So, this is it. Living in Wisconsin has its pluses, wonderful springs, warm summers, lots to do in the cities and tons of auctions and yard sales. But at this time of year, I realize it is (almost) the end of another season of searching for treasures. It was a good year for the “hunt” and both hubby and I felt it was successful. One of my favorite sales was an unexpected one. Just driving down the road and there was a sign in bright pink! Hard to read, as too many are, just an arrow and then you follow it, hoping this was not left-over from a few weekends ago. At first glance it did not look to have much to offer. A garage with a long table inside but not much on it. Some newer figurines, a few kitchen items, candles and kids’ clothes. I was ready to get back in the car and off to the grocery store. But then one of the ladies asked “did you check out back? We have a porch that is just filled.”

Well, I had not, but I did an about-face and there was another full room of offerings. I found some beautiful jewelry! Two pieces of Miriam Haskell and an unmarked bracelet in rhinestones that just dazzles. Prices were not cheap, but I recognized the possibilities and (breaking my own rule), did not even quibble over price. I then spotted a whole group magazines, most of them from the 1920s and 30s. They were only 50 cents each and I grabbed them up. Half the fun of buying is the potential – I was able to sell the Haskell pieces with a nice profit and able to keep the rhinestone bracelet for myself! The magazines will be read through for ideas and the better ones put on ebay. Those with missing pages and such will be given to the grandkids who love to cut and paste. 

Another sale that turned out to be a surprise was at the house of an older woman who lives right down the road. About 4 years back she had a sale and I found some incredible breweriana items. Signs, some nice trays and a display piece. I was excited when I saw her putting up the sign. This time, no beer items, but lots of Disney pieces. She had been collecting them for a long time and decided they were too much work to dust (bless her heart.) I purchased ALL of them! This has become my credo. If I think one or two have potential, I will buy the lot, usually getting a better price. And if you have ‘faith’ that these items are worthwhile, why buy just a few and then regret that you passed on the others. It almost always works. But of course, price is the tie-breaker. I was able to add a character to my personal collection from Lady and the Tramp. Trusty, the Bloodhound, now graces my curio, along with Lady, Tramp and Jacques. The rest will be listed or placed in my antique booth since they make perfect Christmas presents!

I only had a few run-ins with my “arch rival – Newman” and I think I we split victories. I’ll discuss her win first. We were waiting in line at an estate sale. She was friendly as usual, but had her track shoes on and beat me out when the door opened. There were numerous vases and pieces of pottery, much of it rather unimaginative, but one toward the back caught my eye. Unfortunately, she saw it too and scooped it up. Pretty sure it was a Hull vase in one of their better colorations. I got to see it again when I ran into her at her booth at a flea market. She picked it up and said “hey, did you see the prize I got last week?” I smiled and pretended that I did not know what she was talking about. I admired it but also saw she had it priced pretty darn high. She’ll be toting that one around for a while. 

So, I was even with her and relished our next encounter so I could mention it. And it was only a few days later. Once again, waiting in line for a garage door to go up. She asked how I was doing and if I had found any treasures lately. At first I demurred, then said “Oh, yeah! There was a bunch of old watch fobs I discovered – oh, I remember, that was at the sale you had been to right before me.” Her face drooped a bit. (For those of you who think I am a meany-pants, that is not the case. My earlier tales of this woman will enlighten you and you’ll agree that she deserves anything she gets.)

There are a few sales this weekend, but as the frost is on the pumpkin, they are harder to find and less fun to go to. For those of you ‘on the hunt’, you can join me at estate sales, auctions and in antique malls. Still lots of treasures out there to find.

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This entry was posted on Friday, October 3rd, 2008 at 4:29 am and is filed under collecting fyi, flea market finds. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.