Cool Vintage Finds on a Steamy September Friday

The Brimfield Antiques Show is always a visual feast, and this September was no exception with plenty of larger-than-life treasures on full display.

Big Boy Ahoy!

Pull It Up To The Bumper Car, Baby.

Feeling nostalgic yet?

At the September show, more dealers than ever offer vintage Christmas items for sale.

One dealer had an excellent variety of plastic blow molds, including carolers, Santas, snowmen and this pair of red candles with white lantern tops.

I didn't photograph the back, but near the base it says, "Empire Plastics Co., 1969." Except for some faded green paint, these are in excellent condition for their age.

As much as I love these, I'm giving them as a gift to my brother.

Usually I arrive home with a sleigh full of Christmas treasures. This time I only bought a few shiny ornaments for myself.

In my previous post I mentioned decorating for Halloween, and I found this black tinsel feather tree to help me along.

I don't think it's very old, but it's just the right size to place on my marble-top lamp table in the living room. I especially like the spider webs on the base.

One of the most unusual items I found was this Gladiator TV lamp. (My lucky 7th TV lamp, in case anyone is counting).

I took photos of this lit, but the details were obliterated. The 15-watt lightbulb is behind the right top of the plastic shade. The shade has a tear in it somewhere at the right, which I fixed with scotch tape. 

It was extremely dusty when I found it, and because of the tear in the shade, I got it for just $20. I especially like the curve of the shade and the whip-stitching on the borders. 

The dealer I bought it from had a whole table full of TV lamps, including two pirate ships, two pink deer planters, a large black poodle, and a black Asian themed one. 

The other unusual item was this Italy-themed tablecloth.

Mangia! Mangia!

Italy scenes with Leaning Tower of Cheese-a

Center border detail

Delicioso E Delicioso!

I really like the colors and fine details and – no spaghetti sauce stains! Yet.

After an Italian feast, it's time for a Dutch treat...

I did discover one other somewhat unusual treasure: this Dutch scene print.

I'm guessing this dates from the early 20th century, perhaps the 1920s.

I think the frame shape is really the most unique thing about it.

Frame detail – probably hand carved

From cool to steamy and back, it was a September day to remember.

Already dreaming of next May...

Hoo Wants Another TV Lamp?

Part of the fun of decorating is planning ahead for the next season or holiday. If you're like me, you'll gather items throughout the year, anticipating how you'll display them in their best possible light.

Speaking of light, I've decided to decorate a bit more elaborately for Halloween this year, beginning with this Kron owl TV lamp I found on ebay. I believe it's from the 1950s, possibly made in Texas. There's a whole history on Kron TV lamps, and there was apparently a rare white version of this owl as well.

Unfortunately, it arrived damaged as a result of not being packed carefully.
Fortunately I am due a full refund from the seller.

But all is not lost. With my brother's help, we glued the larger pieces back on with clear epoxy glue.

Unless you look really close, you can't see much of the damage. Compared with other TV lamps, this one has exceptional details in the feathers and even the base, and the way its eyes light up is spooky and cool at the same time.

The other TV lamp I found on ebay is this wonderful Yellow Tulip with a green leaf base.

I really like the artistry of this one and the shades of pink at the bottom of the flower, and the variations of green on the base. It also has a handy on/off switch. Most unusual: this one was made in Italy.

Decorating is Bellissimo!

Ciao!