Antique Hunting: Winter in Ohio

My last post started a review of our trip through Northern Indiana to Ohio and back home visiting antique malls along the way. I discussed some malls to add to my “A” list of stores we will revisit in the future. The question I always get after every antique hunting trip is “What did you buy?” Followed by “Why?”

I can’t exactly answer the why, but maybe if I show you some of the unusual items, you’ll better understand how deeply flawed my thinking is and how seriously I have slipped off the reality train.

The amount of items purchased this trip for resale or to add to our collections was extensive. We went to about nine establishments including four huge malls, where we spend many hours exploring each locked case and prowling through scores of bountiful booths. It’s always the oddest items that draw our attention. It was in Indiana that I found this unusual lawn sprinkler clown made in Defiance, Ohio. Its tin body is held on a cast iron base, and one arm is articulated, holding the hose. We’ll probably add this beauty to our other yard oddities – two fire hydrants, a well pump, and an artist made sewer pipe garden table that was purchased here in Wisconsin about ten years ago, but was made in Findlay, Ohio.

Wifey spotted this one. A single skid sled with wooden bench seat made by Foster Boat Company in Michigan and called a Snow Scoot . We were told the initials are from the park system that owned it. Can you imagine sliding down a snow-covered hill while balancing on this creation?

Next we came upon a candy mold used to form two large chocolate cigars. This heavy mold will probably join other candy molds, a bunny and chocolate egg mold, for an Easter display.

We both decided this F. A. Hardy Co. (Chicago) Optician’s Instrument was one beautiful example of early medical technology and a ‘must have item’ for our antique mall booth. This fabulous instrument also included a near-full set of eye glass lenses in a large leather case.

When I found this old sad iron, my first impression was delight, but I was concerned with the bright red handle. The evidence was that the handle had been repainted over old paint that had mostly peeled off. I believe the chicken in the front still has its original paint. Opening the hinged top, I found a grate inside fitted perfectly to the contour. Dirt and cobwebs rested where the hot coals had heated the cast iron bottom. These conditions proved its age and completeness.

Other items purchased included antique door knobs, playing cards, pictures and advertising items, so our trip was most successful. We’re looking forward to our re-visiting our A-list places and finding new venues in Indiana and Ohio. If you have a favorite antique store in either state, I’d love to hear from you.