Wrapping your head around being able to own and use something from the Victorian era like the match holder in this week’s fresh to market vintage takes some doing. Queen Victoria ruled over England from 1837 to 1901, so in a historical context, that would be the Victorian era. Technically, that should apply to antiques too. “But,” she said, making a sweeping generalization, “most of what is described by vintage sellers as ‘Victorian’ dates from the 1880 – 1900.”
Think about the people who owned those things. Most likely they knew someone who had been in the military during the Civil War. They read in the newspaper about Statue of Liberty being dedicated. Having electricity was starting to be possible. They might have been awaiting the newest Mark Twain book. It was also a time of political and economic upheaval, not unlike other uncertain times in our history.
The tramp art match holder from that era is something extraordinary. It is a one of a kind artist’s piece, perhaps made to satisfy a creative itch or to sell in hopes of dinner money. It is not a piece of mass merchandise bought in a store. Owning that match holder is owning an American story that you can hang on your wall and use, proving not all history is behind glass in a museum.
Owning all vintage is owning history. The other pieces below all have stories to tell too. But it’s harder to imagine an engaging backstory for a book about metal cans than it is about a century old one of a kind handmade match holder. If we had the time, we could imagine a story about that Sarah Coventry bracelet being received as a birthday gift. The Gale Sayers card already has a story that Mr. Sayers shared with the world…
Sarah Coventry Bracelet
Sarah Coventry distributed jewelry through home parties popular in the 1960s and 70s and was, at one time, the largest direct selling jewelry company in the world. This gold tone bracelet is marked “Coventry” on the inside and is in excellent shape. It doesn’t appear to have been worn. For a lover of 70s fashion, this bracelet is a great addition to any collection.
Gold Tone Sarah Coventry Bracelet, $15.95
Pam, Vintage Renude
Victorian Match Holder c 1910s
Offering a primitive, handmade match holder, probably constructed from a cigar box from my collection. It features a folky carved design, with portions painted to accentuate the carving. It boasts the original untouched finish and is definitely a OOAK piece. If you are thinking about starting a new hobby, check out this article on “Phillumeny.”
Antique One-of-a-Kind Match Holder, $125
Linda, Selective Salvage
1952 The Miracle of the Can Booklet
Stop a random supermarket shopper and suggest that they behold the miracle of the can and they will be both perplexed and a little scared. We don’t think of cans as miracles, but cans changed the way we cook forever. Store bought preserved foods were not new, but having prepared foods in cans, recipe ready or ready to serve, was a revolution for the on-the-go housewife and her family.
There’s something a little strange about this booklet. It somehow kept getting skipped over in the “to be listed” ephemera pile for more years than I would admit to in a court of law. Finally, in a burst of bravery, I gave it a hug, told it I would remember it forever and listed it. It would be excellent kitchen art. Or put it in a frame on your bedside table so you awaken every morning and give thanks for the miracle of the can.
1952 American Can Co. Booklet, The Miracle of the Can, $12.
Laurie, NextStage Vintage
1989 Swell Gale Sayers Football Card
A halfback and return specialist for the NFL Chicago Bears from 1965-1971, Gale Sayers was one of the most honored players to ever play football. No one could match his speed, agility and elusiveness on the field. His honors included 2x All-American while a Kansas Jayhawk, 5x First Team All-Pro, 2x NFL Rushing Yards Leader, NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team and that’s not even half the list. He is the youngest player ever inducted in the Football Hall of Fame (1977.)
People who like football because of player backstories remember Mr. Sayers for his friendship with fellow Bears player Brian Piccolo. Sayers and Piccolo were the first interracial roommates in NFL history in 1967. Though the pairing was done by the Bears to work towards breaking down racial barriers, it led to a deep friendship. Sayers wrote about their kinship in his autobiography, I Am Third.
Without giving away any spoilers, a movie about their friendship was made into a beloved ABC Movie of the Week in 1971. Even though it was made for TV, Brian’s Song continues to make lots of best sports movies lists. It won the 1972 Emmy for “Outstanding Single Program–Drama or Comedy.” There’s a remake, which is probably very nice, but see the original if you can. Warning: it won its Emmy in the drama or comedy category, but it is distinctly not a comedy. It will touch corners of your heart so deep and dark you didn’t even know they existed.
If the story resonates with you, you might like to add this Swell brand Gale Sayers card to your collection. Swell produced a 150 card set of Football Greats in 1989. Mr. Sayers is card #102.
1989 Swell Football Greats Card #102, Gale Sayers, $2.99
Available from this week’s guest Lori, Ittledo Mercantile
That wraps up this week’s fresh to market vintage. As usual, it’s an assortment of this and that from then and when, because the world of vintage is large and our specialties are diverse.
That also describes the topical range of our posts. Vintage Unscripted is an assortment. Mai Tai history one day, biography of an iconic designer the next day and how to get out stains the next. Wouldn’t you hate to miss something you want to know more about? Save yourself from FOMO by subscribing to our email newsletter. It comes once a week with links to all the posts from the previous week. And rest assured we would sooner watch Brian’s Song without a full box of tissues and large glass of water to stay hydrated than ever share your info.
