Treasure Box Wednesday: Heavenly Finds

And a-one, and a-two, and everybody sing...

Er, no, better not. Let's just talk about our friend the conducting cherub here, and the other found items for this Treasure Box Wednesday.

The elaborate winged fellows are a lamp discovered at Construction Junction architectural salvage. This has already made it's way into my blue room. I would say it probably was the land-speed record for lamp placement in America.

How the lamp managed to survive in that store amid the big chunks of heavy marble mantles, thick wood planks, and masonry, I can't imagine. It does have some issues, certainly. A chipped wing here, a missing bit there...

And this fellow is completely sans-arm. But I think some clever patching will make it less obvious, and just add to the character. Too much was brilliantly intact for me to care very much...
Sometimes I think it's the imperfections in well-made old pieces like this that make them even more worth rescuing to me. Like I have to save them from further damage!

At the Salvation Army yesterday, there was absolutely nothing wrong with this pink hobnail vase...
I've seen this in white milkglass a bazillion times over the years-- in fact my mother had one-- but never, ever in pink! This was quite a surprise to me. I believe I recall it being an Anchor Hocking piece, but don't hold me to that.

I had also picked up this green Depression glass platter...

Funny, I'd been in line, saying to the friend I was shopping with how there were just a few small chips on the bottom, but how no one would see those. And the woman in front of me in line sniffed, "Well, I can tell you're not an antique dealer, then!"

Er, yes. I probably wouldn't expect people to buy from me something that had chips. But given it was for my own use? Well, you all know how I feel about that. Again, it's another pretty item whose beauty isn't ruined by the little flaws.

And my last second-hand venture of the weekend was attending a flea market at a local synagogue. It was set up almost identically to the church rummage sale I went to just a week or two ago. And there, I set my eyes on this great sandwich-glass and lightly-lustered amethyst dish...
(Here you can see an aerial view)...

And this excellent large, old mirror for a whole $2...

So it's been a pretty heavenly week for fun finds! And a nice respite from working on that fireplace.


It's going well, by the way. I installed the rest of the trim last night. It still needs a few coats of paint, and then I have some other touches to add. Oh-- and the mantle shelf. But the mantle shelf issue is one I'll share with you later. I think you'll laugh.

Take care, and I hope you'll pop back on Sunday for our next post!

15 comments:

Jen said...

Great lamp...I agree imperfections are no big deal. None of us are perfect :O)

Dsata said...

I also enjoy the lamp with the cherubs !

Sandy aka Doris the Great said...

I love your purchases. And I'm with you -- as a lover of depression glass, I don't mind a new "dings" as I use it fairly consistently. Ignore the nay-sayers! They're only trying to bring you down!

Unknown said...

Jen- It's true. And history only comes around once. I like to think stuff like this are happy remnants of it.

Dsata- :) I like your excellent vintage avatar.

Sandy/Doris- Yup! Depression glass has hung in there and been beautiful and useful for about 70 years now. No reason not to continue using and cherishing it!

Power to us lovers of chipped treasures! :)

Janelle said...

I too am fond of chips, dings, crazes and stains. Makes me want to take the item home and give it some TLC, like an abandoned pet or runny-nosed child!

Ms. B @ Millie Deel said...

Oh man, I would kill for ANYTHING pink hobnail!!! Excellent find!!

Cheryl said...

Fabulous treasures!

Unknown said...

Janelle- Though it's probably better you stick to dishes and not runny-nosed children in your travels... as the cops might have something to say about the latter. :) But I do know what you mean. Thrift Rescue!

Ms. B- I'm going to have to look on Ebay to see if there are any on there. Just for information's sake.

Cheryl- Thanks much, and thanks for visiting!

Carrie said...

As usual, you've found some wonderful items -- especially the fabulous lamp!
I have been looking for amber glass my latest post tells about the depression glass plates I found:
http://oakrisecottage.blogspot.com/2009/10/amber-depression-glass.html

Enjoy your weekend,
Carrie

Miss Shirl said...

Those are gorgeous piece you've found! One thing I really don't like are antique snobs. Things have value when you give them value. Not when someone puts a tag on it. I guess the lady never read "The Velveteen Rabbit."

Unknown said...

Carrie- Oh, cool-- thanks for sharing. It's been a while since I've stopped by, I know-- I've been kinda holed up here and then working on that darned fireplace. :)You always find good stuff.

Shirley- I know, like you I think of the path the item has had over the years, beyond the item itself. I'm always amused when people are actually shopping IN the thrift store, but get unexpectedly high-end about it. :)

Down Comforter said...

Love, love, love that adorable hobnail vase :)

Nancy Hinchliff said...

Great blog. Really good idea to let the readers go shopping with you. I do not do Thrift Shops anymore, but I can appreciate your wonderful "finds".

I have a bed and breakfast which is decorated in Victorian antiques, but that is not my personal taste..it just happens to fit my Victorian Italianate Inn.

I'll be back to enjoy shopping with you vicariously.

Lois said...

Some people are just rude.
Nosey parker shouldn't have listening in on your conversation, let alone making a comment on it.
I picked up a beautiful hand painted bowl with flamingos on it a few years back that had a very small chip on the rim. I brought it home, sanded down the chipped area and gave it to my cousin as she collects flamingos. I did tell her about and showed her the area that had been repaired. She still uses that bowl, especially for layered salads and desserts. She says it’s one of the nicest one she has. Not bad for three bucks eh?
I agree with you Jenn. Great finds can always be used.
Thanks for sharing.
Lois

Jenn Thorson said...

DC- What is it about hobnail that we all love it so much?

KentuckyInnkeeper- I give you a lot of credit for decorating in what fits your inn, even if it's not your personal taste. Lots of folks don't necessarily choose what works best for the structure and its history. I find that impressive.

Lois- It never really occurred to me about her listening in, either-- that's pretty funny. I'm not surprised you have good friends who can see the thought and beauty in things that may have little imperfections.