Monday, May 31, 2010

Craig's List Weekly Series #6


I hope everyone is enjoying their Memorial Day.  Another beautiful day is in store here in South Jersey and we are planning on meeting up with friends for a barbeque later in the day.   I'm a little late on this edition of my Craig's List series, but better late than never I always say.

For those of you who are new to this series, for the last several weeks I've been sharing Craig's List finds from my area, South Jersey/Philadelphia.  Even if you don't live in this area, and most of you don't, I thought it would be fun to show you some interesting and unique pieces and what they are worth.  If you are in the market for rare antiques or just trying to gain a knowledge for what pieces are worth, I strongly suggest you visit Craig's List and scour the antique category.

Most sellers will try to give as much information about a piece as possible.  So as a regular visitor to CL, I've gained a knowledge of terminology and time-period, as well as an understanding of which pieces are rare as opposed to those that are a dime a dozen.  For this series, I'm showing you the ones I think are either rare, very interesting, or an extremely good value.

This sweet antique wicker baby scale was advertised on Craig's List for $45 and the seller offered up some unique uses for this gem, such as being used in a nursery to hold diapers or for baby showers with favors piled into it!


An antique potato wagon for $125.  I can think of so many uses for this.  Or if you're a potato farmer, it's great for collecting potatoes too.......



This one goes under the heading of Fabulous Deal!  A solid cherry antique drop leaf coffee table, listed for only $40!

Holla!

Or how about this rustic hutch for only $100.


Suh-WEET!!

Likewise, this adorable oak secretary is a steal at a mere $65.

Such amazing detail!

Also in the steal category is this ornate vintage mirror.


Well worth the $85 asking price.  But of course I would negotiate down to $75.


It goes without saying (but what the hay, I'll say it anyhow!), you should ALWAYS try to talk the seller down.  Even if it's only a few dollars.  You'll hate yourself afterwards if you don't.

I thought this next piece was very interesting.  Again, with regular visits to CL, you become familiar with common pieces.  Which makes things like this next secretary really stand out.


I've never seen one like this before.  The yellow and black really make it unique.  It's listed for $75 or best offer, so realistically it could be yours for around $60 - not bad!

Another interesting piece with a good price tag is this 1920's mahogany humidor with a copper-lined interior.

Even if you are not a cigar afficionado, I think this would make a great accent table and has a decent amount of storage as well.


Even betta - it's a great conversation piece!

I see chairs all the time on CL and I usually try to avoid those that are upholstered as you never can be too sure of what lurks inside.  And reupholstering furniture can be very costly.  But occasionally you come across a chair that has potential and may just need a good cleaning.  Such is the case with this antique round chair, listed for only $35.


It has lovely bones...

Under certain circumstances, you can score a great deal on a beautiful as well as functional piece of furniture.  Like in this case where the seller is moving and is willing to unload this beautiful dresser for only $50.  Depending on how desperate they are, you might even be able to get it for around $35.


Or in this case, the seller was so desperate that they listed this painted hutch for......FREE!


Oh yeaaaaahhhhh!

Those of you who know me, know I have a thing for chandeliers.  This drop-dead gorgeous chandelier is listed for only $75.


I also fell in love with this ceramic set listed for only $12.


I SOOOOOO want to buy this crock for my kitchen.


But to me, it's just a little too high at $25.


It's also too far away.  You always have to take that into consideration.  The farther away a seller is, the more you better love that piece.

This really cool, really retro dinette set is one of my favorite finds for this series.  An orange table with a zebra bench and chairs!!!!!!


No really, it's an orange table.


Is that freakin' cool or what????


LOVE IT!

I'd like to add that I didn't purchase any of these items for myself.  I've been pretty good, make that VERY good lately and have been trying to stick with yard sales and flea markets now that the season is in full swing.  My CL purchases pick up in the Fall when yard sales die down.

Of course this last item was so tempting.  Folks I really had to restrain myself from buying this beauty.  It took every ounce of will power in my body not to pick up the phone and seal the deal.  And judging from all of your comments on my previous CL post, you are all going to think I'm just crazy for not getting it.

Ready?

Are you sure?

Close your eyes and count to 10.

Done?

Okay, OPEN!

An Antique Funeral Director's Embalming Machine!  Only $100!!!!!


Hold on!  It gets better.
"Not sure if it works - it's been used as a display piece"..........priceless

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Kim! I'm almost speechless here! An embalming machine? :)
I'm a Craigslistaholic! Almost every wall area is filled in my home. My husband said he had wished I'd never heard of Craigslist! :)
Well, you really can get some good buys, just like you said, if you're patient! Love all these things you've loved. Even though I'm not looking to buy now, I still go and check it out every few days just in case! :)
Great post.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

susan said...

It seems I am going to have to be more patient and vigilant--when I check I just find junk! And overpriced junk at that :)I would have bought the mirror in a heartbeat! Have a nice Memorial Day!

The Decorative Dreamer said...

Free! OMG! I am gonna start surfing Craigs list alot more now! Great finds! Wish me luck!

Melanie said...

I hardly ever get on CL but you girls can sure find some great things!

Debbiedoos said...

Cool stuff Kim...I love the cigar humidor....my husband has one, but nothing like that. Hope you enjoyed your day.

Stephanie ~ Angelic Accents said...

What neat items, great prices. You have me totally convinced that I need to check out CL ~ as if I NEED yet ANOTHER addicition.... :0)

Big TX Hugs,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

Ok...after finding an embalming machine, I am thinking you can find most anything on there! LOL!

aimee said...

i want to log on and check it out, but im afraid i will never want to log off.
blessings,
aimee

Ldy ~~ Dy said...

I love CL! It's my Estate sales hook-up! But an embalming machine?? Well now I have seen everything! LOL! Hope your weekend was great!! Hugs!

Kimberly said...

Great items for sale out there! I am going to look on Craiglists under antiques - I usually don't look under that category. I would have gotten a few of the things you listed!! thanks for sharing.