You know something vintage is popular when you find it knocked off in big box decor and craft stores. This is an old lament of ours, and we don’t want to bore you, but one of our Vintage Unscripted mottos is “friends don’t let friend’s buy fake vintage.” When we see the awesome butterfly lithograph in this week’s fresh to market vintage and then we see a mass market fake print in the same week, we cannot let it pass without being snarky about it.
Most vintage sellers will agree that you will never convince someone who is perfectly happy with a fake vintage something from a big box store that they should invest in a piece of true vintage. They are not our buyers. So much of that fake vintage is disposable, thrift stores are full of it. And we will admit, sometimes we get fooled. Some fast fashion manufacturers use such good reproduction fabric that it catches your vintage eye as you prowl the racks. But if we have a choice between sourcing a true vintage piece or scratching a get-the-look big box itch, the quest for the real thing is worth it.
Another quest is to bring you our fresh to market vintage every week, so perhaps we should stop blathering away and get to it…
Moving Eye Snowman Clock
As a seller I refuse to list my items by season, so Christmas and winter items are listed even when it is blazing hot. Savvy collectors tend to be on the hunt all year round and savvy yard salers or flea marketers buy and may even ask politely if there are off season items left in the shed or garage that are ready to sell. This clock is hilarious with its moving eyes. It was made in Western Germany and has a pull chain and pine cone weight. It is in good working condition for being over 60 years old. How’s that for Christmas in July? Brrrrrr!!
Snowman Clock, $89.99
–Mary Ellen, AuntHattiesAttic
Framed M & H Hanhart lithograph
Our home is located on one of the longest migratory paths in North America, so it wouldn’t shock me to learn that a few “nymphalidea erisa,” which is one of the largest groups of butterflies in the world with over 6000 species, make their way through our backyard on their way to Mexico. This print of six “brush-footed” butterflies was drawn by W. C. Hewitson and produced by M & H Hanhart lithographers, a publishing house that operated between 1840 and 1888. Using a complex layering of tint stones, Hanhart printed elaborate works unique for their coloration and tonal values.
Litho of Six Butterflies by W. C. Hewitson, $125
–Linda, Selective Salvage
Coblentz White Patent Leather Purse
Coblentz Bag Company opened in New York City in 1935. Their aim was to bring Parisian-style bags to the U.S. The company made high-quality handbags until 1980. Bag Lady University has a fun article about the company here. This white patent leather bag has the original hang tag dated 1974. In a time when the fashion rule was “no white after Labor Day,” this purse would have been the perfect summer handbag. Its fully functional inside pockets would fit a cell phone, credit cards, and other essentials necessary for a day out. Just the thing to go with your vintage sundresses this summer.
White Patent Leather Handbag, $32.95
–Pam, Vintage Renude
Split Lens Bow Lantern
This lamp once served as a nautical aid for a boat, mounted on the bow. The red side would have told other vessels that it was the port side of the boat, the blue would indicate the starboard side. The masthead and the stern carry white lights. Made of galvanized metal, copper and glass, with the addition of a small bulb on a cord set it would be an awesome accent or night light. Alternately, you could restore it for your boat.
Vintage Split Lens Bow Lantern, $95.
–Laurie, NextStage Vintage
That’s this week’s fresh to market vintage line up. Did you notice we snuck in another Christmas in July pick? Shopping ahead for vintage Christmas is always a good idea. If you don’t buy it when you see it, you probably won’t have another chance. Hey, you might enjoy our list of 12 Christmas in July To-Dos.
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