A few weeks ago, I visited a antiques sale inside a huge warehouse. On the first day of the sale, I bought the enormous 1906 Webster's Dictionary and a breadbox with a glass knob. I spotted a few other things I liked, but they were priced a little higher than I was willing to pay.
I returned the next day and discovered that I could fill a big shopping bag with anything that would fit in it for five bucks. They were really trying to get rid of everything.
Guess what? Both of these fans fit into one bag! Or at least the nice woman running the sale said that we could pretend they did. We didn't actually try it. They were priced at $10 each the previous day (which is still a good deal). Everything else in this post fit into another bag. All told, I spent $15 for the breadbox and dictionary on the first day of the sale, and another $10 for two bags of stuff on the second day.
The back of the dictionary has a reference to all of the illustrations found throughout the book.
This long metal container once stored old maps or artwork. I threw this into my $5 bag.
The old photo and Amish bonnet went into my $5 bag as well.
These 8x10 band leader photos from Washington, D.C. went in there, too:
As did the postcard packs from San Francisco:
And the stack of Wee Wisdom and Jack & Jill magazines from the 1940's:
Some of my purchases have already been put to good use. The breadbox can now be found on my kitchen counter. It looks like someone sanded all of the paint off of it, so it is nice and shiny now. I love the way it blends in with our stainless steel appliances.
No, I'm not using it to hide wine. Just bread.
And the Amish bonnet is the newest addition to the dress-up box in the kid's play room.
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To my American readers, I hope you have an enjoyable Fourth of July weekend! My mom has an extra-special Famous Friday post to celebrate the holiday.
Those fans are great! Do they work? If so, I'd love to buy one from you.
Posted by: Tikaro | July 03, 2009 at 07:56 AM
What great luck you had! I love the bread box and the vintage children's magazines. You have adorable children! Have a happy Fourth of July!
Posted by: Leslie | July 03, 2009 at 08:51 AM
What a steal! I just started following your blog and am awe-inspired by your yard sale scouring talents. Makes me want to start looking for a breadbox too...
Pam
Posted by: Pam | July 03, 2009 at 10:06 AM
What great finds! I especially love the paper... postcards, books, dictionary... those illustration reference pages. It's been too long since I've been to the flea market... must go.
btw, I've read your blogtips blog for a few months now and find it very helpful, but I only just realized you have THIS TOO! I'll be back for more...
Posted by: Tracy | July 03, 2009 at 11:29 AM
Have a wonderful holiday weekend with your family too.
I just went to your moms blog and man those dudes are hot!
Posted by: lisa | July 03, 2009 at 12:57 PM
P.S.
Love all the great finds especially the bread box and the Wee Wisdom books. You had an awesome day of treasure hunting.
Posted by: lisa | July 03, 2009 at 12:58 PM
More than slightly jealous of your finds, sniff...
Posted by: Thrifted Treasure | July 04, 2009 at 12:09 AM
Great stuff and great photos thereof. Isn't that band leader dashing? Happy 4th to you too.
Posted by: KSV Woolfoot | July 04, 2009 at 07:34 AM
Love those fans!!!! The little books are precious and those illustrations in the back of the dictionary would look great framed. Oh how I would love to come shop with you! Have a great 4th! Jackie
Posted by: Jackie | July 04, 2009 at 08:56 AM
WOW !!! ALL THAT ??? What a great heart pumping-yeah-I am the yardsale queen-bargain !!! Good on ya!
Posted by: pam | July 04, 2009 at 09:56 AM
Nice finds...great shopping acumen...all with style...
Your post deliciously proves that estate sales are a great place for bargains...
At my sales it's on Sundays...
Thanks
Martin
Posted by: Fine Estate Liquidation | July 06, 2009 at 01:02 AM
Great photos and comments. I love your blog. And of course, the kids are adorable too!
Posted by: kay | July 06, 2009 at 01:27 PM
What a steal of a deal! Man, I love those 'bag' sales...so glad you were able to go back and partake!
Sonya
Posted by: Sonya | July 07, 2009 at 01:57 PM
The fans were a great buy!!
Posted by: Mary | July 09, 2009 at 06:09 PM
Just love the old fans you found. And what awesome deals! How cute to add the amish bonnet to the kids play trunk for dress-up. Good idea.
Posted by: Anne | July 10, 2009 at 12:27 PM
cutie hat..
Posted by: philippine beach properties | July 13, 2009 at 10:41 PM
Oh Man... What is today? The "Remember your past" Day?
I'd completely forgotten about Wee Wisdom until I read your post. My Nana ordered me a subsciption in the 1970s and I remember loving the regular delivery of mail addressed to me...
Posted by: The Shopping Sherpa | July 15, 2009 at 05:06 AM
I have three antique fans like yours. One was my grandma's and the other two I picked up a few dollars each at flea markets/garage sales. I worry though that someone is going to lose a finger whenever they're on. Do you run yours?
Posted by: Jodie R. | July 22, 2009 at 10:52 AM
okay, just over at VRS...twatted??? Really?
Does your mother know about it?
Posted by: Sue @ Serendipity | July 30, 2009 at 01:36 PM
wow - what a lucky deal! I love reading about your vintage scores - and 5 dollars a bag is awesome!
Posted by: the little big house | August 05, 2009 at 11:47 AM