Once in a while, there's a dirt-cheap flea market treausre just waiting to be discovered. Here's a short story of one of my favorite bargain finds ever.
About 5 years ago, my mom and I were digging around at our favorite flea market, and I came across a vendor with a lot of what looked mostly like trash. But you never know what you might find, so I started peeking into some of the boxes he had sitting around. His booth was a mess....filthy and just thrown in a bunch of heaps on the ground.
Well, my eye caught glimpse of a pink rose, way down at the bottom of a box. I dug. And dug. And gasped when I lifted this beautiful vintage Italian Toleware candelabra out of the box.
I walked over to the vendor and asked, "How much for this piece?"
He looked at it and thought about his answer for a minute. Then he said, "A dollar? Does that sound ok?"
Stunned, I replied, "I'm sorry, did you say a dollar?"
"Yes. What do you think?"
{I think you're nuts!} "Sounds good. I'll take it."
I gave the guy my dollar and walked away feeling like I had just robbed the poor man! Can you believe that price?
Then, a couple years back I found some more Italian Toleware pieces at an antique show.
Not quite the same bargain price, but still very reasonable. This time it was a matching set that included a wall sconce and 2 hooks. They are hanging on the walls around my bathtub, and I just love their chippy patina.
I think every flea market junkie has a story that only other vintage-loving girls could appreciate. I thought you'd appreciate this one!
It's a beautiful piece! Lucky you!
Posted by: Vanessa | March 23, 2010 at 01:33 PM
Omg I don't think I could've played it that cool! Like the time I found an original RED fiesta plate for 50 cents. I was giggling like a madwoman. Anyway, yay for you!
Posted by: Melissa | March 23, 2010 at 01:39 PM
Wow, what finds! They are both so beautiful!
Posted by: Sandi | March 23, 2010 at 01:42 PM
Those are really beautiful pieces.
Posted by: Carmen | March 23, 2010 at 02:12 PM
WOW! I'd have given him a dollar! Nice find! LOVE IT!
Posted by: Thespoena McLaughlin | March 23, 2010 at 02:29 PM
andrea,
that is a great story! my heart skipped a beat when i read about the man saying "a dollar"!
score!
xo
elyse
Posted by: elyse | March 23, 2010 at 02:43 PM
if that is from h~ville...i am giving that flea another chance this year...i never find the good stuff there that you do...your one dollar find is beautiful...i would have fainted on the spot...
Posted by: Lori | March 23, 2010 at 06:00 PM
Lucky you! Beautiful!
Posted by: Annette | March 23, 2010 at 06:54 PM
You got a beautiful candlebra, he got a dollar...I love a story with a happy ending.
Posted by: Beth Leintz | March 23, 2010 at 07:57 PM
So beautiful! I would have passed out when that man told me it was only a dollar! What an awesome treasuring hunting day!
Posted by: Heidi Meyer | March 23, 2010 at 08:37 PM
Oh, the thrill of the hunt, and the JOY of discovery and at a BARGAIN price!!! Be still my heart! What treasures! What FUN! Love.love.love the candleabra!
Blessings!
Posted by: Susan | March 23, 2010 at 08:50 PM
my kindda fave pieces Andrea! you scored jackpot with the candelabra.. love it! I dream of having one! lol..
have a great day!
fitty
Posted by: fitty | March 23, 2010 at 11:32 PM
SCORE! I think I need to go flea market shopping with you!! :)
Posted by: Elaine | March 24, 2010 at 03:40 AM
Gorgeous!! What a wonderful find!
Posted by: A Facebook User | March 24, 2010 at 08:57 AM
I had no idea that, that's what that stuff was called! I'll have to pay more attention at flea markets or Value Village from now on! :)
Posted by: Artiste Nouveau | March 24, 2010 at 07:58 PM
Be still my heart!! What a fun and terrific find! love it!
Posted by: Jill Flory | March 24, 2010 at 10:06 PM
$1? -HOLY CRAP I WOULD HAVE FAINTED!!!!! Amazing!!! I am so happy for your girlie you TOTALLY scored!
Posted by: Fleur de Bee | March 29, 2010 at 07:02 PM
these are gorgeous!!! I have a few pieces that I have found at somewhat reasonable prices... they can be SO expensive! I love that wall sconce. xoxo
Posted by: Heather ~ Pretty Petals | March 30, 2010 at 09:05 AM
HIWAY ROBBERY!!!!
But I am so glad it went to you, it is the perfect piece!! I am surprised the find didn't send you into labor!
xoxo, TIffany
Posted by: Tiffany | April 05, 2010 at 06:05 PM
Ich bin überrascht, das finden nicht schicken Ihnen die Wehen!
Posted by: tee shirt pas cher | May 18, 2012 at 05:08 AM