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Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Cobwebs and Rust



 So, yes, it is just possible that I need help.
My name is Cass, and I am a vintage-a-holic.

There's no such word, is there? Well, there should be.
Because I am not the only one.

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Maybe we should get motorcycle jackets, with
"Born To Thrift"
embroidered on the backs.

I've managed to keep out of the local thrift joints and Goodwill lately,
but eBay is always there, as close as my desk, and calling to me with its siren song.

The thing is, I do love shield back chairs; they are my favorite of all wooden chair designs.

How could I resist this one?  Delicate, calling out for a paint job and new seat.
I see it in cream, or pink, with a fabulous fabric -- toile? Plaid? Stripe?  I'll see what I can find. 

 Don't you love the reeded legs?
And no extra charge for the cobwebs!

I got it for $2.
From the same seller, I also got two end tables (not matching) for a total of $5.
I'll show them in a future post.
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While at the house, I spotted a set of
shield back dining room chairs in the garage.
As I said, shield backs are my faves.
We couldn't leave these behind; even Howard agreed.
One armchair is still in my van.  I am running out of room . . . .
  Good sturdy lines.
Made by Drexel, probably in the 50s or 60s.
Straight legs, spade feet, classic dining room chairs.
We offered $20 for all 5 chairs; I think she would have taken less, but even I have a conscience!
I'm going to clean these up, restore their finish, and give them new seats.
I need more dining room chairs.
No, really, I do.
I swear it . . . .

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What I don't need is any more flatware, but that's never stopped me.

I have a weakness for the large scale, heavy silverplate of the early 1900s.
Like this:

This pattern is called "Conant" and was sold by Sears Roebuck and Company.

The pattern was discontinued in 1915.
Ain't they purty?
They feels substantial in your hand; I used them Saturday night when we had 6 at dinner.
The knives have a few scratches and a tiny bit of rust,
which would be expected at their age, but they work just fine and are nice and tight at their joints.

No, I didn't need them, and I may not keep them, but they are sweet and charming
and at the beginning of the month that brings us Spring, it's nice to have a flowery change of flatware.

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Please join other vintage-happy bloggers at some of Tuesday's most fun blog parties.  Links below!

Tam at The Gypsy's Corner hosts Three Or More Tuesdays -- one of my favorite parties!
  Click here.  Tam is expecting a grandson and is sharing her nursery picks today. What fun!

And at Linda's Coastal Charm blog, it's the one-year anniversary for Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays.  Click!

Bonnie at House Of Grace is hosts "Twice Owned Tuesdays," and it's worth a visit to see what she's featuring this week.
Click here!



A Happy New Month to all. 
May March bring you spring weather and new life in your gardens!  -- Cass

22 comments:

  1. Cass...the chairs are WONDERFUL!!! I love the backs so much! Sears and Robuck...brings back so many memories for me. Great finds...and soooo inexpensive! I'm not one to find bargains so I'm glad you are good at it!

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  2. Cass,
    I think shield back chairs are beautiful. Almost bought some from ebay when we were looking for dining room chairs.
    The silver is gorgeous, too!

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  3. Hi Cass,
    The chairs are "great" what a find!!! I also love the shield back chairs, they are hard to find in my area. I can't wait to see how you make them come to life...
    Have a sweet day and hugs, Elizabeth

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  4. Cass,

    Love the chairs but I really love the flatware. How about a group called the Silver Sisters - Black leather with silver stitching!!!

    Carol

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  5. Cass,
    These chairs are truly the most excellent bargain find I've seen in blogland! They are gorgeous and probably much better built than chairs being built nowadays. And the flatware is just an added treat.

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  6. Oh My Gosh Cass Sweetie...
    Oh I would have wrestled you for those chairs. For 20.00 there is no way you could have left them, and only 2.00 for the other. Oh I am seeing a beautiful cream colored white coat on that one with a new printed seat, I can hardly wait. I wish I lived closer, I would be over there helping you work away. I love these shield back chairs, and you can never have to many dining room chairs, not ever. They can be sat about the rest of the house, when not in use, and pulled to the dining room when we need them.

    Oh you lucky duck you. Love the flatware as well. Is it not gorgeous. I can't wait to see it all shined up. It is going to be exquisite on your table for those special occasions.

    Thanks for sharing sweetie and I can't wait to see your finished projects. Yipppeeeee.

    Have a glorious day sweet friend. Many hugs and much love, Sherry

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  7. I am glad you have a conscience! The chairs are wonderful Cass and you coul potentially have two hundred people over for a party and you are prepared with the correct amount of forks!

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  8. Those are SWEET chairs, Cass! What a wonderful find. They just don't make 'em like that anymore. And the flatware is stunning. I just bought 75 pieces of Rogers flatware with an "M" on them for my last name. I need to post about that find soon. Thanks for sharing your treasures!
    Lynn

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  9. To Separated at Birth: Of course, YOU love Shield Back Chairs -- I LOVE Shield Back Chairs!!!! And have 11 of them!!!! They are great chairs and I love them but they need feeding -- every once in a while they need a little glue in the joints!!!!

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  10. Cass-Those are wonderful chairs! I can't wait to see them outfitted with new seat coverings. And, I LOVE that first chair..the legs are great!...better than my own!! And, your old silverplate is lovely! xxoo Diana

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  11. Wow! Great deal on the chairs - you did good!
    Out and about shopping today, but believe me I did not find any bargains - have you bought groceries and gas lately ?!?!
    Enjoy your evening.

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  12. Those are great chairs Cass and what a deal!
    And the flatware is so purty!!
    YOu did good and I love it all!
    Hugs,
    Cindy

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  13. Oh those chairs are wonderful! Good find, can't wait to see them after your TLC!

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  14. Score, big time. I can't wait to see what you do with everything. first chair my favorite though.

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  15. Well, that's got to be the deal of the week! Or century! I adore shield back chairs. They are so classic.

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  16. I love those chairs and for $20! Great bargain!

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  17. those chairs are great!! I love old silver, anxious to get out my grandmother daffodil pattern silver

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  18. Wonderful finds, Cass. Rare occasion for me, but I love it when I find old silver flatware.

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  19. Hi Cass, I'm smiling at "I have a weakness for large scale heavy .... Have you watched any of the British series LarkRise to Candleford? The postmistress is always talking about her "one weakness" (which varies episode to episode...)

    I never knew those dining room chairs were called shield backs (the things you learn on blogs)...I grew up with some of those and therefore they look so comforting! My parents got them in 43 for a wedding present. Enjoyed this post!

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  20. Noone can have too many chairs!!!!!

    Dion and the TP just cracked me up !!!

    Happy Wednesday!

    Melinda

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  21. Cass,

    Your finds are amazing!! $2.00 for a gorgeous chair!! I have some extra chairs too but they come in handy when I have a party, tea or baby shower...I just have them in corners around the house! Great finds, love the silverware too!!

    Miss Bloomers

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  22. Beautiful chair! (Oh, and if you find someone to make those jackets, order me one too?)

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