Tag Archives: The Amazing House of Erté

Mixed Bag of Weekend Finds – July 2022

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!

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.

Deco revival drink plate

Manhattan (author’s collection)

This set of 2003 drink plates by “The Marketplace” is an example of modern aesthetics with a deco influence.  I found these at 2ND 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!

Another 2ND 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.

Erté Plate - Athena

Erté Plate – Athena (author’s collection)

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!

Franciscan Ware

Franciscan Ware Teapot (author’s collection)

……

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.

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.

Weekend Finds

Modular Glass Flower Trough (author’s collection)

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.

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.

Art deco tray

Chase Meridian Tray (author’s collection)

Art deco tray

Chase Centaur Mark (author’s collection)

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.

West Bend Hot / Cold Server

West Bend Hot / Cold Server (photo via Pinterest)

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.

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.

Hmm! Maybe we should export them for a percentage!

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!

Happy hunting!

Chris & Anthony (the Freakin’ ‘tiquen Guys)