Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Auction Finds, Part Two

Before I share more of my auction finds…

I would like to thank Fingerprints on the Fridge for featuring my daughter’s Christmas gift project.

and

The CSI Project and Beth at The Stories of A to Z for selecting my Winter Mantel for their Top 10 Winter Projects.

Not only are these painted copper letters amazing, but they came with a photo and an explanation saying that came off a building in Brooklyn in 1971 and the person paid $10 for them.  They were ahead of their time.  In the picture, the “N'” and the “K” were still on the building.

auction photos, mirror jan 2011 016

Can you love letters?

auction photos, mirror jan 2011 017

I will not deny it,  I am not sure if I like this or if I think it is ugly, but either way, it is fun.

auction photos, mirror jan 2011 018

I don’t usually go for crocks, but these spoke to me.

auction photos, mirror jan 2011 019

auction photos, mirror jan 2011 024

These, I had to work for.  When I say work, I mean pay more than I was hoping.  In the end, still a good deal.

auction photos, mirror jan 2011 025

Several of them were actually copper.

auction photos, mirror jan 2011 037

Some great measuring sticks and tape measures, a few levels thrown in for good measure (ha, ha – that actually was not intentional).

auction photos, mirror jan 2011 054

Some incredible old hardware.  It will be a delicate balance to clean this up a little without taking away any of their character.

auction photos, mirror jan 2011 082

These mother-of-pearl and copper opera glasses are stunning despite the fact they are missing several of the mother-of-pearl panels.

auction photos, mirror jan 2011 084

The eye piece on one is missing, but the other clearly reads Paris. L.O.V.E.

auction photos, mirror jan 2011 087

Two more wooden – I can never remember, are these the mortar or the pestle?

auction photos, mirror jan 2011 090

Some fun vintage kitchen stuff.

auction photos, mirror jan 2011 093

auction photos, mirror jan 2011 094

And a random grouping of stuff that was in with the “BANK” letters.  Anyone have any idea with those tool type things are on the right?

auction photos, mirror jan 2011 098

auction photos, mirror jan 2011 102

I have a project in the works for the candlesticks, at least one of them and it does not involve candles.

There is still one more set of things that I still have not managed to get photographed, but other than that, that is all, until this week of course.

I have been thinking about putting together a basic guideline and direction posting on going to auctions, to help people who may be interested but intimidated by the unknown.

If you are interested, let me know.

If you are a seasoned auction attender, any advice and direction you would like to share to be included would be appreciated as well.

I am working on cleaning up my workshop area this week.  Once that is complete, I will have gathered up all of auction items for my giveaway, stay tuned…

Have a great one!

Laura

14 comments:

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

Laura, The bank letters are amazing! If I had been there you would have had some competition bidding on those! Love them. You picked a great auction...everything is wonderful.
xo,
Sherry

Sue Sykes said...

Such treasures! I would love to have any number of things here! :) I think the items you were wondering about may be tuning forks? That's just an uneducated guess on my part though! :)

Willo said...

Great stuff! You are inspiring me to attend our local auction. LOVE the eye piece and crocks...and I like the BANK.

Kathy said...

Hey Betty...those glass pieces in your "kitchen finds" are acutally railroad insulators I think.

JoyceG said...

I think that the tools that you asked about could be vintage curling irons - the long part was heated and used just like our curling irons today. I have a girlfriend who is a hairdresser and she collects items like that for her salon. You have some great items - I would have been bidding on them, too!

michelle said...

Girl you brought home the BANK on this one! Hee hee! Sorry I couldn't resist! :) I love those letters and all your treasure are beautiful! The mother of pearl opera glasses are gorgeous!! I think that would be a great idea to post some things about going to auctions, I know that I am clueless when I go! :)

All That Glitters said...

You got so many great items!!!

Renee said...

Love those bank letters...the color is incredible. I'm not sure, but maybe those tool thingies are ice tongs?

Alyssa Jeffers said...

How cool is all that stuff!!! I would love to learn more as well! How do you even find out about them? And do you have to be someone special to go to an auction? Have a license to buy or something? ;) Im picturing hose tools in question as curling irons, that's what what I thought of first anyway!! Great finds.

V@WhimsyLamb said...

Love the bank letters!
I need to pay you to find me awesome things.lol!

Andrea said...

you hit the motherload! Great finds!!! Looking forward to seeing what you do with them all

{northern cottage} said...

I think the bank letters are great - wonderful patina and the crocks - get outta here - they're gorgeous and USABLE!

Anonymous said...

Great Stuff! Would love to know more about ins and outs of auctions.

GStepmom said...

Joyce is correct. Those "tools" are old curling irons. The curling part was put in the coals of the fire to heat. Very great finds. Congratulations!
Just found your website today and loving it.