We’ve talked about it before and we’ll talk about it again because it’s one of the vintage things that delights us, and that’s things that should long ago have been discarded and yet they are still here with us. Paper ephemera is one of the largest categories that fits that description. There is something delightful in finding a 1960s Howard Johnson’s kids menu/hat, a 1930s lard cookbooklet or the 1907 partially used pharmacy calendar in this week’s fresh to market vintage.
It’s over a hundred years old and it’s a calendar. Its function is to tell us what day it is. And although its is useful every so many years, it only includes seven months. How did it survive longer than the 1910s, let alone all the way to the 2020s? Linda is probably right, it’s the image. And now it’s not a purely functional item it’s also an item of beauty. Imagine it in a wall grouping of other ephemera from the era or in a grouping of “instant ancestor” antique photos found at flea markets.
Now that we’ve got you thinking, let’s leap right in to this week’s full fresh to market vintage roster…
Silver-tone Bangle with Flowers
Doing my online research, I have found many bracelets with this cut-out heart inside. None, however, can tell me what company made these bracelets. If you know, please fill me in on the mystery. While this bracelet doesn’t look particularly old, it came to me with years of dirt and wear. Polished up, it’s a lovely piece of jewelry.
Flowers and Leaves Silver-Tone Bangle, $22.95
-Pam, Vintage Renude
Antique Armour SD Pharmacy Calendar (c 1907)
As you might have noticed if you follow our blog, I am a big fan of ephemera and this piece strikes me as a particularly charming giveaway. Commissioned on behalf of a family pharmacy in Armour, South Dakota, it was a promotional piece printed by the Thos. D. Murphy Co. in Red Oak, Iowa. Founded in 1888, that particular printing company became so prominent in the industry that Red Oak was known as “the birthplace of the art calendar.” The fabulous photo of the sleeping child entitled “All Tired Out” may be one reason the original calendar owner chose to hang onto it along with the last seven months of the year. Whatever the reason, the fact that this throwaway piece has survived over a century pleases me.
Crutchett’s Pharmacy Giveaway Calendar, $45
-Linda, Selective Salvage
Napco Stretch Neck Dog Salt or Pepper Shaker
I came across this anthropomorphic dog with a stretched neck and body at the flea market. Napco had a series of these fun animal shakers in the 1950s which were made in Japan. Alas for him, his partner was missing. It most likely took a tumble from the table, which unfortunately is what awaits most of these that are used and not displayed only. The head, which is just adorable, is rather top-heavy. If you are a savvy collector, you could put some sand in the bottom or use earthquake putty to hold it in place on the shelf or in the cabinet. The sad part about losing its mate may be of some advantage to the collector, as they may have the other dog. I just love kitschy figural salt and pepper shakers. We have a kitchen towel embroidered with “You are the salt to my pepper.” I found my “salt” decades ago and he still spices up my life.
Napco Dog, $39.99
-Mary Ellen, AuntHattiesAttic
Laurence Kazar Floral Sequin Top
If I had to define what my shop aesthetic is, it would be things I love. Selling a wide range–from clothing and candlesticks, bun warmers and books, earrings to earthenware–is fun because I’m always learning something, but it prevents me from being a go-to for one specialty. It’s good for sellers to specialize, it encourages buyers to come back for more. But for me, life’s too short to pick one vintage passion.
Speaking of more, more clothing than usual has drifted into my path, including this incredible ombre sequin floral top. This has everything: shaped hem, sheer sleeves, broad shoulders and sparkle, so much sparkle. So while it may be bad business to spread your focus as wide as the world of vintage, there is no possible way that listing this beauty will ever be a bad decision.
Laurence Kazar Sequined Special Occasion Blouse, $48.
–Laurie, NextStage Vintage
Although it wouldn’t be called ephemera, the Napco cat shaker is also somewhat ephemeral. Even after the mate was broken, the solo cat continued to be kept. Lots of owners might have sentenced it to the landfill, not seeing the value in the one by itself. And yet this one escaped and found its way to the flea market. With any luck, it will soon be reunited with its companion. One of the really nice things about selling vintage is that we have an opportunity to be matchmakers.
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