Tuesday, August 6, 2013

The Best Thing I EVER Found in a Thrift Store...


You may have found something similar...that treasure you recognize when everyone else is going for the ten year-old flower arrangements from Hobby Lobby.

You first notice the form, then maybe the patina, and as you get a little closer, something catches your eye that tells you this is the real deal...



That's how it was for me. I was at one of my favorite little thrift stores on a Monday night when everyone there was going for the "anything on a hanger/half-price" deal. 

As I walked past the 1970s toasters and mis-matched coffee cups, I spied a beautifully shaped lamp amid all the slightly tacky ceramic "Southwest" style lamps from 1983.



An elegant form always catches my eye. Then I noticed the patina and I thought...MMMMMMETAL. 


As I picked it up, the cobalt blue enamel emblem caught my eye...and I thought...TROPHY.  Only then did I see the engraved loveliness below the pretty blue emblem:  "1931 SEVENTH FLIGHT WINNER"

And I thought...."This thing could be sterling silver...!!!"
There was no way to look at the base, as the trophy had been made into a lamp with a base attached. I stuck it in my buggy, did a quick once-over and found some ancient silver plate salt shakers - most likely from the same donor.

Trying ever so hard to appear nonchalant, I made my way to the register, followed by a hasty exit with my treasures hidden inside the official store bag - a flimsy off-brand kitchen garbage bag.  


My trophy lamp cost $3.93 and the salt and pepper shakers cost .87c - I felt like I had robbed the bank. For a split second, I had actually considered offering more...but I chickened out. 

Once home, I grabbed a wrench and went to work unscrewing the nut that held the lamp wiring to the wooden base, and saw this:



"SEDLACEK & CO.  STERLING  LOS ANGELES."

My next step was to Google the name. And of course, being the sports maniac I am, I had no idea what a "seventh flight winner" might be; sky diving? 

Here's what I found:

http://www.cowanauctions.com/auctions/item.aspx?ItemId=32806 

Two trophies, one exactly like my lamp, sold at auction for $517.50 in 2006. (silver was cheaper then) Of course, they were shiny, and didn't have the character (aka dings) mine does. And they were not lamps. And it was 7 years ago. 

Still, I think this may be the most valuable thing I have found in recent years at a thrift store. And I'll be listing it in my Etsy store...for more than $3.93.  Any idea what a fair price might be? It's weighted, so it would have to be destroyed to weigh the silver. Do you think the decorative charm of it might be more valuable than the weight of the silver? Any tips from knowledgeable bloggers are welcome!



Word for the Day:

Proverbs 2:1-5 - The Value of Wisdom

My son, if you receive my words
    and treasure up my commandments with you,
making your ear attentive to wisdom
    and inclining your heart to understanding;
yes, if you call out for insight
    and raise your voice for understanding,
if you seek it like silver
    and search for it as for hidden treasures,
then you will understand the fear of the Lord
    and find the knowledge of God.

Possibly Linking With

Sunday

Sunday Show-off Link Party
Sunday Showcase Party
Monday

Masterpiece Monday
Make it Pretty Monday
Mod Mix Monday
Tuesday

Vintage Inspiration Tuesday
Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
The Scoop
The Scoop
Inspire Me Tuesday
Inspiration Exchange Linky Party
Wednesday

Wow Us Wednesday
Blissfully White Wednesday
What’s it Wednesday
Cottage Style Party
What We Accomplished Wednesday
Thursday

Thursday Open House Party
Time Travel Thursday
Treasure Hunt Thursday
Share Your Cup Thursday
Friday

Feathered Nest Friday
Frugal Friday
Fabulously Creative Friday
Rustic Restorations Weekend
What’s Shakin’ Link Party
Weekend
Saturday

Saturday Nite Special
Get Schooled Saturday







Sunday, August 4, 2013

No News is Good News...



I have no photos worth showing. I KNOW you don't want to see photos of what I've REALLY been doing - sorting through clothing or dusting or painting another thing white...so I'm just checking in to let you know that things are still happening here, even if they're not photo-worthy. 



I am still in the "it has to get worse before it gets better" phase - meaning closets are purged and stuff is everywhere. Furniture is being moved from one room to another. I still have not been able to work on any "cute" stuff. But progress is happening, and I'm pleased to see it getting organized and pared down. 



A fall garage sale is in the works - maybe early October when the weather is nice. This week we've been around 100 degrees, and that's just too dang hot for my taste. 

Things never move at the pace at which I WISH they'd move, but still, even in the midst of a big old mess, I see progress.


So if you might please forgive my feeble attempt to fabricate a post out of bits and pieces from past photo sessions just so I can tell you I am still alive and have not fallen off a ladder or something, I'd be grateful. 


I promise to keep plugging away until I can get even a small project into some state of finish you might actually like to see.


Because I DO have about 53 things in the works. And some of them, I'm pretty sure you might like. Until then...

Word for the Day:
Isaiah 52:7
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”