Chartreuse Gown, Big Bustle and a Parrot - Vintage Diva

Just had to share this lady. Made by Trico, Nagoya, Japan, she's hand painted porcelain in a shimmery luster glaze. A red head is an oddity in these types of MIJ figurines (cheaply made reproductions of 17th and 18th century European figures). And how did that old saw about green being the color for red head's make it to Japan sometime between the 1930's and 1950's? And why this shade of chartreuse green? Maybe the parrot influenced the shade. Whatever - it works for me. I think she's a definite vintage diva. Unbelievably found her on a GW shelf, unbroken and reasonably priced.

Sabino Art Deco Opalescent Figurine

I found this piece of opalescent crystal this morning at the local thrift store for $1.99. I didn't recognize the 'Sabino Paris' marking on the bottom, but it looked like 'quality.' I don't know how else to describe it. It literally stood out from all the other knick-knacks surrounding it. Anyway, it turns out to be a piece of art glass made by Sabino of France. Retail price for this particular piece is about $700. Perhaps that will make my husband reconsider his opinion of my junking addiction.

Today's Haul

• 2 Wedgwood jasperware Christmas plates


• 2 bone china egg cups


• 2 pyrex casserole dishes


• a Sandra Boynton coffee mug


• a cobalt blue glass rolling pin


• an unopened rug hooking kit


• a bag of assorted christmas ribbons


• an old teacup that I have no use for, but figure some craft idea will present itself

All for nine bucks and change. What do you think? A bargain or not?

Where Have These Binoculars Been?

Sometimes the things I find make me really pause and wonder about the history. Not too long ago, I found these binoculars in a fine old leather case. The case has a compass in the lid and the binocs are marked US Army Signal Corps. In researching them a little I found that they are likely from World War II. They're substantial, heavy metal and have perfect optics. I just have to believe they were a treasured tool and have seen a lot of the world. The $1.50 I spent bought me a piece of history and a wandering mind with thoughts of what the original owner might have been like and where they went together.

Betty Crocker is very collectible

If you find one of these old Betty Crocker cookbooks - the one with the pictures in a round pie shape - grabt it! These things sell on ebay for upwards of $50 depending on the shape they are in. Just be sure and include 'Betty Crocker red pie' in your title if you do decide to list your find on ebay. This was today's big find at $1.50.