Antique Store Facts and Helpful Tips

I said that I would be writing about different venues on where to find antiques, collectibles, and unique items. I have finally been able to start doing this. Right from the start I will say that not everything I say pertains to every situation and every location. A lot of what I will write about is from my own personal experiences and also relates to the area that I am located in. I am in the Phoenix, AZ area, however, I do deal with other areas in Arizona. I will first write a few things about antique stores.

Antique stores are packed with all types of antiques, collectibles, and valuables; however, you have to be careful when buying items. It can be very easy to get excited about items in antiques stores, but that does not mean you have to buy something. I recommend sticking to items that you know the prices of or have your phone handy for quick reference. Do not buy items that you do not know the value of because this may burn you later. I tend to be more careful while shopping around at antique stores because I mostly buy items to resell them. 

Helpful Tips

 

The first thing that you have to decide is whether or not you are looking to buy for yourself or are planning on reselling. You have to be a bit more careful if you plan on reselling because you have to factor in money spent and a profit margin. Many antique stores have different booths in them that are rented out by different dealers. This can work toward your advantage because each dealer comes up with their own price and sometimes may put sales up. Looking for these sales is great when you are looking to resell items. Also, you can always ask the employee at the store to contact the dealer and see if they will take offers on items. There is no guarantee that this will happen, but it is worth a try.

Antique and Collectible finds 25 July

This past Saturday I was able to do quite a bit of searching around and I came up with a good variety of pieces. I was able to get each piece for a great price. I think that my favorite piece is the Cutty Sark mirror sign. It was pretty dirty when I purchased it, but when I cleaned it up the piece came to life. Another piece that I really like, which is not pictured, is a Schonwald, Germany  small white creamer. I found a few other pieces that I really wanted; however, they were just a bit too high of price for my liking. Sometimes it can be difficult to pass an item up, but it the price is not right do not feel bad about letting that item go.   

Cutty Sark Whiskey mirror sign.

Michelob and Schlitz glass goblets.

Lead crystal bucket/ice bucket with handles.

Lefton China porcelain tea cup with gold accents. This piece is from 1949-1955.

Japanese porcelain bowl, cup, and spoon set. These is a nice old set that has very beautiful hand painted details.

Tombstone Pizza Classic Quarterback Series. This piece features former quarterback greats and has a protective plastic case over the front.

Auction Finds 11 July 2015

I have not been able to do too much shopping and searching around for items, but I did go to an auction on July 11th. Most of the items at the auction came from a closing cigar store. I was able to get some nice finds and got them at a great price. Most of the items that I purchased were cigar related; however, I was able to get a few military items and a few others.

Michelob Classic Dark mirror beer sign.

Vintage Michelob mirror beer sign.

Romeo Y Julieta wooden cigar store display.

Romeo Y Julieta silver cigar store display.

Montecristo wooden cigar store display.

Juan Lopez wooden cigar store display.

8 slot leather cigar case.

Cigar company hats.

Stone wine bottle coaster.

Weekly Antique and Collectible Roundup June 22-28

This week I was able to do a bit more shopping and found a few decent things. One particular item I was excited about was a glass wine decanter from Sweden; however, the stopper on top broke so I did not provide pictures. Next week I will most likely not be able to pick any new pieces up, so I will not be providing a weekly roundup. However, I should be at it again the following week and will provide my new purchases. Soon I should be writing about different venues that I get my items at.  

Daher large tin platter. This platter was made in England and measures 16'' by 16''.

Carnival glass candy dish. This dish measures 9'' by 9''.

Roll-Rite glass rolling pin.

Ertl Collectibles Ford Model T die cast bank. This is a Carnation Company truck that features functioning rubber tires. I bought two identical truck banks that come in the original box and packaging.

Two M&M dispensers. The dispenser on the left tips forward and when the top is open M&Ms are able to pour out. The second is a Wild Thing roller coaster dispenser in which you pull the car down to release M&Ms.

Glass egg-shaped candy dish. This piece features flower shaped cuts into the glass.

Weekly Antique and Collectible Roundup June 16-21

This post is a little bit later than I wanted it to be, but it is up nonetheless. I did not get a ton of shopping done and really did not buy a whole lot. However, I was still able to get a few nice pieces that I will be able to put up in my booth. For the time being I will keep the Miller High Life bobber cooler in my collection, but who knows what will happen in the future.

 Miller High Life fishing bobber shaped cooler. This cooler is able to float and has a lip on the front where a tether or string can be attached. This is great for floating in the pool or lake.

 The inside of the cobber cooler. I would say there is enough room for six cans of beverages, which could change depending on how much ice is added.

 Bitburger wall hanging tray. The part that hooks onto a nail was broken off when I purchased this piece. However, it still looks cool and can be displayed like a serving tray or propped up.

 

Burlington Northern vintage metal First Aid Kit. The contents of the first aid kit are not there, but the original checklist is still intact and in great condition. The front of the kit is not in the best shape, due to some rubbing of the paint. The name is still able to be read, which is a huge plus. 

Murano glass heart shaped centerpiece holder. The middle is dipped in so that a candle or potpourri can be placed in the center. The pictures do not do this piece justice at all! This magnificent glass heart definitely looks better in person. This glass heart has a cream color with grey/silver mixed in on the inside of the glass. This piece measures approximately 15''x14''

Closeup of the Murano, Italy sticker on the glass heart shaped centerpiece.

Previous Week's Finds June 8-15

This post is about some of my finds from the previous week. I will hopefully be doing a weekly roundup of a few items that I get. I will try to focus on antiques, collectibles, good deals, and unique items. I do my shopping at different locations, that include: Goodwill, Hope's Closet, a local thrift store, garage sales, estate sales, and auctions.  Most of my finds are to resell; however, I do keep a few things for my personal collection.

 Nylint metal GMC Astro 18-Wheeler. This is a nice vintage truck that has some damages to it, like a ripped sticker, but overall it is in pretty good condition.

 Miller Genuine Draft mirror advertising sign. It features former IndyCar driver Bobby Rahal during the 1992 season.

Large silhouette picture with of a guy pumping water for a lady. This is on convex glass and measures 8x6 on the inside and 13x11 for the frame.

 English Silver MFG silverplate ice bucket.

The is a "secret" compartment inside of the lid that hold a bottle opener, tongs, and a shot glass.

A glass Pyrex insert lines the inside of the ice bucket.

Johnnie Walker Green Label bottle holder/case. The case came with the original papers inside.

About me and Antiques

Every since I was little I have been interested in antiques and various collectible items. I remember going to auctions in Minnesota with my parents when I was pretty young. Throughout my school years I collected a few things, like spice tins and railroad lanterns. However, in the past few years my collection and interest in antiques has skyrocketed. I have a separate room in my house that is full of antiques and collectibles, like advertising signs and tobacco tins. I also purchased a vintage cigarette machine that I will add to my room once I am able to get it to my house from its current location. Since October of last year I have been selling items at the Brass Armadillo Antique Mall in Goodyear, AZ. If you are ever in the area I highly suggest that you check it out. I have been actively looking and buying antiques and collectibles in larger quantities for the past year. At least once a week I am out at various locations looking for my next treasure. Over the past year I have gained a lot of knowledge about various types of antiques and collectibles as well as manufacturers, years, and what items are made of.

Getting Started

This is my first post of many that will be about antiques and collectibles. Buying and selling antiques and collectibles is my passion. I enjoy going to garage sales, estate sales, auctions, thrift stores, and antique stores. In the near future I will be providing information on the different venues to obtain items as well as tips and tricks to go along with the buying and selling process. Also, I will be posting pictures of new items that I buy.