The word “delicate” does a lot of heavy lifting with its multiple meanings. It can be used to describe something that is fine or daintily made. It can mean needing special treatment because it can be easily broken or hurt. It can be a process that needs to be done gently or a situation that has to be handled with care to avoid giving offense. It can be a synonym for “subtle” when used to describe a color, scent or taste. We could go on into more esoteric meanings for “delicate,” but this is not a lexicology blog. It is a vintage blog, and three of this week’s fresh to market vintage picks could be described as delicate.
How delightful that something as delicate (easily broken) as these figural glass Christmas bulbs have survived over 100 years despite being made of glass and can be added to your collection. The delicate (finely made) bib necklace is as strong in design as it is dainty. Finally, the Maine tourism map needs a delicate touch (gentle handling) because time and use have left it fragile along the folds.
It feels wrong to leave out the fourth pick in this week’s fresh to market vintage, the Waterford crystal pieces. Even though they are artfully made and high quality, Waterford is actually sturdy. In the form of glassware, it can handle everyday use. Or could it be classified as delicate because we give it special handling? That is a point for you to ponder.
Two Figural Glass Christmas Bulbs c 1900s
Are you itching to start a new collection but the lack of storage and display space is stopping you? You might consider figural glass Christmas light bulbs. They are small, not that expensive and there is a huge variety to choose from, ranging from traditional Santas and snowmen to fruit, veggies and animals. This pair are both hand-painted clear glass but milk-glass ornaments are considered highly collectible. Check out “The Golden Glow of Christmas Past” to see you would be far from alone in your appreciation for vintage Christmas light bulbs.
Frog and Bird-Shaped Christmas Bulbs, $25
-Linda, Selective Salvage
Three Waterford Crystal Items
I love finding Waterford Crystal items at estate sales and flea markets so I can get them into other folks’ collections. You don’t need to be Irish to appreciate and use the variety of home decor or dining items and glasses that are available. Here’s a toast to a lucky day!
Waterford Crystal Collection, $124.99
-Mary Ellen, Aunt Hatties Attic
Middle Eastern Bib Necklace
Light as a feather, yet packs a punch full of style. This vintage 1970s Middle Eastern stamped metal necklace truly is a statement piece. Bib necklaces in this style look great as part of a bohemian wardrobe. Worn with a loose summer caftan and pair of leather sandals, this necklace would complete the look.
Stamped Metal Bib Necklace, $45.95
-Pam, Vintage Renude
1964 Maine Tourism Map
Tourist brochures and road trip maps are vintage ephemera that often have eye catching graphics and typography from the era when it was designed. This 1964 Maine Highway Map from the Maine tourism department exceeds all expectations, unfolding to a stunning illustration of the state on one side and a functional road map on the other side. It would be delightful framed.
1964 Maine Tourism Highway Map, $14.
-Laurie, NextStage Vintage
One thing any vintage seller will tell you is that we pack everything we sell as if it were delicate. There is no such thing as being too careful with packing. We’d pack the figural glass bulbs in this week’s fresh-to-market vintage “box in a box,” giving them extra protection from rough handling. We’d pack the Maine map sandwiched between pieces of cardboard so that it would have protection from twists and turns in transit.
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