I don’t know what it is about February but I always seem to want to explore the antique malls in the area. Last Saturday it was the mall off of I80 at the Greenwood exit. This is a smaller mall and definitely off the beaten path. But occasionally it will yield up some interesting items. As we entered the vestibule (I use that term very loosely) there was a wonderful old French chair with a filthy but yet somehow compelling needlepoint fabric on it. The back had been torn away and the whole thing was in desperate need of restoration. I would carefully peal off the needlepoint and have it dry cleaned. I’m not sure if I would use it again or recover in something different. I can see the needlepoint as pillows too. The carving was lovely and most all the finish had worn off. That patina and irregular color was scrumptious. I would just give it a good scrub & then wax it. No paint required. Oh it was calling me and at only $50.00 it was a steal. Unfortunately I couldn’t figure out a spot for it but oh I would love to have it on account.
The more I look at this chair the more I think I may have to go back for it. We’ll see.
Finding a few things of interest but nothing I wanted to bring home we kept wandering. In the very last booth there was a covered wicker basket. Such an interesting shape and my thought processes were working on overload. What is this? This looked like, no couldn’t be, yup it was. A babies coffin complete with leather pillow inside. It was in such beautiful condition. A real gem if you could do something like that. At 750.00 I didn’t even have to ask myself the question.
Then today I went out to our Local Brass Armadillo. They were packed! Everyone coming out to their car had a package. Don’t tell me antiques are out of “style”. You can get such big impact and usually for less $$$ than what new would cost.
I hadn’t been there in a few months and you just never know. Could this be the day? The last several times I had been in there I came out empty handed. Today I did see some things that I had never seen before. These Bavarian 3.5″ square nut dishes. They would be darling on a Valentine table with Hershey Kisses or an Easter table with an egg standing in it. On a stack of books in a vignette with a bird, paper weight or any small object that needs a bit of isolation and a lift. At 22.00 for the pair they were adorable.
Next up was this set of cardboard Marx Merry Makers band complete with piano. I didn’t know these, but something about them was familiar and I don’t know why. The condition was exceptional considering they were made of cardboard.
Lots and lots of crates with advertising. Never seen so many. Probably 35-40 of them all shapes and sizes. So many different things from book storage, planters, and a great place to throw the kids toys, or end tables and coffee tables. They can be placed on end a pottery vase inside. You could put one on a table or chest and add some shelves to the inside and now you have a cabinet for display space. Hang a group of them on a blank wall, different sizes and depths, some with shelves and some just for that one big object. These were just so good.
Great old window with stained glass on the borders. Just a good clean up required with a stiff brush, some wax and your done. Be sure to wear a mask I’m sure this is probably lead paint. This could be a beautiful art installation on a wall and you could have fun with wreaths in the center. Hang it from the ceiling with chain to allow some light and shadow behind it.
Loved this old hat box. The graphics were great. Fun to design a room around this. The colors are amazing.
Then there was this grotesque carving of a Griffen attached to a table leg. I’m sure it must have been attached to a pier table. The carving and detail was wonderful. Not my thing, but I could appreciate the craftsmanship. This could be an interesting object of art just hanging off the end of a wall or mounted in the middle of a small wall. Used in a wall arrangement with a picture and a few other paintings and sculptural elements. These types of objects are such interesting statements pieces and create movement to a room. Things you add to create conversation.
This wicker cart would be awesome on a covered porch with plants or in a casual dining area for a bar cart. Just a hose and some wax would clean this up nicely. Of course dry brushing a fresh coat of paint on it would be great too leaving just a whisper of the old cruddy brown. The top tray was removable. $324.00
This was a gem, Haywood Wakefield Perambulator. The condition was remarkable. Wouldn’t touch it except a collection of Steiff teddy Bears nestled in the seat with a wonderful blanket or a potted plant. Oh I could have fun with this.
And then there was this. Oh man, I was sunk. Just when I said I was done buying Blue and White Transferware I found this. The find of the day. Hidden behind a bunch of stuff the minute I started handling it I knew it was very old iron stone. It has a very nice old mark and at 62.00 I couldn’t leave it behind. It is a large platter and in excellent condition.
The cartouche on the back reads Published August the 30th 1836 Agreeably to the Act. Stoneware, JR Giraffe. I looked up the mark in the The Encyclopedia of British Pottery and Porcelain Marks. This is the Bible if you are interested in learning about your transferware. The JR stands for John Ridgeway and the factory under his name was in production until 1841. I’ve learned just because it says 1836 doesn’t mean it necessarily is what it says. When I looked it up online I found the same platter sold for 507.00 in 2017. Ok so when a really good piece falls into your lap you just don’t say NO!
Would you have made the purchase? Let me know in comments. I will let you know where it lands as soon as I know.
And one last thing! As I was researching for our Assistance League Online Shop this plate came across my desk. Hand painted Portrait Plate and it too is very early pre-1840 “Royal Vienna” with its shield/beehive mark under glaze. This piece is in pristine condition for its age and available here.
Thanks for stopping.
Shelley
