This past weekend packed some nice surprises for me and my Dad. We started the weekend thinking it would be a wash (and not just because it was raining), but because the initial search of estate sale listings showed nothing in the area – BUT after further review on Friday night I noticed two sales starting Saturday morning in a neighboring town, about 20 mins away. Our plans were set. We were going to head out early Saturday morning for the first sale starting at 10:00 AM, hoping to get there about 45mins early to put our name down and get a number. When we arrived at 9:15 there were seven people ahead of us, but no numbers were being given. My dad, thinking we would be standing in line for 45 mins, attempted to start a numbers list. I didn't like the idea because I thought it would be rude, but luckily to our surprise the doors opened at 9:20 (right before he got the paper to make the list), and the line rushed in. We later learned the sale was being run by a developer who bought the house and contents, and was selling off the contents, so typical estate sale company protocol, which usually sticks to the start times exactly, was not followed.
From the online pictures we knew the house had many antiques and interesting items. In particular we noticed some interesting luggage and old time Doctor style black bags. As the line rushed in the first couple people grabbed the doctor bags and others started to grab anything in sight as well. It was like Black Friday at a mall (if you don't know what I mean watch the news around the next Black Friday.) I mean they were grabbing everything! In a mild panic my dad grabbed
the remaining two pieces of luggage and instructed (more like yelled at) me to fan out and start picking up anything of interest as quickly as possible before everything was gone - but of course I like to take my time and really search and look for good things. My dad tends to miss a lot (don't tell him I said that :)). I only ended up grabbing some old books (which were awesome) and a silver cleaning plate which had a cool advertising imprint on it (these things my dad over looked).
As I mentioned before, the house was bought by a developer. We later talked with the man and woman from the development company and learned all the antiques, which filled a few rooms and the garage, were found in the attic and were a complete surprise to them when they bought the place. Since they had no idea that the items were in the attic there was no sentimental attachment to the items, and everything being sold was pure unexpected profit, prices were very reasonable and easily negotiated.
A large shelf with a few dozen 19th century books were being sold for 4 for $10. There were cabinets full of mason jars (Ball and Atlas), all sizes, both blue and clear with Zinc and clamp tops. They were 3$ or 5$ each, depending on size. By the second day all was $50% off and we spoke to a women who bought the last 50 blue Ball zinc top jars for $2 a piece (she bundles them and sells them on Etsy) – and yes, we went back Sunday (three times overall). We dared not buy any more Mason jars, we have enough, and Mom would kill us if we walked into our house with anymore.
On Saturday, after returning once, we ended up picking up several 19th century books, a stack of Real Photo Postcards (RPPC), letters and other various interesting documents from the late 1800s and early 1900s, two pairs of late 19th century eyes glasses (one the Pince-Nez version) with cases, some old small items with interesting early advertising, two vintage pieces of luggage, and an old crate. With one of the pieces of luggage the leather was dry and coming off so when we put the suitcase in the car I noticed that my dad's pants were covered in this old leather dirt.
From the online pictures we knew the house had many antiques and interesting items. In particular we noticed some interesting luggage and old time Doctor style black bags. As the line rushed in the first couple people grabbed the doctor bags and others started to grab anything in sight as well. It was like Black Friday at a mall (if you don't know what I mean watch the news around the next Black Friday.) I mean they were grabbing everything! In a mild panic my dad grabbed
the remaining two pieces of luggage and instructed (more like yelled at) me to fan out and start picking up anything of interest as quickly as possible before everything was gone - but of course I like to take my time and really search and look for good things. My dad tends to miss a lot (don't tell him I said that :)). I only ended up grabbing some old books (which were awesome) and a silver cleaning plate which had a cool advertising imprint on it (these things my dad over looked).
As I mentioned before, the house was bought by a developer. We later talked with the man and woman from the development company and learned all the antiques, which filled a few rooms and the garage, were found in the attic and were a complete surprise to them when they bought the place. Since they had no idea that the items were in the attic there was no sentimental attachment to the items, and everything being sold was pure unexpected profit, prices were very reasonable and easily negotiated.
