Do you recall the one that got away?

18 years ago

In a recent thread, paul_h asked about our best finds. Now for the opposite question: Do you recall any items that you wish you had bought, but did not get for one reason or another, and definitely regretted it? I remember being at an auction when the weather was cold, dreary, and miserable. I decided to leave for a minutes to take a few odds and ends to my car and to warm up a bit. When I returned, I learned that a whole set of sterling silver flatware (about 40-50 pieces) had been sold for $35. On another occasion, I noticed a large pile of Franciscan dishes in the apple pattern at Goodwill. Included were place settings along with serving pieces, all for about $30. I thought I'd go home and do some research before I bought them. I learned that they had the old mark and were truly a find at $30--of course, they were gone by the time I got back to the store! Does anyone have incidents to share?

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Comments (5)

texasredhead
18 years ago
He/she who hesitates.............
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lindac
18 years ago
Waaay too many to recount!!....
The old pine step back cupboard....with the wooden turned knobs and the old glass.....as I was raising my hand for a $30 bid....my DH whispered in my ear..."How are you going to get it home?"....I turned to him with a questioning look....and it was knocked down for $25!
And the walnut Eastlake cupboard going for under $20...but again I didn't know how to get it home....and the Kittenger china cabinet for about $200....but I feared it was too tall for my house....and the Paul Storr cruet set that I left because I didn't know who Paul Storr was....and the rope bed....and the compote in Grasshopper....with insect....and the chocho belt for $35 and the oriental rug that was just the right size for $15....got a quick knock and I learned the auctioneer bought it...
And the list goes on!!
I guess you can't buy everything you see....but by gosh I sure try!! LOL!
Linda C...Not a dealer!
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Well the desk doesn't appear to have any drawers.... And the upholstery is really icky green.... *sigh*.... I remember so many things....right now a wonderful pine step back cupboard....covered with paint, but with the original turned pulls and door closers....going for $25....as my hand was raising...my DH (God rest his soul) leaned over and said "how are you going to get it home...." I blinked and it was gone!! The cupboard that is in the spot that one would have gone, cost $350....30 years ago....so it cost him!!! Then there was the Paul Storr castor set...but some of the bottles were not original...and the Bateman ladle...it was going for over my top bid of $35 ( I was young, dumb and afraid to spend a buck!) BUT....I have a house full of stuff that didn't get away... I am using as my computer table a walnut drop leaf walnut table, all hand made, hand turned legs....just a wee bit of Sheraton influence....cost me $1.75....no paint....needed a quick clean up and a coat of finish....and it needs another now. Keep looking...it'll be there! Linda C
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Saw the garbage men take a perfectly good armoire from the curb, put it in the compacter and squash it before my very eyes. Ouch!!! I didn't have room for it, but I would have taken the trouble to drop it off at the thrift store so someone else could enjoy it. Saw a 6 foot locking , plastic two door shed on the curb. Drove home to empty the van so I would have room. When I returned (5 minutes later) someone else was loading it into THEIR truck. Agghhh!!! Saw a 20 gallon aquarium with a wrought iron stand (with all the accessories) at a yard sale marked $10.00. When I said I'd have to consult with DH, they said I could HAVE it just so they wouldn't have to haul it back in the garage. I regret not taking it as I have a few fish now. Word to the wise when going to yard sales. If you find a dresser and don't want to worry about someone else buying it first, take one of the drawers out, go pay for it (get a written receipt) and take the drawer(s) with you. Especially if you don't have room in your vehicle and have to arrange with someone else to come pick it up for you.
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Did I mention, db, that my other affliction is violet giftitis -- giving away my Optimaras is a bad habit of mine. The other day I gave away all my practice leaves and babies to a friend -- I thought they were all just noids so I didn't bother labeling any, so now she's going to have a load of surprise violets when they bloom. The thing is, I'm starting to learn that some of these Optimaras are actually scarce and very desirable to collectors. And yesterday's Lowe's haul was actually to replace 2 of my 3 Chicos I'm gifting to some people. They've grown into some of my most prized plants but room is at a premium here (now that I'm starting to collect some named varieties). And do I really need 3 of them?! Besides, I get a lot of joy out of sharing some of my plants with others. I started to tell myself that Optimaras are a dime a dozen, (okay, they're actually $45.48 a dozen but they're still meant to give away, lol.) My hairdresser and the Macy's saleswomen I met are next on my list. This giftitis is getting outta hand, plus it's kinda itchy. So you are all right, I need to start collecting more leaves. Some of these Optimaras are quite special.
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triciae
18 years ago
Yeah, the leather fire bucket with my family's name on the side at an antique shop 1/4 mile from my family's 1690 homestead where the house is still standing & is a museum. I just wasn't IN the mood to purchase anything that day. My DH tried to get me to buy it & I got cranky with him. When I called back the next day...it was gone to somebody else's house...and it wasn't even their name!

The 8 pieces of Davenport 'Pomeroy' (1793). I was prepared to bid a substantial amount of money for them. For personal reasons, these were special dishes, to me. When the hammer came down...I hadn't even bid. They went for sooooo much I couldn't even make a first bid. I still mourn those dishes! Have not seen another.

The harpoon. DH had to visit the facilities. He said, "I want the harpoon. If it comes up while I'm gone...bid."
I thought he was kidding so when it did come up when he was indisposed, I didn't bid. He wasn't kidding.

The completely restored Wurlitzer jukebox filled with 45's. I couldn't think of where we'd put it...duh...move the furniture around, you idiot!
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User
18 years ago
From my high-school days, when I had NO Money at all ... a small oil portrait of a Mexican saloon girl, circa 1880.

From my college (still had no money) ... several small watercolors by Ted DeGrazia when he offered them to me.

Other things I wish I had purchased when I DID have the money:
A sampler from Cuba, dated 1807, in Spanish
A Navajo "squash-blossom" necklace that, for reasons known only to the maker, had a chunk of carved Chinese jade in place of one of the usual turquoise chunks.
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PRO
Woodworks by Garry
18 years ago
I had a chance to buy a molding plane with all of it's original cutters in the original box and I talked myself out of it. My wife and I to this day live by the reason - if you want it then buy it.
I use most of the old tools that I buy so this was a big mistake for me to pass up.
Garry

Here is a link that might be useful: Photos of Cindy's gardens and my woodshop
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Do you recall the one that got away?

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texasredhead

lindac

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triciae

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