I guess it's true. Everything old is new again. The new Restoration Hardware catalog came in the mail today. Every time I thumb through these catalogs I think about things I've picked up over the years for next-to-nothing. Junk like croquet sets, old globes, and even lawn furniture.
Now those things are being reproduced and can get pretty pricey. Just call me Second Hand Rose.
I don't know about you, but whenever I watch a movie like the new Cohen brothers flick, "The Ladykillers," I Iook at the furniture, the accessories like lamps and rugs, even the wallpaper, and I think about how much fun it would be to be involved in set design, or gather the props for a film.
Hmm, maybe that's what I can say I'm going to do with the stuff in my garage...
If the feeling you get from shopping at garage sales is like " A massive panic attack, but in a good way," I've got a treat for you.
Bogwood, Washington, "The Garage Sale Capital of the U.S.A.," is the fictional setting for the 2002 Seattle film, "G-Sale."
You can see a trailer here.
(You'll need Quicktime to view it.)
That lady at the end, the one pushing her way into the sale, looks familiar... I wonder if this was filmed in Spokane?
If you're interested, the flea market is going to be at the Fairgrounds this weekend. I wish we had one of those markets that covers acres of ground and takes you all weekend to comb through, like the Queen Mother of all flea markets, the Pasadena Flea Market.
Last weekend, the Kovels mentioned seeing "the famous movie star, Diane Keaton" ( in case you were wondering which Diane Keaton they spotted) at the Pasadena market.
I must have been looking a little dangerous because my son insisted I hop on my vintage Schwinn bike ( a $15 thrift store find) and ride a little bit of the Centennial Trail with him.
He was right. I felt like a new woman by the time we got home.
If you didn't get a chance to make it by the recent appraisal events in Spokane, you might want to take a look at this site.
Maine Antiques Digest one of the country's leading magazines for Art and Antiques, lists a page of links to online appraisers.
They also publish a list of shows and auctions across the country.
Don't forget that it's Appraisal Days at the MAC this weekend. Experts will be on hand today and Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to offer information and appraisals. Up to five items can be appraised for a donation of $10 each. For more information call (509) 456-3931
Hmmm... From where I am sitting, listening to the soothing sound of water running as my son takes his 40-minute shower (no school today,) I can look around most of the main rooms in my house. I see two cats stretched out in patches of sunlight, one sleeping dog (he's resting after setting a world record for shedding) and at least four pair of shoes, two back-packs,and one baseball glove.
Add to that the fact that I am experiencing, um....processing delays in the assimilation of various interesting souvenirs ( my junk is piling up) and it looks like I have to do a little housework this weekend. Since I have at least a gazillion words to write before 5 p.m. Tuesday, instead of TGIF, I want to shout, WIFA? (What, it's Friday already?)
Susan Goldberg, cast member of the A&E show "The Incurable Collector, (no longer on the air) has a second life as Garage Sale Susan.
Goldberg drives her gorgeous, fire engine red, 1953 pickup truck around L.A. scouting for treasures and interesting things to sell on eBay. What a great gig.
I would love to find a vintage (but very reliable) pickup to take me treasure hunting around Spokane.
I'll call myself "Antique Annie" and ... Um...actually, I may give that a little more thought. Doesn't exactly project the image I'm after. I'll get back to you with my snappy new moniker.
If you can't seem to get out of Spokane to do a little junking, here are a few photos of an antique store in Japan. I found them in an interesting blog titled Antipixel. (sigh) Not only am I The Accidental Tourist, now I've become an armchair junker.
If you've still got a stash of Beanie Babies waiting for the market to rebound, or you've been eyeing those SpongeBob SquarePants Highball glasses, you may be interested in this article at The Onion. You might want to bookmark it and add it to your collection of satire.
How's this for proof that thrift store shopping is another form of treasure hunting ... Last month, a worker in a Vancouver, B.C. Value Village thrift store found a pair of diamond rings, valued at more than $20,000, hidden in a purse that had been donated. If the original owner can't be found, the rings will be sold and a reward will be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association which originally collected the purse.
