Can you give a vintage gift for a landmark occasion like a wedding or new baby? This week’s fresh to market vintage answers that question with a unanimous “YES YOU CAN,” for the right person. For a person who values things with a history, a well chosen antique or vintage gift can hit right in the center of the heart. Everyone appreciates things from their registry list, but will the memory of who gave them a place setting of china or a bouncy baby chair last? Probably not as long as the memory of something they received that was truly memorable.
The key is in knowing the recipients. Will they appreciate an antique berry bowl set or would they prefer a blender? Would they love a celluloid marriage button or would they wish for a gift certificate to Big Boxes R Us? Would the bride want the little rhinestone heart pin for to add to her dress or would she rather have a couple of wine stems? And would the new parents appreciate the tiny sleepy elf tucked in with some story books or would they rather have a Diaper Genie?
There’s plenty of vintage wedding gifts out there that come straight from the giver’s unused cache of their own wedding gifts. We arch an eyebrow over that unless it’s really nice and simply wasn’t the recipients style. And we love love love vintage and antique gifts that are heirlooms, going down to a next generation in the family. But if you’re not lucky enough to have such things, we have a fresh to market vintage that’s full of other choices, just for you.
R.S. Prussia Berry Bowl Set
Marked R. S. Prussia, made by Erdmann Schlegelmilch in Germany, this stunning berry bowl set dates from the early 1900s. There are a lot of pieces of Victorian romantic porcelain out there, so many that one is tempted to become a bit blasé about it. Lots of them show signs of wear or are just “pretty” like all the other “pretty” Victorian pieces. But this set stopped me in my tracks. The delicate floral edge and the petal shaping, the teal background, the crisp brightness of the roses…wow.
R.S. Prussia Porcelain Berry Bowl Set, $120.
-Laurie, NextStage Vintage
Rhinestone Open Heart Brooch
While Valentine’s Day may be over this year, love never goes out of style. Giving someone anything heart-shaped shows your love for them throughout the year, not only on holidays. This heart-shaped rhinestone brooch would make a wonderful gift any time of year. It hails from the mid to late 1950s or early 60s and is beautifully made. Each stone is individually set in a silver prong closed back setting with a sturdy roll-over clasp on the back. It isn’t marked but was clearly produced by a company with high standards. The stones are bright and shiny to this day. What a lovely way to tell someone you care.
Rhinestone Open Heart Brooch, $18.95
-Pam, Vintage Renude
Victorian Celluloid Marriage Button c 1900s
I love Victorian tin photo buttons in general, but the ones made in celebration of marriage hold a special spot in my heart. This particular floral celluloid over the tin button features a beautiful array of pansies, dogwood & other flowers around the edge framing photos of the stoic couple.
It was purchased near a small community in South Dakota that was settled by Russian immigrants in the 1800s. Based on the couple’s clothing, it’s very possible they were members of that community. I think it would be a fun addition to an “instant ancestor” collection. Who says you can’t choose your family?
Antique Celluloid Button, $125
-Linda, Selective Salvage
Sleeping Elf Child
I do believe in magic. It seems that this poor “wee one” has not found its rightful home yet. They have been sleeping in my shop cupboard for years. When I am out looking for treasures, I look for the joy, magic, quirkiness and even serenity in my vintage acquisitions. Perhaps if they woke up they might dance a jig or sing a lilting ballad or fix my shoes. I guess we will need to wait for the magic of Saint Patrick’s Day to wake them up!
Elf Child, $47.99
-Mary Ellen, AuntHattiesAttic
Vintage and antiques are never out of style and can make excellent gifts for the right person. We all do a fair bit of shipping items as gifts, and that always gives us a smile. Whether it’s to add to a collection, to replace a piece from childhood or to celebrate a special occasion, as a seller it’s always fun to ship gifts. Almost as fun as putting together our weekly fresh to market vintage post.
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If you love the rhinestone heart pin featured in this week’s fresh to market vintage, you have a vintage soul and you might enjoy our post on four vintage accessories you should be wearing.
