The gathering basket with the graceful arched handle in this week’s fresh to market vintage reminds us of the adage “don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” The modern Christmas equivalent is “don’t put all your Shiny Brites in one box.” The implication is that if all your eggs are in one basket and you drop it, it’s show over. But if you diversify and spread your risk by putting those eggs in multiple baskets, you might lose some, but you will still have others.
The adage originated with a quote from The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes way back in 1605. The modern translated text: “It is the part of a wise man to keep himself today for tomorrow, and not venture all his eggs in one basket.” It wasn’t an original thought at that time, Ovid, poet of ancient Rome, echoed similar thoughts centuries before Cervantes as did multiple other authors lost to time. But that just proves it’s advice with staying power.
The origin story of Vintage Unscripted involves spreading eggs into multiple baskets. Instead of relying on Etsy and available social media for exposure and growth, a group of seven vintage sellers with Etsy shops decided to work together on a blog to generate more exposure for our individual shops, to share interesting original content and to highlight other vintage sellers.
Time brought changes, as it has the habit of doing. But Vintage Unscripted lives on with three of us original sellers still finding new things to write about, new sellers to feature and new ways for technology to slap us on the head like an angry octopus when you least expect it. All of which is nice, but blabbing on about it keeps you from getting to the main attraction, this week’s fresh to market vintage.
Leaf Choker Necklace 1950s
One more holiday left after Christmas before we’re on to another year. New Year’s Eve is a time for celebrating new beginnings and leaving behind the past. Getting dressed up and dreaming of good things to come. Put on that little black dress and dance the night away with good friends. This 1950s choker length necklace would be a nice touch for an end of the year celebration. Perhaps it will be your Christmas gift to yourself. After all, you deserve it, right?
Pewter Tone Leaf Choker, $45.95
Pam, Vintage Renude
Woven Wicker Gathering Basket
I’m a big fan of vintage baskets because they are both decorative and useful. This woven wicker gathering basket features an offset handle and is dated to the 1930s. Fill it with an assortment of wrapped retro candies for a conversation-worthy candy dish. I grew up with Hershey’s Kisses, Peppermint Patties and Werther’s caramels. What candy brings back childhood memories for you?
American Handled Wicker Basket, $45
Linda, Selective Salvage
Hammered Aluminum Server with Pyrex
This hammered aluminum server and the Pyrex custard cups nestled into it did not start life together, but somewhere over the decades they were married together in a perfect match. Based on the marks on the bottom, the Pyrex as made at different times, but the four cups plus a spare are the same model, #464.
The generously sized bowls would be awesome for serving dips and sauces at snack time. Or different small snacks like pretzel nuggets and nuts. Or jams and jellies for a crowd. Or antipasto treats.
1960s Hammered Aluminum 4 bowl Server with Pyrex Inserts, $32.
Laurie, NextStage Vintage
1950s Champagne Coupes
If you love classic movies from the 40s, 50s and 60s, chances are you also love vintage barware like stemmed cocktail glasses and champagne coupes, not flutes. Flutes are less likely to slosh, but there is no way to channel your inner Bette Davis or Doris Day with a flute in your hand. It’s coupe or nothing.
This set of four 1950s Libbey Georgian coupes have a bamboo style stem with a wafer, giving them extra eye appeal. They are just the thing for a New Year’s toast, whether with friends or flying solo. And if you do slosh on the rug during an over enthusiastic clink, blot it up, wash it with dish soap and water, rinse with clean water and let it dry. Despite being nearly clear, the tannins and sugar in champagne will stain your carpet.
Set of Four 1950s Libbey Georgian Champagne Coupes, $64.
This week’s guest, Laura Lee, Black Rhino Vintage
What keeps us going? The thrill of the hunt? The allure of pieces with a history? The desire to share things we found out with our readers? Yes, yes and yes. There are stories to be found in the dusty glassware in the cabinet over the refrigerator and the crusty metal doodads in coffee tins on the workbench at an estate sale. And there are many, many online sellers with fabulous things that we want to share.
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