This column first appeared in April 2010.
Sometimes it’s the small things that we tend to overlook. While the wicker settee and the riding mower may be the things that cause you to slam on the brakes, the real gems at a garage sale are often found in box lots or scattered among the tables full of miscellaneous. So slow down, take a little extra time, and look carefully.
Tiny little kitchen accessories know as “Mother in the Kitchen,” are often picked up for a dollar or less. Made by Enesco in the late 1950s and 1960s, they are most commonly pink but may also surface in white and blue and a puffy sleeve version in turquoise with white trim. They are normally brunette, but watch for the rare red-heads. Another little ceramic from Enesco known as the “Prayer Ladies” are beginning to surface. Made in 22 different kitchen accessories, they are a great kitchen collectible. They will be wearing a long pink dress and their hands will be folded and their eyes closed in prayer. They are easy to spot, just watch for their apron with a prayer printed on it. Canister sets, egg timers and the string holder are among the better finds.
Old postcards are another common find. While the bulk of postcards you come across will be valued in the $1-$2-range, there are cards out there that hit the $50 on up mark, making it worth your time to know what to watch for. In many cases age will equal value. USA cards before 1907 will have an undivided back. After 1907 they will have a dividing line, one side for the address and the other for the message. Watch for “real” photo cards, linen cards and chrome cards, sometimes referred to as photochromes.
Postcards don’t always have to be old to be of interest. Newer cards from the 1950s and 60s with roadside attractions such as diners and tourist traps are a good find. Also popular with some collectors are cards with photos of natural disasters, or those showing train and auto accidents. Many collectors limit their interests to old photos from a particular city or area of the county. Buildings, especially those that have been demolished, will also be of interest to these collectors. Rack cards that promote a cause or advertising a business are also a good find.
Some collectors have little interest in the front of the card, but collect by the postmark. They are what we refer to as “postal history collectors” or philatelists. They watch for small towns that no longer exist. In the state of Nebraska alone there are over 1,000 DPO’s (Discontinued Post Offices). RPO’s, (Railroad Post Offices) are also highly collectible. While not as easy to find, occasionally you will come across a card postmarked from a ship.
Condition is always a major consideration with postcard collecting. The better the condition, the better the card. Avoid cards with water marks, dog-ears, folds and tears. In the case of “real” photo cards, look for clarity, contrast, and pass on cards where the picture is over or under exposed.
Advertising pieces take on many forms. Bottle openers, knives, ash trays, tins, thermometers, banks and rulers are common finds. The study of advertising collectibles is a massive undertaking, but if you are a novice, don’t let this divert you from a good deal. Almost any advertising piece is worth the investment, if the price is right.
Condition is again a major consideration. Paper advertising collectibles including fans, calendars and matchbook covers are greatly devalued by wear. Old store signs, thermometers, metal banks and tins fall victim to rust and glass advertising pieces need to be free of chips and cracks. It is better to give a few extra dollars to get a quality piece than to buy a box full of damaged items!
At most, every garage sale there is at least one old jewelry box full of bangles and beads. While people who do crafts are often interested in these, they tend to be overlooked by the general public. Take some time and check out these boxes for hidden treasures. Vintage jewelry from the first quarter of the 20th century, mid-century Bakelite novelty pieces, and any gold or sterling will have some value.
This garage sale season more and more people will be cleaning out their basements and closets in search of a little extra cash. The treasures will be out there. So go get ‘em, and let me know what you find. Until next time . . . Linda
Linda Kennett may be reached at 317-258-7835 or lkennett@indy.rr.com
