Sometimes you find a piece of functional vintage that is like new. And while that is exciting, it is also a little sad. It was probably something that the owner “kept for good” and hence never enjoyed. This week’s fresh to market vintage has a classic example of that, the Excello child’s dish. The dish is in such good shape, it must have been used for display only. It had a good bit of function, with the compartment where you could add hot water to keep the food hot.
Of course it’s exciting to find something minty fresh that’s at least 70 years old. But what a shame that it was never on the tray of a high chair, never held rice cereal and pureed pears, never surprised a baby with the pictures at the bottom.
We can’t remedy that, but we can roll out this week’s selection of fresh to market vintage.
Vintage Nubbly Pottery Sheep
This pair of vintage studio art pottery sheep are adorable nubbly little butterballs, but they are also unsigned and undated. Based on the colors and the shape, I’d guess they are from the 1970s. It’s always a little hard to date artisan pieces, but it can help to know a little about the style of the era. The early 1970s were whole wheat flour, natural decor and homespun everything, so my guess is the sheep date to that time. If only they could speak and tell me if my time deduction was good or baaaaad.
Pair of Nubbly Studio Art Pottery Sheep, $21
-Laurie, NextStage Vintage
1950s Japan Double Strand Faux Pearls
There are many quotes centered around a strand of pearls. Most are based on the idea that pearls embody the idea of sophistication and classic beauty in jewelry. I don’t know about you, but I tend to agree with that thought. A lovely strand of pearls works just as well with a ball gown as with a t-shirt. So while the idea of never having enough may not work in this instance, a favorite pearl necklace can be the answer to many wardrobe choices. This necklace clearly has a history and has been worn and loved over time. Marked Japan on the clasp, it represents the style of jewelry made during the 1950s.
Double Strand Faux Pearls marked Japan, $34.95
-Pam, Vintage Renude
Angel Lamb with Cheerio Halo
The month of Spring’s arrival and of St. Patrick’s Day is peeking around the corner. Spring is the time of year farm animals get born, such as lambs, calves and sweet sweet ducklings and chicks. I love them all. Be certain to celebrate the coming warmth and the explosion of green in your Favorite Irish Pub or plan to visit a nearby farm. Baby animals always melt my heart! This little lamb has what I call a sugar texture to give it a fluffy look. It looks like it just discovered its tail!
Angel Lamb, $37.99
-Mary Ellen, AuntHattiesAttic
Excello Child’s Porcelain Feeding Dish c 1940s
A precursor to the electric warming dish, this Excello porcelain dish kept the pablum warm because it is seated on a chromium base that holds hot water. Featuring a sweet Little Bo Peep theme complete with gamboling lambs. The decals are unfaded which makes me think the dish was used for display only.
Excello Child’s Feeding Dish with Bakelite Handles, $45
-Linda, Selective Salvage
Here at Vintage Unscripted, we believe functional vintage is to be used. Use those vintage vases! Brew your tea in that vintage teapot! Carry your laundry in that vintage hamper! Wear that string of faux pearls! Finding that vintage piece with purpose is like finding a four-leaf clover or finding something you love featured in our fresh to market vintage.
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Meteorological spring begins on March 1. The Vernal Equinox is March 20 this year. Time to start getting ready to celebrate–we’ve got ideas for springing forward, vintage style.
