By Lily
I love flea markets, auctions, yard sales and second-hand stores. I am a treasure hunter from way back. At this point in my life, I’m selective with what I bring home. With family mementos, souvenirs and other incidentals I have collected in my life, I have enough “things” and anything new must be useful or special to make it through my door. I fight temptation when I see something that comes so close to meeting those requirements, and I really like it, and it’s such a deal, and who knows? When I will find another one, and it wouldn’t be great for _______?
It’s the most fun when I know I’m looking for something specific. I know when I pay over the money, I will have found the perfect item for me. I am pleased I have a mission to replace my current dishes — the Pfaltzgraff Tea Rose pattern. They held up too well and I have been ready to let them go for awhile. They are pretty, but my eye desires some color after looking at pastel pink and beige for many years. For everyday dishes, I want to do the thing where you replace dish by dish with the lone extra-pretty or extra-cool plates that can be found. I will like the mish-mosh and the variety of color.
My favorite find of all time is my sewing machine which was behind the counter with the other special items. It’s one of the first electric Singers and it was made in 1921. I thought it was so beautiful that I dared not wait until the next day when it would be 1/2 price according to the color dot stuck on it. I bought it right then. It still works! I could sew on it if I had the patience for the slower motor. I think everything about it is interesting — the wooden base, the bentwood cover (not shown), the imprinting on the side metal and the designs that are lacquered on. It’s all created to be pleasing to the eye. I really enjoy it. These machines were made to last, aren’t very valuable and are around to be found. I was lucky the colors on mine are still vibrant while many tend to fade. What is especially nice about the one I found was that it was complete with all the accessories. The needle vial is darling. It’s a little metal canister. I have a newer Singer Surger and it’s an ugly square plastic machine upon which the needles were stuck to the front with tape. The surger machine is purely functional and doesn’t have a drop of style. I miss this era of fancy machinery.
Are you a treasure hunter? What are some of your best finds?
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Comments
6 Responses to My Favorite Find
I don’t usually go treasure hunting in my neck of the woods but I do think that this is something I would enjoy once I retire.
Lily,
I believe my mother still has a sewing machine very similar to the one in this picture. Maybe not quite that old.
My parents have lived in their house for 52 years and it is filled with treasures. My mom has several of the old irons from way, way back when. They are made of cast iron and you open them up and place hot coals into the belly of the iron and iron your clothes.
She has quite a few antique dishes and clocks and I know she has a very old Maytag wringer washer. They also have lots of old tools that I believe are over 150 years old.
Pam, I love the mechanics of the old antiques like the wringer washers. I went out this last weekend and am a little discouraged because I didn’t find one plate to replace the ones I want to get rid of. I didn’t expect a challenge. But, w/treasure hunting you never know. I could find several the next time.
Pam, your parent’s house sounds lovely. I love the antique clocks. I like the antique kitchen stuff too, mostly just too look at. I like the old cast-iron. I believe my mother’s skillet is older than me.
I hate to admit it, but I probably belong to a generation that doesn’t have enough appreciation for some of these older treasures.
I do own a few older pieces (desk, table, etc.) that came from my mother’s side of the family. My aunt has some other pieces and I should probably find out exactly what it is that she has.
The one piece that I have that I really do value is my grandfather’s Royal typewriter. It is easily 60 years old. He was a journalist and author and there is something really cool when I place my fingers on those same keys that he typed on. This is a man I never really knew because he passed away when I was six.
I’d love to get the typewriter restored some day and display it. Right now it is stored away in my laundry/storage room. It absolutely deserves better.
Thanks, Lily. Your piece was a reminder to me to not be so focused on the newest and greatest, but appreciate what comes from the past as well.
Ah I missed this post! I love flea markets and second hand stores. When I was younger I would search for vintage jeans and re-make them with patches and bandannas and stuff! My favorite find when I was younger was I found this vendor who sold John Lennon style sunglasses that were vintage and in every color. I am such a hippie at heart and I was simply giddy that day. I miss going to flea markets. They don’t have as many here in Illinois as they did in New England.
I love “treasure hunting”. I especially love a great bargain. That sewing machine is an amazing find!