This is for all of you big toy lovers. John Deere announced that they have located the oldest known John Deere tractor and brought it home to the John Deere Collectors Center in Moline, Ill. The 1918 all-wheel drive tractor is the only complete model known to exist. One of only 100 models manufactured, the tractor originally sold for $1,500.
Question: I have Jim Beam decanters. They are: Rembrant's Jewish Bride, Van Gogh's Old Peasant, Edouard Manet's The Judge, Au Cafe, and Gare Saint. They are all in perfect order, I was wondering if they were worth anything and how would I find out to sell them? -- Gloria
Answer: I don't know a lot about Jim Beam Decanters, but I do know they have quite a following. You might want to get a copy of the Schiffer Collectors Guide to help you set a price. The Jim Beam Collectors Club is another resource for information on the figural decanters. They have a message board for buying and selling among members. Good luck.
I dropped by the appraisal event at the American Cancer Society, Spokane Discovery Shop on Garland Avenue Sunday and had a great time. The line snaked across the parking lot and I chatted with people (and peeked at their treasures) while they waited.
Grace Gibson arrived early to be the first person in line. She brought a picture that was purchased at a gallery in Spokane between 1903 and 1907. Dave Williams, owner of Daves Antiques and Collectible Jewelry gave Gibson's painting a possible value of thousands of dollars, and suggested she take it to the appraisal event at the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture next weekend.
I loved the items Susan Walker, of Mead, brought. She wheeled her grandmother's doll, wearing her father's 1915 Christening gown, in a 1918 wicker baby carriage that originally belonged to Walker's uncle. I didn't get to stick around to hear what kind of value Williams put on the collection, but I'm sure it didn't come close to the sentimental value.
The women who staff the Spokane Discovery Shop were thrilled at the turnout. Many of the people who lined up said they read about the event in Friday's "Treasure Hunting."
As always, I enjoyed meeting other collectors and listening to their comments about the column, and the antiques and collectible market in Spokane. Dian Lee, Chairman of the Spokane Discovery Shop, said there were twice as many people as in years past. As always, the $10 fee for up to three appraisals benefits the American Cancer Society.
Just got a note from the Junk Gypsy girls from Texas. Seems they've already made a little money from a Junker in Spokane. One day I'm going to put on my fringed cowboy jacket and head south to meet these girls.
So, you are out there at a garage sale or thrift store and you pick up something that looks old and interesting, but you aren't sure how to date it. What to do? Here's a list of interesting resources for dating antiques and collectibles.
The current issue of Country Living Magazine with its cover article on "Junking for treasures," is full of fun stuff. There is a multi-page spread on the original junk diva, Mary Randolph Carter, and a wonderful essay by Faith Andrews Bedford, about collecting sea glass on the beach (one of my favorite treasure hunts.)
I'm saving my magazine for a little quality time with a bubble bath and a pint of Ben & Jerry's Cherry Garcia frozen yogurt. TGIF!
A sure sign that spring is on the way is the addition of church rummage sales to the list of estate sales and garage sales in the paper. I love church sales because I always find something wonderful, and the money goes to a good cause.
Lucky me. I spent part of Monday evening with the women of Covenant United Methodist Church in North Spokane. I spoke for a few mintues on my love of anything old, and then we all settled back for a "Show and Tell" of everyone's favorite treasure, and the story of how they came to own it.
I was especially taken by a pair of unusual silverplate railroad dining car corn-on-the-cob holders that were brought by a woman whose father spent a lifetime working for the railroad.
Betty Newell told tales of digging interesting pieces of pottery and vintage bottles out of the ground where the outhouses used to stand on old farms. (I can't wait to do a column on that!)
Eleanor Thrapp brought an early reverse painted mirror, and we all admired the hand-cut crystal and delicate porcelain pieces that others brought.
Driving home I thought about how even though I love the "search and rescue" side of collecting, I've learned that it's the things that come to us from friends and family that we treasure the most.
Thanks for sharing your pretty things (and delicious cake) with me, ladies. I had a wonderful time.
I was lurking in a thrift store not too long ago and overheard a woman tell her grown daughter, "I always wanted matching living room furniture, but when you kids were little I couldn't afford it. And now that I've finally got the money, it's out of style and everybody's buying the mixed-up junk I had to settle for all those years."
