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.
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,
2 making your ear attentive to wisdom
and inclining your heart to understanding;
3 yes, if you call out for insight
and raise your voice for understanding,
4 if you seek it like silver
and search for it as for hidden treasures,
5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord
and find the knowledge of God.
and treasure up my commandments with you,
2 making your ear attentive to wisdom
and inclining your heart to understanding;
3 yes, if you call out for insight
and raise your voice for understanding,
4 if you seek it like silver
and search for it as for hidden treasures,
5 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
|
