thrift store spoils, ch. 24: Domino Mobler, Libbey Prado, and Dale Chemical

A spring break trip to North Carolina and Merlefest, a focus on getting some Etsy and Ebay items listed (and some sold—yay!), and good old fashioned procrastination have all kept me from posting about my thrifting finds. 

Now, though, I'll just jump right in. And I may as well start with something big, something found at the Manassas SA on 25%-off-everything day (the crazy SA day I swore off a few weeks back). 

I bought a très cool piece of mid-century modern furniture.

This Domino Mobler sideboard and hutch, made in Denmark of teak and teak veneer, was marked at $199. That's a good enough price in my book any day. But I was there on the aforementioned discount day, so I paid about $150 for it. Score!

I called the hubby from the store and texted a photo, wanting him to talk me out of buying something so room-altering. But, wouldn't you know, he was the one who talked me into bringing it home. The piece was too big for our Honda Pilot, though, so I hauled only the sideboard portion home that morning and returned with the hubby in the evening to pick up the hutch. 

And the only two problems I see with it are a one-inch or so's worth of water damage to the veneer on the bottom right side—damage probably caused by a spill or leak that affected the carpet the piece was sitting on, and (maybe) a couple of missing drawer runners. You see, I've looked up photos of this piece online, and the narrow drawer I've placed below the fold-out desktop probably belongs instead above the desktop in one of the open shelves. But, as I said, the runners for the drawer are awol. 

Still, not too much damage for something that's been around since the 1950s, I don't think. Check out the stinkin' great minimalist handles.

Also, look at the beautiful veneer here. (And I promise that it's richer in person.) 

This piece has altered the room, for sure: it now sits where an old warped, crowded bookshelf (one made by the hubby years ago) used to sit. I am pleased, indeed.

Now on to some other finds, some of which are for me to keep for my very own self and some of which I've listed in my Etsy shop.

I have several tumblers in this pattern, tumblers that belonged to my Florida Mamaw. However, I've never taken the time to research them online. And until recently, I only knew that they were made by Libbey and that they can break into several pieces if used to get ice from the automatic ice dispenser on the freezer door. (Yep. They can break, if you try that.) 

Over the years, I've found that the pattern itself is pretty common in thrift stores, though often dishwasher damaged. But I had no idea the glasses also came with handy-dandy gold handles. Who knew?

But here they are. And I've now done some research and discovered that the pattern is called Prado and that these particular glasses were advertised as Casual Cups, although Libbey also suggested using them as punch cups. Okay, then.

This fun confetti ashtray was made by Dale Chemical Co. (yep, Dale Chemical), according to the info stamped on the back. Fun!

I love this Mother Mary planter. Isn't it beautiful-cool, as well as kitschy-cool, at the same time? I love the colors, the soft 1950s blue against the shiny gold. I love that it's functional. And I love that it's the Blessed Mother.

It's obligatory Pyrex find time. I picked up these two casseroles in the Verde pattern for my mom because the price was so good. The bottom dish has a lid, by the way.

And I found this one frosted cocktail glass (I believe from the 1950s?) all by its lonesome at the SA on the crazy day. The signature on the art/cartoon is W. Steig—that is, The New Yorker cartoonist William Steig. (I believe he's also the one who created Shrek!, on which the movie was based.) I don't really find his cartoons LOL-funny, but his stuff seems to be sought after. We'll see how this glass does on Etsy.

This is just a goofy plastic (or melmac?) bowl I found and duly bought. 

But, hey, the bottom is stamped "Japan," and it's a super-tacky and bright yellow, like the color my colorblind Florida Mamaw once painted the stucco on her South Florida home. (This is no lie, and I'm not exaggerating.). How could I resist?

I bought these Tupperware containers (perfect for herbs and such) for me, because I actually do preserve herbs at the end of the summer. And I like Tupperware.

The clear Pyrex fridgie is for Mama.

