find of the week - february 27

Sometimes a find is unexpected. It's not the sort of thing I usually look for or offer, but the story it tells lands it a place in my heart (and shop). This week's finds is one of those things.

vintage toy convertible car in the Etsy shop

This lithographed tin friction toy convertible car was made by Haji, Japan, modeled after the 1959 Ford Fairlane 500. Is there anything more classic than a 1950s convertible - and a red one at that? Not only a piece of Americana, it is symbolic of such a significant chapter in the history of the country that to me it really captures the period. California and the Beach Boys, sure, but also family travel road trip vacations - the opening up of the National Parks to the great influx of people eager to see the country. In fact, this toy car was made to go with a travel trailer, really speaking to how Americans spent their leisure time.

It's listed in my Etsy shop (link under the photo). And you might say this week's feature is kind of a trifecta: here it is with two Kodak cameras (a Kodak Brownie Hawkeye on the right and a Kodak Bullet on the left). Mid century Americana.

 

I'll be out and about this week looking for more great finds. Til then, happy trails!! - marilyn