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

find of the week - february 20

Heads up - late New Year's resolution: blog weekly. So I'm starting with a Find of the Week post.

Last week was the February extravaganza at Renninger's in Mount Dora, Florida. (News alert: I'll be going to the April Renninger's extravaganza in Kutztown, Pennsylvania with Sophisticated Vintage partner on the hunt, Ellen, but I'm getting ahead of myself!)

Now, for the Find of the Week...it's tough because there were a lot of good ones, but in the end it comes down to this antique table top size Tansu.

 

The Tansu chest originated in Japan in the late 1600s. They were subsequently produced in Korea and other Asian countries as well, and continue to be produced today in a wide variety of styles and forms.

Tansu were often designed to be portable; you may hear them referred to as "campaign chests" which accompanied military officers in their travels. Pieces could be simple or elaborate, often with secret compartments and drawers. There's a very comprehensive article about Tansu here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tansu (thanks, Wikipedia).

I have had Tansu in many styles pass through my hands, from large, two piece cabinets to smaller chests such as this one which would have stored important things (see the lock on the bottom drawer). Easily adapting to contemporary life, this small chest can hold jewelry, desk objects... Simple and beautifully made, with iron handles in a shape often seen on Tansu.

I don't often find Tansu, particularly not this well made or in this small size, so it seems only fitting that it should be the first Find of the Week.

This weekend I'm off to the antiques show in Vero Beach, Florida. It only happens twice a year so I'm looking forward to it!

There. I've done it. The first Find of the Week post. That wasn't so hard!! Hope your week is filled with fun finds and kindness. See you next week! - marilyn

i heart you

Apparently I haven't paid a bit of attention to the new year arriving and here it is February! Time flies. I'd best hurry offer up some Valentine's Day finds (and then pay attention before I look up and it's summer!).

So a little love to get things rolling:

a mod vintage lucite heart - decor or paperweight - listed on Etsy here

Looking for something a little more rugged? I love this old jewelers mold

great guy gift and h-e-a-v-y! find it here

Add a little candle light with a pair of classic Dansk heart candle sticks designed for tiny tapers

6 tiny tapers are included with these - ready to go here

or go classic with this fabulous paperweight with a genteel look

love springs eternal here

However you say it, be sure to say it. Happy February everyone!