Top 10 Things I Never Leave On The Shelf
Top 10 Things I Never Leave On The Shelf
By Amy Luna
When I'm out sourcing new and interesting inventory for TheVintageVixenShop, I'm always on the look out for what could be my next great find. But I'm also looking to buy those pieces that I know are really popular, if I see them at the right price. In fact, there are some pieces that I always buy every time I see them! I have to buy it when I see it because I know it will make someone else's day too. And the top ten things I will never leave behind on the shelf make up the list below.
1. Well-Known Popular Patterns & Pieces
Some things are just good sellers, and if I have done particularly well with a certain item in the past, then of course, I'll remember that. And then when I come across that same type out in the wild again, I can't help but buy it, hoping to repeat my previous success(es)!! I still do a little happy dance anytime I see a piece of this vintage mid- century patterned glassware. Uranium Glass is another type of vintage glassware that I will never leave behind.
2.) Complete or Mostly Complete Glassware Sets
So, like I mentioned, obviously if you recognize the pattern, that is usually a good sign. I have several that I know are great sellers and I'm always happy to be able to "restock" popular items! That being said, you always want to get as many of a single pattern as there are available. Don't buy just one if there are several more good condition glasses available as well. Most people will want a set of glasses, rather than just one. But, be sure to check each glass over for any damages. If you do find a couple with damage, it is more prudent to get a set of six in good condition than it is to have a set of eight, where at least two are unusable. And I think it can probably go without saying, but if you are fortunate enough to find a great set of glasses and there is also a good condition matching pitcher, you MUST of course buy the pitcher as well.
3.) Ephemera
Ephemera is anything that is only meant to be enjoyed for a short while. Most people think of ephemera as paper items, such as photographs, greeting cards, newspapers, letters, magazines, wrapping paper, posters, holiday decorations, postcards, stamps, concert tickets, and even matchbooks. Basically I believe the allure of collecting ephemera is that when it was first produced, it was meant as something destined to be short-lived, and then tossed in the trash, but definitely was not intended as something people would even want to keep, let alone collect! That means there will be less of this type of item around since most people used it as intended and then disposed of it, rather than keeping it.
4.) Vintage Glass Figurines by Various Companies
Whether its a "Bluebird of Happiness", signed by Leo Ward, or a Longtailed Bird by Viking Glass, my eyes are constantly scanning the shelves from top to bottom, searching for hidden treasures. Everytime I am out in the wild, I am always on the hunt for Fenton Glass Birthday Bears or Butterflies, especially in custard glass (glows under UV Blacklight just like uranium glass,) or carnival glass, or maybe a Boyd's Art Glass Satin Green Uranium Glass Unicorn. These types of vintage glass have become very popular to collect, not only because they are adorable, but also because of their smaller size. A huge collection can be housed in just a small curio cabinet. There are tons of different kinds of glass figurines, made by several different companies, which means there's bound to be something for everyone to love. Other than the ones I mentioned above, some other popular styles to look for are the Viking Glass Mushrooms, Fenton Burmese Glass with handpainted scenes (also glows under UV Blacklight), and Viking Glass Cats in a variety of colors.
5.) Miniatures Display Curio Cabinets
I have come across so many different styles of these vintage miniatures curio cabinets and all of them have sold very quickly after being listed. The key to the value of these pieces is in the acual condition of the item. Be sure the shelves are in good condition and included and that the glass isn't chipped or cracked. They are a fairly common find with an uncommonly higher-than-expected value.
6.) Whimsical Items
Vintage real butterfly taxidermy is really desireable right now. Whether its a wall hanging plaque like the first photo in the group above featuring the beautiful and exotic blue morph butterfly, or a tabletop display cube, it will easily find a new home. The adorable pink piggy kettle above is sure to bring just the right amount of whimsy into your kitchen! This is especially true if it were part of a larger collection of either pigs, or tea kettles.
7.) Cobalt Blue Glass
There are still many, many people who just can't get enough of that deep cobalt blue glass. I always get whatever good condition pieces they have in this gorgeous color. There are bakeware dishes, mixing bowls, glass tumblers, and dinnerware pieces like plates and bowls.
8.) Salt & Pepper Shakers
Salt and Pepper Shakers can usually obtained for low prices and many sell for a nice amount. There are some patterns that are very popular and I try to keep in stock as often as I can such as the last picture in the group above, "Merry Mushroom" of the 1970s. And I'm always on the look out for uranium glass shakers, especially in patterns I haven't seen before. But really anything that is unique or cute as far as salt and pepper shakers will not be left behind by me!
9.) Mid-Century Milk Glass Mugs
These mugs were very popular during the 1950s, and there are so many different varieties to collect. Primarily, they were made by Anchor Hocking, Fire King, Hazel Atlas, and Glasbake, but I am sure there are plenty more by lesser known companies. Many people like to collect mugs with their favorite cartoon characters and still others enjoy collecting those with advertising slogans. I can certainly see the draw of enjoying a cup of coffee in a classic milk glass mug.
10.) Lucite Grapes Bunches Tabletop Decor
Lucite grapes are some of my own personal favorite 1970s decor items to collect. I love finding new color varieties and new home decor items that incorporate the grapes into their design such as lamps, bookends, and candlestick holders. They are just such an iconic piece that nearly everyone would recognize and probably one of the first items that come to your mind when someone says the word, vintage. These beautiful grapes are sure to bring on the nostalgic feelings.
I hope you enjoy seeing my list of the top ten things I can never leave behind at the thrift store and that you will come back next week for another does of vintage!
Unril next time, Happy Hunting!!
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