And last, I found this pair of the coolest bar glasses at my favorite GW. They are unmarked, so I know nothing about their history. But they're a vintage-1960s avocado green; the bottoms are super-heavy; and they were priced at 56 cents each. I love them.

By the way, this photo was taken a couple of weeks ago when I made Mint Juleps for the hubby and me, in anticipation of yesterday's Kentucky Derby. (We're both originally from Kentucky, you see.) Fret not, though—yesterday's drinks were mixed and served in authentic pewter julep cups. We know what we're doing around here.

That's all for now. 

And thanks to Sir-Thrift-a-Lot, Thrifter/Maker/Fixer/Farm, We Call It Junkin, and a living space for the opportunity to link up.

thrift store spoils, ch. 21: Marimekko Oy, Dansk, and Remington Steele meets Strawberry Shortcake

I have become a Me-TV junkie. For those of you unfamiliar with the channel, "Me" is short for "memorable entertainment." That is, classics. (Don't you like the retro logo above?) 

These are shows that are quite often potically incorrect, without apology. (Oh, the freedom!) 

They are unafraid to feature cigarette smokers, sunbathers, and seatbeltless passengers. (You won't find twerking here, though. Thank the good Lord.) 

And they are as vintage as vintage gets. 


And I'm glad that I've been able to introduce some of these classic shows to the kids—shows such as Gilligan's Island, Columbo, and Wonder Woman. And for the first time in my memory, I, myself, can watch Remington Steele in syndication.

I spent the 1980's as a high school and college student, and (not that you asked, but) my must-see shows of the decade were Magnum, P.I. (duh!), The Dukes of Hazzard, Cheers, Hart to Hart, and Remington Steele. 

Yep. I liked Doris Roberts before she became Raymond's mom. And I liked Pierce Brosnan before he became 007—and even before he gained the extra muscle that made him even more attractive. And, I must say, the only accent more appealing than a British accent is a Southern one. (Thus, the inclusion of the Dukes in my list!)

Me-TV broadcasts Remington Steele on Sunday afternoons, and I use my handy-dandy DVR function so that I can watch it alone later in the week. So this week's episode ("Steele Knuckles and Glass Jaws"—with a plot obviously piggybacking on the Rocky movies' boxing theme popularity during the decade) has, in one part, our debonaire Mr. Steele going undercover as a wheeler-dealer (a role not unfamiliar to him, given his mysterious and suspect past), during which time he meets briefly with a shady character in a diner. Vintage dishware alert!

Check out what's sitting on the counter in front of them: an Anchor Hocking milk glass mug featuring Strawberry Shortcake. (I think this is the exact one.)

Why is such a precious mug sitting in such a seedy scene, you may be thinking? I have no clue. Irony, perhaps?

I was never a Strawberry Shortcake fan; instead, I was of the older Holly Hobbie generation. But my little sister was the prime age when Strawberry Shortcake became uber-popular in the 1980's. And I think I remember that she had a Strawberry Shortcake lunchbox?

Anyhow, just thought I'd share the vintage sighting surprise that occurred while I watched vintage TV.  

Now on to the week's finds.

I picked up this simple, white veggie bowl by Merimekko Oy (Pfaltzgraff). It's in great condition, with some crazing only. Marimekko has sold well for me in my Etsy shop, so I'll list it there.

I also found this classic metal trivet, made in Japan. Truly kitschy-cool. Hey, who doesn't like a practical kitchen item that also demeans (good naturedly, of course) the authority of the man of the house? And check out the weapon bread roller at the bottom. 

This Mrs. Clause salt shaker is also made in Japan. Isn't the detail on her face sweet? Alas, the pepper shaker was nowhere to be found. A day in the life of a thrifter.

And this mug is by Dansk. I know very little about it right now, only that it reads "Dansk Designs Denmark" on the bottom. I'll learn more and then list it on Etsy, I suppose.

This pair of owl mugs is unmarked—no "made in Japan" or anything. (I assume they're vintage 1970's, though.) I got them because pairs are good to list. They also remind me of the several houses (rented and owned) we had growing up. Owls were always represented, and the decor always included a healthy amount of brown.

