Flea Markets Archives - Driving for Deco

While we usually highlight vintage items, this was a mixed bag of weekend finds. And it’s a collection of vintage, and some well-done Deco inspired. Yes, really!

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Now, we are generally not a fan of Deco revival or Deco inspired as it is usually derivative and not particularly attractive. But every now and then, we find things that are actually nice.

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Manhattan (author’s collection)

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This set of 2003 drink plates by “The Marketplace” is an example of modern aesthetics with a deco influence. I found these at 2^ND Avenue Thrift Store. Are they a perfect fusion? Maybe not. But they are stylish. Not only decorative, they are informative as well. Each plate has the recipe for the featured design. I passed on these originally but relented and went back the next day. I’m glad I did as they were 50% off!

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: Champagne Cocktail (author’s collection)

: Martini (author’s collection)

: Tom Collins (author’s collection)

: Cosmopolitan (author’s collection)

: Sangria (author’s collection)

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Another 2^ND Avenue Thrift find are these Franklin Mint 1993 limited edition, The Amazing House of Erté. Franklin Mint is known world over for producing quality wares of all kinds. And these are no different. But this set is only half of the Erté series of 10 originally available. Online prices are all over the place from $30.00 for a set of five up to $450.00 per plate.

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Erté Plate – Athena (author’s collection)

: Diva II (author’s collection)

: La Merveilleuse – (author’s collection)

: Beauty and the Beast (author’s collection)

: Symphony in Black (author’s collection)

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Just a note, both sets of the dishware listed above are decorative only as the glazes can be poisonous. Therefore, they are not food safe. We don’t want you to get sick from your weekend finds!

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Franciscan Ware Teapot (author’s collection)

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I stumbled upon these at Good Stuff Thrift Store. They are Franciscan Ware service pieces in the coral glaze. And they are in the Coronado pattern.

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: Franciscan Ware Water Pitcher (author’s collection)

: Franciscan Ware Covered Jam Jar (author’s collection)

: Franciscan Ware Serving Bowl (author’s collection)

: Franciscan Ware backstamp

: Franciscan Ware Butter Dish (author’s collection)

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Everyday pieces are found fairly easily. However, service pieces are harder to find. The Gladding, McBean & Co. in Los Angeles, California produced this pattern between 1936 and 1954. The backstamp on used on these pieces show they were produced anytime from 1940 through 1947.

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Modular Glass Flower Trough (author’s collection)

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I found these vintage glass flower troughs at the GoodWill. They are quite versatile as the modular pieces can be arranged to suit your needs. And they keep your table alive with flowers, but without obstructing the view and conversation of your guests.

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: Some configuration ideas

: A circle of flowers (author’s collection)

: So many choices (author’s collection)

: Whatever works for you (author’s collection)

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Victorian’s used similar sets and their popularity is enduring. Modern versions are still available. Although vintage, dating these is tough, they are probably from the mid 1930’s to late 1940’s.

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Chase Meridian Tray (author’s collection)

Chase Centaur Mark (author’s collection)

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I picked up this hard-to-find Chase Meridian cordial tray at the Golden Nugget Flea Market. Now I thought it was piece by Chase but had a difficult time finding the mark. It was only $5.00 so I took a chance. I eventually found the Centaur logo making this late 1930’s piece quite the find.

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West Bend Hot / Cold Server (photo via Pinterest)

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And finally, another GoodWill find is the ubiquitous West Bend Hot / Cold server. Commonly know as the Penguin Ice Bucket, this piece was produced from the 1940’s through the late 1960’s. We’ve seen crazy prices online and at antique stores. To find out more about this item, click here.

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Just a quick story: Many years ago at a flea market in France, a vendor had some of these on display and we struck up a conversation. She told us that the French are crazy for this piece and willing to pay top dollar to own one.

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Hmm! Maybe we should export them for a percentage!

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So, this is our mixed bag of weekend finds. It’s good to be back on the road again. We’ll be vacationing soon and hope to share more fun deco finds with you!

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Happy hunting!

Chris & Anthony (the Freakin’ ‘tiquen Guys)

That’s right, Driving for Deco is on road again and sharing our weekend finds 2021 with you.

Englishtown Flea Market

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Our first stop, the Englishtown Flea Market in Englishtown, New Jersey. Anthony has fond memories of this place. Many a deco treasure he still enjoys are from here. Years ago, he purchased his first Fortune magazine (January 1935), a reproduction Ladies’ Home Companion Winter poster and RCA Victor 5T Radio.

January 1935 Fortune Magazine (photo via amazon.com)

Rustic wood frame for Welsh's print of Winter.

A recreation of the frame my print of Winter was in when I bought it in 1982.

RCA Victor 5T Radio (photo via Worthpoint.com)

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Arriving early, and anticipating a full morning of shopping, we were disappointed in the selection of merchandise. Rather than eclectic mix of old and new, it was primarily new items – in abundance. No weekend finds here. We did enjoy a pretzel, though.

: Half the stalls were empty

: A quick walk-by is all we needed

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Back at the car, a quick search and we were on our way to Englishtown Antiques and Used Furniture.

Unassuming and jam packed (photo via Google maps)

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Located a few minutes down the road, this placed is jam packed. And we do mean jam packed! Extremely narrow aisle and Jenga-like displays, this is not for the faint of heart. I noticed a Farberware covered chrome tray with a crow handle fairly quickly. Marked as an egg holder, Anthony had reservations about the cover. But the proprietor was willing to haggle on the price and it was our only purchase. A quick online search and Anthony’s instinct was correct. The carrier is for cordial glasses. The cover – well, it’s for something else. But we have no idea what.

Farberware Brooklyn NY cordial carrier (from the collection of the author)

Underside of carrier stamped Farberware

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Spelunking our way through the back we saw some interesting items. Be forewarned, the air is extremely musty. But be brave. And if you’re willing to dive in, you may find the treasure of your dreams.

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With barely a dint on the day, we decided to “make the rounds”. Essentially, hit up a few of our favorite thrift store closer to home.

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Good Stuff Fairless Hills, Pa (photo via stores-goods.com)

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Stop one, Good Stuff Thrift Store in Fairless Hills, Pa. This place has a nice turnover of merchandise. And it’s rare we don’t find something worth buying. This weekend was no exception. We picked up a nice Nouveau / Arts & Crafts Bisque vase. Unmarked and well made, for $3.00, we took a chance.

Unmarked Bisque Vase (from the collection of the author)

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Another piece purchased it this Cambridge Caprice console bowl for $6.00. This popular line was produced between 1937 – 1953. It is also available in lovely shade called Moonlight Blue.

Pressed glass console bowl (from the author’s collection)

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And a cup from the Russell Wright American Modern line was a no brainer for $0.50.

Russel Wright American Modern (from the author’s collection)

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But the biggest question mark purchased is this stepped glass bowl for $6.00. Possibly a Lens Bowl designed by Walter Dorwin Teague and produced by Steuben, it is the third of this type we own. Each being a different color and size. We are still researching if they are vintage 1930’s bowls or really well-made contemporary pieces. We’ll keep you posted.

Side view – possible made by Steuben

Lens Bowl – possibly by Walter Dorwin Teague

: Purchase at Goodwill earlier this year – smaller version

: Side view, less rings – these are heavy pieces

Lens Bowls size comparison. We also have a third bowl in clear glass.

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Thanks for sticking with us through the last year, And we are already planning being on the road again, Driving for Deco and sharing more weekend finds 2021. We hope you’ll join us!

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