vintage finds

Dave & I traveled out in the pouring rain Saturday...

several citywide thrift sales on our agenda.

Many garages were closed up, just too wet ~~

but on we journeyed.  After lunch at a cafe in Bloomer,

we traveled back toward home. Typically I assume that 

by noon on Saturday, thrift sales are often picked over...

but that didn't keep us from stopping at one last sale.

Bingo!....several pieces of Ironstone were waiting. 

The vintage finds I am keeping: Ironstone bowl & pitcher &

butter pats, glass door knob and stacking heart boxes. (pictured)

All for about $10.00.  

Now a little note I feel I should make...

We spent the day out, soaked shoes, car miles, time.

Of course we loved every minute, but if I was to turn around

& resell any of these items ~ this all adds in, just does.  

The pitcher would easily be found at an antique mall, 

auction or even flea market at a price of $28.00 or more.

If I sold it, you would find that price on it, which would be fair.

I love finding treasures on my antique travels, but know that when

I add in travel & time costs, my price basis goes up.  As an Antique

Dealer, I track my mileage - which is pretty significant each year. This 

is why I always honor antique dealers & their prices.  This is why

I often scratch my head when Dave & I work at the Hixton Mall

and have a customer bring up a $10.00 item and offer us $5.00 for it.

Dave responds appropriately, "Tell you what, we will take $10.55 with tax for it."

Yes, it is always wonderful to "score".....get that great deal. For instance, my

Ironstone will always remind me of the fun day Dave & I had on Saturday...

jumping puddles, going through 20 garages until we find one with more than 

just baby clothes.  And, I will always say with some pride how I paid only $3 for

the sweet pitcher....but I also know that if I had paid $35 in Stillwater for that

same pitcher, it would still be a great vintage find at an appropriate price, I would 

just tell a different story about my day at the antique mall, & my feet would be dry!