: (319) 476-5690
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Fairbank, IA
City Wide Garage Sale - May 5 & 6, 2011
Contact: (800) 334-2568
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Grimes, IA
City Wide Garage Sale - May 7, 2011
Contact - 515-986-2143 http://www.grimesiowa.gov/ParksandRecreation/SpecialCommunityEvents/CityWideGarageSale.aspx
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Hiawatha, Iowa
City Wide Garage Sale - May 2, 2011
Contact: (319) 393-1515
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Iowa HWY 141 Garage Sale
August 5 & 6, 2011
Several Participating Towns - http://www.141sale.com/id2.html
Manilla, Manning, Templeton, Coon Rapids, Bayard, Bagley, Jamaica, Dawson, Perry, Bouton, Woodward, Granger, and Grimes
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Jewel Junction, Iowa
Saturday May 14, 2011
Contact -
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Robins, Iowa
Robins Townwide Sales - Fri & Sat - May 13 & 14, 2011
Contact: (319) 393-0588
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Wellsburg, Iowa
City Wide Garage Sale - May 6 & 7, 2011
Contact: (641) 869-3342
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Score: Lady Head Vases At Carthage City Wide Garage Sale
The Carthage, MO City Wide Garage was Saturday 05-07-11. My big find for the day were these lovely vintage lady head vases. A sweet deal at only $5 each, I snagged them up before anybody else could. I found several other treasures, like a collection of postcards and some great Halloween costumes which will be great this Halloween but these head vases were the best deal of the day!
Monday, May 2, 2011
Travel Diary Great For Antique or Flea Market Business
If you travel in a motor home or pull a trailer to different locations for your antique or flea market business it will be very beneficial for you to check out http://rvpicksandpans.blogspot.com/ to learn more about a great travel diary sofware program!
If you're involved in a travelling business then there is a new travel diary software program that can help you keep organized. Complete with a trip diary, a photo album, a expense journal, and a vehicle diary.
Check It Out! http://rvpicksandpans.blogspot.com/ You'll be glad you did!!!
If you're involved in a travelling business then there is a new travel diary software program that can help you keep organized. Complete with a trip diary, a photo album, a expense journal, and a vehicle diary.
Check It Out! http://rvpicksandpans.blogspot.com/ You'll be glad you did!!!