It's like that old closet rule-of-thumb ... "If you keep it long enough it will come back in style."
While we're on the subject of art...
Read this story about a man who picked up a couple of paintings at an estate sale and made a small fortune on them. Unfortunately, the family that sold them at an estate sale wants their share of the loot.
Lesson 1: Deal with professionals when you're liquidating an estate.
Lesson 2: Keep your eyes open when you're shopping estate sales. These things do happen.
If you've got a trip to Portland coming up, here's a site that lists a lot of the junk stores, and funky shops around town.
Question: Thanks for validating some of my feelings about finding hidden treasures in older artwork sometimes found in antique stores or garage sales. I have found a couple interesting paintings that way and have seen many others over the years that would have been delightful to use as decorating touches.
I live in Coeur d'Alene and I bought a picture a couple years ago at a yard sale that is an old "portrait type" picture of a lady in what appears to be dress of the 1800's. There is no signature on the front and the canvas is mounted on a board, so I can't see if anyone signed the back. Would you know where I might look to find out if it would have any significant value? -- Evalyn Adams
Answer: I talked to Dennis Bergstrom, a reference librarian at the downtown branch of the Spokane Public Library, and he said they frequently get this question. According to Bergstrom, the downtown Reference Department has the largest collection of art resources in the area.
It's awfully hard to get a lot of information on an unsigned piece. You might want to bring the portrait to one of the appraisal events that are coming up. There will be an art expert at the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture appraisal days on March 19 and 20.
Has junk gone mainstream? For some reason, the thrift stores around town were packed with people this weekend. When I stopped by Value Village on Boone, there weren't any shopping carts. Every cart had been taken and was being pushed around the store full of merchandise. I did find a vintage cotton camp blanket so I left happy. I found a Diamondback mountain bike for my daughter at the Goodwill store on Third Avenue for $9.99, so she was happy too.
Question: I have an antique golden oak dining room table and chairs (7) and a small serving table that I’m interested in selling. I have advertised two weekends with only a few nibbles. They were made by Paine Furniture in Boston in the late 1800’s and are in excellent condition. I have been asking $1,200 obo. I think I need some help/advice. Can you assist me with this? -- Christina Thomas
Answer: Your furniture sounds beautiful. Located in Boston, the Paine Furniture Co. was founded in 1835 and operated until the last store closed in 2000. Their pieces still sell well at auctions across the country.
Although I haven't seen a photo of the dining room set, the price you are asking sounds fair. You might want to consult with a local appraiser. Carol Worthington of Accurate Appraisals, and Julie Dearman of Boulevard Appraisals are both well known in the area.
Consignment is another option. It might be possible for you to leave photographs of your furniture at one of the local antique shops and ask that interested buyers contact you. Conisgnment fees vary, but most are 20 percent to 40 percent of the selling price.
Good luck. Big ticket items can take a little time to sell, but whoever gets yours will have a prize.
Don't let anyone tell you that something is too ugly to use. Check out the the gingerbread trim on this house. The owner used a "faux wood" headboard and plastic garden fencing to jazz up the exterior of her house.
If you plan to get out and hit a couple of estate sales this weekend, take a look at these tips from a pro.
Question: I enjoy reading your column and wish you would give some information on the best way for one to get an appraisal regarding items for sale. Some two or three years ago I went to an antique show where appraisers would rate an object for $10, but it was very crowded and took a long time to wait in line. Surely there is a better solution in the Spokane area. -- Pat Clayton
Answer:
This month you have a couple of opportunities to talk to the experts.
The American Cancer Society’s third annual Antique Appraisal and Collectible Sale will be held at the Spokane Discovery Shop, 805 West Garland, Sunday, March 14 from 1-5 p.m. The Discovery Shop sells donated clothing, books and household items, and all sales benefit The American Cancer Society. Dave Williams, owner of Dave’s Antiques and Collectible Jewelry, will do appraisals. Up to three items can be appraised for a single $10 donation. For more information call The Spokane Discovery Shop at 328-9373.
The Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture will hold its annual Antique Appraisal Days March 19 and 20 from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Antiques Road Show appraiser, and Seattle art glass expert, Kathleen Bailey will headline the event. Seattle art appraiser,
Farm Chick, Serena Thompson, dropped me a line after reading the blog. If you are into junk, or good music, or even good food, you need to check out the twice-a-year sales these girls put on. They are hoping to grow into a major event for junkers in the Northwest.
Junkers in Vancouver, B.C. have a great resource for finding treasures. Secondhand Savvy is a site dedicated to scouting out vintage and affordable bargains to the north. These dedicated secondhand shoppers even lead "Secondhand Safari" tours of their favorite haunts. Road trip anyone?
Every once in a while, junking pays off in a big way. A 20-something actor paid $5 for a painting he found wrapped in a blanket at an L.A. garage sale, and it turned out to be worth a million dollars.
The Joseph Decker painting, "Ripening pears," was purchased by the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. I expect to be in the same position when the market for old "Paint-by-number" works explodes.
If you can't get out to do a little thrift store shopping, log on to shopgoodwill.com for the online version. The site is easy to navigate and interesting, and it isn't as big and all-encompassing as eBay. I liked the sterling silver charm bracelet "loaded with medical themed charms," especially the disclaimer that the "half-drunk" Pepsi in the photo was for display purposes only.
Gee, was it just yesterday that I took that other photo? Today it looks like my spring fever will turn back into cabin fever. I spent most of the day out driving in the messy stuff. I did manage to get a few minutes to myself so I stopped by a couple of the shops in Hillyard. My prize was an old alabaster lamp. I guess that will have to do until the sun comes back out.
Question: I just recently came across an old collection of whiskey, and I am wondering how to properly date it and if it is worth anything. Most are from the late 50's and 60's and are all full and sealed and in very good shape. -- Kevin
Answer: Wow. That's out of my area. I never ran across anything but "empties." You might try Whiskybooks, for a list of reference books on vintage whiskeys, including books on whiskey advertising posters and label art.
I'll bet the story behind the find is as interesting as anything else you turn up.
Question: Don't know if you can help or not. I have a print called "Barhounds" by Constance Deppler. I know my husband had it when I met him in 1968 and don't know when he purchased it. I wondered if it could be of any value. -- Anne Sweetman
Answer: Constance Depler Coleman is a recognized portrait artist. Her work has been commisioned by celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey and Oscar de la Renta.
However, she is best known for her 1950s portraits of dogs doing such unlikely things as drinking in a bar, or playing golf. I don't really know the value of a vintage print, that might depend on condition and framing, but the print has been reissued and is selling for $75 new.
Is it just me, or does anyone else have spring fever? I can't wait to get outside and putter around in the flower beds, and look around for interesting junk for my garden.
Mary Randolph Carter wrote the book on putting old things to new uses outdoors.
You might want to check out Funk and Junk Collectibles. In addition to an online store, the site offers reviews of antique and collectible price guides. The "Ask Elle" site gives online appraisals and responses to questions regarding specific collectibles, as well as "Elle's" thoughts and musings on today's antiques and collectibles market.
Just as I feared, the only treasure hunting I got to do this weekend was the domestic kind. But, the good news is that I found the missing black shoe(under the bed,) rounded up most of my reading glasses (they were scattered all over the house,) and did enough laundry to keep the children in clean clothes for a week.
I did get an email from dealers Ed and Sally Reid reminding me that the next flea market is Saturday, April 3 and Sunday, April 4, at the Spokane Fairgrounds.
I've already marked the days on my calendar with the all-encompassing words, "Mom Working." (That looks better than what I really mean, which is, "I will be out having fun on this day!")
Cheryl-Anne Millsap is a free-lance writer and has been writing for The Spokesman-Review for three years. She writes occasional Tributes, a weekly Home Planet column, the weekly Treasure Hunting column, and stories for the In Life and Voice sections. Cheryl-Anne is a regular commentator on Spokane Public Radio, has owned a vintage clothing store, and operated an antiques business for more than a decade. She grew up in a family of collectors and dealers, so has spent her whole life around antiques and collectibles. 
