Everyday Beauty: A Tole Tale

March 23, 2010

A Tole Tale

Toleware candleablra (2)

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.

Toleware candleablra (4)

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!

Posted at 12:03 PM in Home Sweet Home, Vintage Lovely | Permalink

Comments

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