These are items I found and bought for Mama. As I've mentioned before, she's a fan of yellow. The Opal loaf pan is Pyrex, of course. And the platter pattern is "Fresh as Spring" by Mikasa Light 'n Lively, made in Japan. I think I've loved every Light 'n Lively pattern I've come across.

This Tupperware Servalier canister set was marked at $4 for all eight pieces. I texted a photo to Mama, told her they were a pale yellow, and asked whether she wanted them. "Yes!" she responded. (I believe they're officially listed as Harvest Gold, by the way.)

And that's it. 

If you're so inclined, check out some Me-TV. Thrifters who are vintage nuts should be watching some vintage TV!

And thanks extended to Sir Thrift-a-Lot, We Call It Junkin, and Thrifter/Maker/Fixer/Farm for the opportunity to link up.

thrift store spoils, ch. 18: a missed opportunity, Pyrex, and Lillian Vernon

If you'd like to skip my story of the suh-weet mid-century modern item that I found but was unable to buy, feel free to skip down to my photos. But if you can relate to the thrift store agony of defeat, and if your misery needs a little company, please read my sad tale.

On Monday, I walked into my favorite GW about an hour after it opened for business. And right there in the front of the store, amongst several lousy, cheap occasional tables, was a mid-century beauty: a Gunlocke end table. (Confession: I didn't know for sure the brand upon first glance, but I could tell that it was vintage and very, very cool.) 

But, alas, kneeling beside it was a young lady. She was with what turned out to be her grandmother (not that I learned this by eavesdropping or anything), and they were discussing whether the table would work in a particular space in her little place. But they obviously had no idea that the table was such a great find; they were only considering its size and cost. 

The girl took the tag taped to the table (as you know, this is the thrifter's way of saying "saved") and moved on to look at cheap chairs. That's when I moved in to check out the table. The top was scratched a bit, which would be no big deal to fix, but the rest of it was in great shape. I turned it over, and that's when I learned that it was, in fact, a Gunlocke. GW had marked it at $20, but a 25% discount would be applied. 

Fifteen stinkin' bucks for that beauty. 

I wandered over to housewares and searched the table up on my phone to learn more about it, still hovering at a distance. (Okay. I was spying.) There was always a chance that the girl and her grandmother would change their minds about it and put the tag back, right? But, no. They bought the thing.

So then I had a dilemma. Should I follow the two of them to the parking lot and offer $25 for the piece? Should I at least stop them and educate them about what they had—so that they'd cherish the vintage Gunlocke in their care?

In the end, I did nothing. I was a chicken. Honestly, I kind of feared freaking them out more than anything. (Who wants to be followed to out to the parking lot?)

So by just a few minutes that morning, I missed out on a beautiful, vintage piece. I don't have a photo of the piece, and I can't find one online that I'm allowed to copy and post, but here's a link to one for sell on Etsy.

And here are the finds that I do have in my possession. 

I found two Russel Wright by Steubenville plates to go with my collection of these plates. (Okay. So I now have three of them in my collection. It's a modest start.) But I love the chartreuse. (The granite is cool, too.) I do have two pieces—not plates, but a casserole dish and a sugar bowl—available on Etsy. I believe this set was manufactured from 1939 until 1959.

Neither of these Pyrex mixing bowls has chips, but the finish on each is a little worn. I'm not concerned, though. That just makes me more likely to use them! The green is a 402 (a piece from the Verde set, I believe), and the blue is unmarked.

More Pyrex. The 12-inch plate is the Terra pattern, which lots of folks don't like. One reason for this, I believe, is that the finish is flat. I mentioned in a post a while back that when I first came across other Terra pieces in a thrift store, I thought they were DWD. 

The shallow bowl is Pyrex dinnerware. I have a few pieces from this pattern, Ebony. And this size bowl is good for sour cream, salsa, whatever.

