I score at the Thrift Store!

15 years ago

Prowling through the Thrift Store the other day, an English-made, stainless steel tea service caught my eye. I thought it was a bit overpriced by Thrift Store standards, but still...it was unusual (and from England), not too expensive, in pristine condition, and the money was for "a good cause."

I bought it.

I got this set, now sitting on the Pfaff cabinet in my almost-finished sewing room / "ladies parlour" (for when I want to put on the dog. LOL) The set includes the 18/8 stainless steel tray, (with the triangular "Design Centre London, Steel Appeal" award sticker on the back), the 1 1/2 pt. tea pot, 1 1/2 pt. hot water pot, 3/8 pt. milk jug, and 5 oz. open sugar bowl.

I researced and found this pattern is called "The Connaught" tea set, designed by Leslie Wiggin in 1959 and was available in a range of sizes and in both bright and satin finishes; it was Old HallÂs best seller.

More photos of Old Hall stainless pieces can be seen at this link...

http://terence-wallis.fotopic.net/c1523085.html

and more info at the link below.

Here is a link that might be useful: Old Hall Club of the United Kingdom

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Comments (17)

lattefairy
15 years ago
It's a beautiful set! Congratulations! :)
lindyluwho
15 years ago
Wow! What a wonderful find. That is so beautiful. Congratulations.

Linda
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OMG, OMG, OMG, Joanna---that is the IDENTICAL table! Is it listed as a Milo Baughman?? I can't believe this--I'm only on my first cup of coffee and I'm already having heart palpatitations! I am so glad I decided to post on this site and that you happened to be reading! I don't think I ever would have known what I got, because I have limited knowledge of modern furniture. Reading everyone's delight at my serendipity is almost as much fun as finding this was! Here's the story: I got it at a nearby Salvation Army. I've been on vacation since Christmas so I've been indulging my thrift shop addiction (and it truly is!). Over the years I have found some incredibly fabulous things there but stopped going because about a year or two ago a new manager was hired who appeared to be robbing the place blind (this is not unusual at these thrift shops--sometimes corrupt employees sell all the good stuff out the back door). He and another antiques dealer who got herself a part time there no longer seem to be employed, and the good stuff is coming back out on the floor. I think successfully shopping charitable thrift shops involves persistence and tenacity. My house is truly full of treasures I've found over the years, yet any friends or family that I've directed to these stores scratch their heads and say they can never find anything. Maybe the stuff just finds me, because like a stray dog, it knows who will love it! Regarding the frames on the print, I think I do agree that I should leave them as is. I do agree with Flyleft and dillydally that they are part of the art--it's even more clear IRL. But if I were to paint them, I do like Les's suggestion of a wood tone from the burl. I think I'll leave them for now--they have a real mid-century bohemian feel that helps balance some of the elements I have in this room. Amy, I can't help but think of your gorgeous decor when I look at these red prints, so I am even more inspired to keep the original frame color. And yes, we should talk--I've been meaning to check out a couple of the places I think you're referring to. I also recently found a cool little consignment shop in your town that I was thinking of consigning some stuff to. Oh, what a way to start the New Year! Thanks everyone for boosting my excitement! I wish you all similar luck in 2009!
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I was a thrift store junkie for years, and have to restrain myself now to only what I need, not what I just want. We have this AWESOME Goodwill Bargain Barn here where you dig through bins of stuff and tables of clothes. Most of the clothes are last season's stuff from the regular GW, so good clothes. I've found some wonderful bargains...clothes are $1.69 a lb., so well worth the digging. Linens are $1.29 a lb., and I got a beautiful designer bed comforter and shams for less than $10. I bought a matching bed skirt at another thrift store for $5. I looked up the name brand, and most of their stuff goes for around $100 a set, so what a buy! I haven't shopped at a "real" store for so long, I wouldn't know what to do if I had to.
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patti43
15 years ago
Gorgeous--and you don't have to polish it! You got a good deal, no matter what.
gardenspice
15 years ago
I'm not a tea set kinda gal, but this one I really like.
Good find!
caflowerluver
15 years ago
Very nice. I would have bought it too. I am always looking for unusual things at the thrift store also. But you never said what you paid. Hint, hint. LOL
Clare
marilyn_c
15 years ago
Ejoy it! I love thrift shops...and the thrift shop dumpster.
caroline94535
Original Author
15 years ago
Clare, it cost $20, an amount I'd never normally pay for anything at a thrift store, but I had to have this. I wasn't going to confess my splurging unless someone asked. LOL
Happy_Go_Lucky_Gayle
15 years ago
As a Store Manager of a Thrift Store, it is very hard to price this type of item. You have to know Collectibles and Antiques. (Which I didn't). My Customers would clue me in. "Your asking to much for this" or "You could mark that up a little more".

Toughest thing I got donated was usually tarnished Sterling Silver. It took longer for an Employee to polish it than we could sell it for in the store. A Silver Teapot for $5.00 usually.

Stainless Steel you could get more money for with less effort.
buzzard
15 years ago
I "gave away" a set just like that for $1 at a garage sale.
janie_ga
15 years ago
I like the doily did you make it?
caroline94535
Original Author
15 years ago
Buzzard, Buzzard, Buzzard...there is now a new KT Rule. LOL You cannot sell things like this at a garage sale without first sending me photos. I would have gladly paid the shipping, and $20, for your set.

I did find a similar set to mine for sale through a dealer in England, that was $160. That made me feel better about my $20 purchase. Could you imagine the shipping costs from England to North Dakota?

There's another set, without the tray, on English eBay for $22 right now. Of course the shipping is 36 Pounds Sterling...about $54. It is also listed with "surface blemishes and scratches;" the set I found is pristine.

I do hope to find sugar tongs and a tea strainer by the same company. I did find a stainless and walnut cheese board, but again, I don't want ot pay to ship it from England. Road/boat/plane trip???

Here is a link that might be useful: An English eBay listing.
caroline94535
Original Author
15 years ago
Janie, I bought the doily (a 36" round tablecloth/topper) from a lady while I was stationed in England in 1992.
petaloid
15 years ago
Sharp looking set -- good for you!
caflowerluver
15 years ago
Sounds like a good price. I would have paid that for that set. Way to score!
Clare
foggyj
15 years ago
You were at the right place at the right time. Love the set. You got a deal.
buzzard
15 years ago
Caroline, yes, I should have contacted you!

BTW, do you need/want any more doilies? I love making them, but don't use them. I would love to make them for anyone who would use them.

Oh, I have lots of old tools I'm thinking of selling. Want to take a look at those before I do anything else stupid?
gardenspice
15 years ago
I just wanted to pop in again and say "Hi Buzzard!"
It is great to see you here.

I score at the Thrift Store!

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