A large shelf with a few dozen 19th century books were being sold for 4 for $10. There were cabinets full of mason jars (Ball and Atlas), all sizes, both blue and clear with Zinc and clamp tops. They were 3$ or 5$ each, depending on size. By the second day all was $50% off and we spoke to a women who bought the last 50 blue Ball zinc top jars for $2 a piece (she bundles them and sells them on Etsy) – and yes, we went back Sunday (three times overall). We dared not buy any more Mason jars, we have enough, and Mom would kill us if we walked into our house with anymore.
On Saturday, after returning once, we ended up picking up several 19th century books, a stack of Real Photo Postcards (RPPC), letters and other various interesting documents from the late 1800s and early 1900s, two pairs of late 19th century eyes glasses (one the Pince-Nez version) with cases, some old small items with interesting early advertising, two vintage pieces of luggage, and an old crate. With one of the pieces of luggage the leather was dry and coming off so when we put the suitcase in the car I noticed that my dad's pants were covered in this old leather dirt.
The garage was filled with many interesting tools and wood working items. My dad had his eye on several old wooden clamps, but passed as he has many of them already, and again Mom would kill him if she saw more appear in the house. We had no intention of going back on Sunday, but one item caught my eye on Sat., that I passed on. It was a 1913 version of the Roodles card game. It was actually my Mon who asked us Sunday morning if we were going to go back for the game. Taking that as a green light to go back to the sale, we headed out again. (I don’t think that was quite what my Mom had intended ;) ).
We only planned on picking up the game. Knowing it was not in the best of shape, we intended to just get it very cheap – which we did. Upon arrival we saw the woman packing up the last of the blue Ball mason jars. My dad actually did want to pick up one of the larger sizes, but none remained. Luckily there was one left without a Zinc lid, which my dad picked up. He also found a box, with amazing advertisements for mason jars, full of zinc lids - so he got his lid too.
Upon leaving we stopped in the garage again. What caught my dad’s eye the previous day were several large pieces of what looked like made up some large early industrial piece of equipment. My dad started to pick them up and place them together on the table – they were very interesting. They looked like they would go together, but it was unclear for what. Unable to pass up such interesting items, that combined form and function in an industrial artistic display, my dad bundled a few equipment pieces, as well as 3 large wood clamps (he couldn’t resist), and an early wooden wood plane, into a cheap package deal. Later some research showed that the pieces were part of a late 19th century wood lathe. The lathe pieces are exceptionally cool - heavy wood and iron that make a fantastic display.
So that was our fun and treasures from the first sale. I mentioned there was a second sale on Saturday in the
same area. Well, in short, that one was quite different. The house was jam packed with thousands and thousands of modern sports collectibles of all types, modern (post 1980) sports cards, sports magazines and newer comics. I am sure there was some fascinating items, and for the person knowing what they were looking at, there were probably many items to be had, but it was of little interest to us. (although my Dad did pick up a cool 1970s Yankees pin).
On to the next Sale..
By, Sara
We only planned on picking up the game. Knowing it was not in the best of shape, we intended to just get it very cheap – which we did. Upon arrival we saw the woman packing up the last of the blue Ball mason jars. My dad actually did want to pick up one of the larger sizes, but none remained. Luckily there was one left without a Zinc lid, which my dad picked up. He also found a box, with amazing advertisements for mason jars, full of zinc lids - so he got his lid too.
Upon leaving we stopped in the garage again. What caught my dad’s eye the previous day were several large pieces of what looked like made up some large early industrial piece of equipment. My dad started to pick them up and place them together on the table – they were very interesting. They looked like they would go together, but it was unclear for what. Unable to pass up such interesting items, that combined form and function in an industrial artistic display, my dad bundled a few equipment pieces, as well as 3 large wood clamps (he couldn’t resist), and an early wooden wood plane, into a cheap package deal. Later some research showed that the pieces were part of a late 19th century wood lathe. The lathe pieces are exceptionally cool - heavy wood and iron that make a fantastic display.
So that was our fun and treasures from the first sale. I mentioned there was a second sale on Saturday in the
same area. Well, in short, that one was quite different. The house was jam packed with thousands and thousands of modern sports collectibles of all types, modern (post 1980) sports cards, sports magazines and newer comics. I am sure there was some fascinating items, and for the person knowing what they were looking at, there were probably many items to be had, but it was of little interest to us. (although my Dad did pick up a cool 1970s Yankees pin).
On to the next Sale..
By, Sara