Saturday's auction reminded me of what I love best about auctions: the box lots. They always have a few delights hidden away, like the prize in the box of Cracker Jack. The box lot of sewing notions I bought yielded fewer sewing treasures than I expected.
But the sewing box was so crisp and pretty.
And there were lots of non-sewing items in the jumble: this dresser box and a vintage spool of dental floss (I'm liking the graphics more than the prospect of flossing my teeth with something older than I am). There was a 1961 Monopoly game with all of its parts still sealed in cellophane, and a men's manicure set fitted into the top of a shoe brush, given away by a bank as a premium. (The orange background, by the way, is a camp table that inexplicably came with the lot of quilts.)
There was a suede pouch that revealed a very pretty collection of combs, this one being the biggest and fanciest. (I know absolutely nothing about combs, so if any of you would like to educate us, have at it.)
This one is pretty, too, and comes with a matching pin.
Of course, it wouldn't be much of an auction if I didn't haul home a load of Christmas ornaments.
It included a collection of glass horns,
a patriotic bell that almost makes me want to decorate for the 4th of July (but I won't, other than a flag on the porch ... it's just too busy in the garden and with sales in July),
and pretty figurals, a sweet angel from Japan, and a glittered pinecone bird.
Of all the boxes at the auction, this one was the one I hoped nobody else had examined.
Not only was it filled with glass bead garland, but many of the beads were quite large.
And best of all, some of those large beads were indents. I'll be restringing these and tucking them away for my tree. Maybe that's why I don't decorate for the 4th of July - I'm already thinking about Christmas.
My goodness, you find more Xmas ornaments than anyone I know! You came home with some great stuff. With all those ornaments you may have to start decorating for Xmas IN July!
Brenda
Posted by: Brenda Kula | May 25, 2011 at 10:58 AM
What great finds!
I'm so jealous of the sewing items! I think it must be against the law to sell them around here because I never see them at the thrift stores.
Posted by: Tina | May 25, 2011 at 11:04 AM
Oh Barbara, I'm speechless......
Ya know, those combs might be a good prospect. If the ornate ones were really old, they might be real tortoise shell, but I can't tell from just looking at them.
Posted by: Maria (Magia Mia) | May 25, 2011 at 11:17 AM
Very nice finds, especially the glass beads. Auctions always intimidate me way too much to bid at. Keep up the good work!
Posted by: Jenny G. | May 25, 2011 at 11:51 AM
I would say that is a box of LOVE! The patriotic bell is awesome (unlike you I am thinking of the fourth). Also loving that last box full of the smaller beads...I also am giddy when I find a stash of them too!
Posted by: laurie magpie ethel | May 25, 2011 at 12:27 PM
Love the glass garland and the combs. I don't know anything about combs, either, but they are stunning!
Posted by: Kathy | May 25, 2011 at 03:10 PM
I am so glad these went to the right home. Enjoy them. They are such a treasure...smiles...Renee
Posted by: Renee | May 25, 2011 at 05:51 PM
You must live in an area that's a real hotbed for Christmas ornamentation. I'm beginning to think that no one decorated for Christmas around here in the 40s-50s!
Posted by: Carol @ Old Glory Cottage | May 25, 2011 at 07:22 PM
What Wonderful finds ! Good for you Barbara !
Posted by: Lisa W. | May 25, 2011 at 08:09 PM
For pete's sake, I haven't found any vintage Christmas yet this year! I'd be happy with a few Shiny Brites -- I think finding that indent garland would make me delirious.
Posted by: Into Vintage | May 26, 2011 at 12:06 AM
Oh yeah, I love the box lots too- I'm with you on the dental floss- love the graphics but I wouldn't put it anywhere near my mouth
Posted by: Beth Leintz | May 26, 2011 at 05:20 PM
Those hair combs are so beautiful. The big one looks like hand carved tortoise shell or bakelite. The beads on the second one are so pretty, and it's amazing that none are missing. I love it when beautiful items like this are cherished and protected. Great find!
Posted by: Martha | May 29, 2011 at 01:00 AM
what a lovely haul. i wish we had auctions around here, but feh. im afraid most of our yard sales are over too now that june is here. it must be such fun digging thru your goodies
Posted by: susan | May 31, 2011 at 02:49 PM