Making the Most of a Bad Situation: Finds at a Flea Market

Hubby and I set up a booth at a flea market this weekend. We were pleased to do so, especially since it was an indoor sale and we had dealt with the outdoor issues all summer. Rain, humidity, wind, these were all problems we had encountered with our other sales. But alas, this turned out to be a fabulous weekend to be out doors! It was gorgeous, a true gift from Mother Nature, one that those of us in Wisconsin relish. Sunny, in the low 70s, just perfect for doing the yardwork that needs to be done this time of year but it is often cool and blustery and dreaded. Folks went to the zoo, farms that offer hayrides and corn mazes, or just took a pleasant walk. It was not the perfect time to go to an indoor market and it showed. Business was slower than we expected on Saturday. It was our first time at this flea market as vendors, having gone there to shop other times. Every one of the dealers we talked with told us not to think of this as “representative of the type of business you’d expect.” Sunday was not much better since it was still lovely outside and there was a noon Packer game (turned out to be a bummer there too.)

We do try to make the best of things and made some contacts with dealers we had not met before. We quizzed them on other venues, learned of a few places to examine for next year, and shared some tales of the road too! We also talked with several buyers who said they were interested in downsizing their homes, perhaps having a rummage sale, but not knowing where to start. We exchanged information and perhaps this will lead to finding some bargains in the future.

We also did some shopping at the other booths. I found an incredibly large sterling silver dragon ring which will (someday) be fought over by my two granddaughters who love those creatures.

Hubby found a magnificent pair of brass andirons too. They are Victorian and need a bit of work, but will make us some profits ’some day.’ He had seen them early on, then checked back at the end of the day on Saturday. The dealer lamented the poor sales and by Sunday morning, she had come down nearly 50% from her asking price.

But to me, the real “prize” was the piece of signed artwork I found in with some old papers. It is a bit ‘unnerving’ with a grim reaper near the top and several unique faces in with the shapes and textures. Called “The Norns” it was by Wayne Rodberg, dated 1974. The vendor told me he was a Wisconsin artist who was well-known in the 60s and 70s. He was respected for his bizarre art. He had died a few years back. Could this be a ’sleeper?’ Could his work be worth more than the few dollars I paid for it? Let’s hope so. If not, it is a great conversation piece. We’d love to hear from a fan of Mr. Rodberg, perhaps clearing up a mystery behind this picture. It just ’shows to go you’ that you can turn a pig’s ear into a silk purse if you keep plugging away.