And my last Pyrex find is this round casserole. It's Woodland, 472. The lid is scratched up quite a bit and chipped on one handle,  but the price was right—$2.96. And I like this pattern. (I know this may put me in the minority.)

I love this sweet Lillian Vernon mug from 1983. And, yes, I placed an order or two from Lillian Vernon back in the day. This mug has a timeless reminder ("Call your mom") written across a pretty obsolete item—the land line phone with a cord that you could stretch around a corner and into another room, begging for privacy. 

I tell my kids that I remember in the 1980s having to call Mama and Daddy collect and person-to-person from my dorm room just to get in touch with them. These days, I pretty much only text with my college student kids.

This bright Christmas mug is marked Waechtersbach/W. Germany. I love the simple image of the Christmas tree. I'll probably list this on Etsy shop next fall.

And lastly, I found more Tupperware canisters. This isn't my favorite color, but both were in good shape. And they're so stinkin' handy-dandy in my pantry.

Thanks to Sir Thrift-a-Lot, Magpie Monday and Thrifter/Maker/Fixer/Farm for letting me link up!

thrift store spoils, ch. 17: Couroc hummingbirds, Porky Pig, and the SS Norway

I'm back after a month-long blogging hiatus. My reasons? Lots of work (I substitute teach)and several snow days (meaning that my kids have been home to trash the house and get in my way). 

And on a much less trivial note, my Kentucky Mamaw died last month. I spent about a week driving to North Carolina to meet up with my parents before driving on to Kentucky and back for the funeral. This Mamaw, my father's mother, was the one I've referenced who spent most of her lifetime on a farm. Among other talents, she maintained her own veggie garden, she quilted blankets (mostly with 60's or 70's fabric), and she churned her own butter. When she got much older, she moved into an easy-to-maintain duplex and, later, on to an assisted living home. Mamaw was 95 when she died. 

Mama asked me whether there was anything of Mamaw's that I'd like to bring back with me, an item to remember her by. My mind immediately went to her aluminum cake cover and carrier. I can't count how many times it was used by Mamaw to serve my brother, my sister, and me one of her three-layered cakes. My aunt and uncle were able to locate the vintage item in Mamaw's garage, and it's now in my kitchen.

I'll use it to store plates of brownies or cookies. Goodness knows I'll never match her in the art of cake making. She knew her stuff.

And on to my latest thrift store finds—I bought this beauty at my favorite GW last month. 

This jacquard tablecloth was made in Austria. My photos stink, I know. But the second photo shows a bit of the detail on the wide border. After I iron it a bit, I'll photograph it better and list it on Etsy.

At the same GW, I found these vintage-hip hummingbird lowball glasses. They're by Couroc—vintage 1950s, I believe. And they're in perfect condition. I'll list them on Etsy as soon as I figure out how to ship them without it costing a fortune. They're quite weighty.  

Yes. I now have yet another mid-century magazine rack to add to my collection. I just love these things. So handy-dandy.

On the way to Kentucky (and we went the backish way—via highways that took us through small Appalachian towns rather than by the more impersonal interstate), Mama and I took note of every Goodwill or Salvation Army store we passed. (I think I've mentioned before that Mama has recently contracted a Pyrex obsession, causing her to stop in at thrift stores as often as the rest of us do?) On the way home, we visited every store on our list.

Of note here is the fact that my brother is an architect who does work for Goodwill in Kentucky: he has both designed rehabs of old buildings for Goodwill offices and/or stores, as well as drawn complete from-the-ground-up plans for them. One of those GW stores Mama and I visited was his creation. Cool!

And at one of those Kentucky stores, I picked up this Glasbake milk glass "Mom" mug. I grabbed it, because I've already sold a pair of similar mugs ("Grandpa" and "Grandma") on Etsy. We'll see how well this one does.

Okay. So it's time to crowd my post with more photos of mugs. What can I say? I cannot pass them up.

This Enesco mug is dated 1978. Garfield was so big back then. (I remember!)It's listed on Etsy.

