As regular readers will know, discussions of vintage condition is one of our favorite topics. We love thinking about what is a flaw and what is patina. The answer to that helps determine value. If it’s a flaw, you have to think about adjusting the price lower. If it’s a well and honestly earned patina, the price goes up. This week’s fresh to market vintage gives us the opportunity to talk about condition from a different perspective–scarcity. Are flaws less important if the item is scarce?

Rule of thumb for figurines is they better have their thumbs and all their fingers, they need the tips of their noses, the pointed peaks on their hats, and the ends of their curly hair. Said more succinctly, chips are a problem on most collectible figurines. A common Hummel from the 80s that has a chip in one of those places Hummels tend to chip is not especially salable. But an early Hummel that’s scarce as hen’s teeth with a chip in the same place, that’s a different story. So what of the little Inarco girlie with her few chips and marks? Since there don’t seem to be many like her on the market, for an Inarco collector, she would be a good catch, flaws and all.

Now if we’re going to talk about patina instead of flaws, look no further than the stoneware mixing bowl. The wear around the rim was earned honestly in a kitchen, and it gives the piece a dose of vintage authenticity that cannot be faked convincingly in a factory.

Double Strand Rhinestone Bracelet

Thanks to Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, and a plethora of other mavens of 1950s and 60s Hollywood, rhinestone jewelry was not only popular but affordable. This style of bracelet came in many variations with the centerpiece taking several forms. Some were marked, others were not. This bracelet has no markings but was clearly well made and cared for as the stones are all intact and still bright and clear.  Just the right amount of bling for a night out or to wear to a party.

1950s Double Strand Rhinestone Bracelet, $24.95

Pam, Vintage Renude

Stoneware Mixing Bowl c 1930s

Offering an unmarked stoneware mixing bowl that dates to the 30s. The loss of glaze around the lip and on the interior says to me it was a “go-to” bowl when it was new.The bright blue color and the impressed design around the lip and base make it a standout fruit bowl in a contemporary kitchen.

Bright Blue Stoneware Bowl $40

Linda, Selective Salvage

Inarco Girl & Basket of Flowers Vase

When you sell or purchase vintage items, you need to think about your philosophy about the condition. When I came across her, I felt that her sweetness called to me and she would also appeal to others who are browsing in my shop despite some small chips, marks and sticker residue that is annoyingly resilient. I was unable to find another Inarco girl like her anywhere on the internet. Small vases such as this can cheer someone up or celebrate a birthday filled with small fresh flowers.

Inarco Ceramic Girl Planter or Vase, $43.99

Mary Ellen, Aunt Hatties Attic

Antique Expandable Travel Hangers

This set of four expandable travel hangers is, to this adult, endlessly fascinating. It slides open, it slides closed. It slides open, it slides closed. The patent number is not given, but a patent date of 1908 is. These hangers have chains instead of hooks. I have two thoughts about that: the majority of travel was done by train, and trains were more likely to have hooks than bars for hanging. Also, many wardrobes and closets were outfitted with pegs or hooks instead of bars.

Four Antique Expandable Travel Hangers, $40.

Laurie, NextStage Vintage

That’s this week’s fresh to market vintage. And though we make it our policy not to contradict other members of the Vintage Unscripted team, we think that Pam has perhaps understated the number of places to wear that stunning rhinestone bracelet by limiting it to nights out or parties. As anyone can see, that bracelet could and should be worn everywhere from brunch at a snobby hotel to picking up an urgent shake and fries at a fast food drive up window.

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