This mug by Inhesion features artwork by Maria Ryan, as well as her signature. On the bottom of the mug is the name "Cat n' Mouse," which I just don't get. What does "n'" mean?
And? Nope: one too few apostrophes. 
An? Nope: not only does that not make sense, but the apostrophe is in the wrong place.
I've listed this mug on Etsy (cat folks love their cat mugs), but it bothered me to include that incomprehensible name.

This milk glass mug featuring a sweet pastoral scene was manufactured by Anchor Hocking. I have yet to list it (needs a better photo!), and I've yet to research it. The design leads me to believe it's vintage 1980s, though, but I can't be sure.

And I just love this mug. (The blues! Oh, my.) My understanding is that this was sold (or given?) as a souvenir aboard the Norwegian Cruiseline's SS Norway in the early 1980's. I researched and found that the ship was dismantled in 2008. So there will be no more. I thought about keeping this for myself. But, for now, it's listed on Etsy.

I picked these items up here and there: a Longaberger candle crock, a brass owl (with an old Walmart sticker on the bottom?), and a Tupperware ice tea cup (Uncle Si-style). I've already given the cup to my college freshman daughter.

After my trip to Kentucky and on my way home from Mama and Daddy's place, I stopped in at a GW in Salem, Virginia, where I bought this set of Lenox Ware melamine children's cups. I grew up watching Warner Bros. cartoons on Saturday mornings, and I loved the stuttering Porky Pig. 


And to quote this iconic character: That's all, Folks!

Oops. Thanks to Sir Thrift-a-Lot and We Call It Junkin for the opportunity to link up!

thrift store spoils, ch. 12: Russel Wright and a Cheshire Cat

Greetings. I'll just jump right in with some items I found during the last week. And I'll start with a beautiful bowl and cradle that I have not been able to identify.

I have no clue who might have manufactured this. I've posted an inquiry on a mid-century enthusiasts online community I'm part of, but, alas, I've gotten no responses. The bowl does come free from its cradle, and there are three ball feet on the cradle's bottom. So stinkin' cool. 

Anyhow, I just love it. For the time being, it'll serve as the house pinecone holder. 

I also got lucky at our closest Savers when I found two Russel Wright pieces.

This lidded veggie dish in chartreuse matches the single plate I found quite a while back. I love, love, love the chartreuse.

I also found this super stylish Russel Wright sugar bowl. Check out that fun mid-century handle.

These Christmas plates are a Marimekko design by Pfaltzgraff. The bottoms of the plates are actually marked "Marimekko Oy." (Huh?) I believe they're vintage 1970s, and they have rims similar to the Marimekko mugs I found a while back.

So I bought this Cheshire Cat mug. But wait.

When you pour in hot liquid, all but the cat's grin disappears (sort of). So stinkin' clever.

I don't care for Alice in Wonderland, by the way. The Mad Hatter is way too creepy, and Lewis Carroll was reportedly a bad man in the sickest way. I even get a little creeped out by the Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers "Don't Come Around Here No More" video from the 1980s—again, icky. But this mug is fun.

I do love Tom Petty's music, though. Here's the aforementioned creepy video (vintage 1980s, folks!) :

And, of course, I picked up some mugs.

The cat mug is by Otagiri; the Aids Awareness mug was produced by the US Postal Sevice and is dated 1993; and the Maxwell House mug just plain reminds me of the classic Maxwell House commercials I used to watch as a kid—when there were only four channels on the TV. The Conservative mug is a Boynton design and is signed. And the "the Good Guys" mug is a William Logan design and is also signed and dated 1977.

And I bought some Longaberger pottery and some Tupperware. I cannot pass these up.

I hope that everyone out there in thrifting land is finding themselves some good loot.

And I'm sending many thanks to Sir Thrift-A-Lot, a living space, We Call It Olde, Remnant (where I posted with a poorly cropped thumbnail photo!), and Thrifter/Maker/Fixer/Farm for the opportunity to link up.