Antiques and Collectables. Part #1.
(This is my submission for todays Market Friday, hosted by my friend @dswigle.)
This week I am going to take you to the best Antique and Collectable shop I've ever been in. I came upon it by accident and once inside, I was held spellbound by the traperies, trash and treasures of yesteryear. Why would someone of my vintage become immediately fascinated at this opportunity to browse through a shop full of old and redundant stuff? That, my dear steemians is unfortunately very easy to explain.
You see, no matter how chic the style or how fashionable an item once was; and regardless of its usefulness and practicality at the time; if it is no longer available but is something you grew up with, you will undoubtedly experience a deep sense of nostalgia when you are introduced to it once again.
These long forgotten, everyday items were necessities back in the day. But sadly, I have to admit, that these items are now considered...…..not just out of date, but obsolete. What an unfortunate turn of phrase! If it is still functional how can it be called, "Out of date, or worse still; Obsolete?" Don't mind me…...I'm probably feeling a little sensitive after viewing all the antiquated products in this emporium and realizing that many of them are very recognisable.
You'll want to know where this awesome Antique shop is, should you ever be in the neighbourhood. Head to Coolangatta in Queensland, Australia and go directly to 33 McLean Street in town and there you will find the Treasure/Trash/Trove of which I speak. As I neared the entrance to this shop I saw a customer sitting nonchalantly on a non swivel, yellow plastic chair. Was it comfortable? That is debatable. Was it bright? Oh yes! I do not mourn the demise of these hard, brittle, ugly seats.
Oh My! Where does one begin, in this musty maze of mysterious mattter? Which archaic alley shall I begin my trip down memory lane? There is stuff everywhere! Every nook and cranny is crammed full to overflowing and I couldn't wait to see what gems I would discover.
Old fashioned signs and posters decorated every wall. Bike and car lovers from decades past would need to spend hours here, reminiscing or dreaming about how to decorate their man cave or games room.
Everywhere I looked I saw clocks with hands no longer ticking, decorated with famous people whose hearts no longer ticked but remained alive and well due to their faithful fans. If you have a spare $29 you could purchase this clock with the famous face of John Wayne looking back at you. The 'Duke' as he was affectionately known, kept movie lovers entertained in the top box office arenas for three decades. He starred in over 142 motion pictures, 83 of which, were Westerns.
I see Elvis Presley still has a price on his head. Dead or alive...….he is a wanted man.
There will never be another Elvis and that is why it is vital to keep his memory alive in any way we can. Elvis Presley topped the music charts between 1952 - 1962 but did you know that out of his staggering 108 Top 40 hits (which is a record for any single performer) half of his Top 10 hits went to No 1 in the charts.
The song, "Its now or never," was reported to have sold 29 million copies and was the most sold single until "Candle in the Wind" took this honour. Take a moment to be reminded as to why Elvis still deserves the title of, "The King of Rock n Roll."
Clocks, Clocks everywhere. Do I really need to be reminded at how fast time goes? Perhaps I should buy one of these old clocks and set it to a time and a date that I'd like to remain suspended in....... and dream...…….
My dreaming has taken me back to 1936 (way before my time) to a place called, Clayton County in Atlanta, Georgia during the American Civil War when the book, "Gone With The Wind" was published. This novel revolves around Scarlett O'Hara, the spoilt daughter of wealthy plantation owners. Scarlett is a lady who knows how to use her womanly charms to make the progress she wants to in life, but becomes petulant when things don't go her way.
It takes the 'devil may care' attitude of Rhett Butler to tame and conquer Scarlett's heart whilst admitting that he is no gentleman and she is no lady. This timeless and classic story has been described as, 'Tragic,' 'Captivating,' Romantic,' Turbulent and 'Haunting,' as it incorporates many of the misconceptions of the civil war and its after effects. It is a, 'must read' for lovers of historical dramas.
The three images below are not the best quality photos but my excuse is this. Nothing, I repeat nothing was dusted or polished in this vast and interesting antique shop. The owners must work on the premise that a few layers of dust add to the authentic age and mystique of their goods and this lack of 'house keeping' is all part of their sales technique. Also, Rhett's cigar smoke was willowing all over the place which added to the smoky atmosphere. I am convinced that I needed to include these pics because they add value to my blog. So, if you still want to complain about me using images that lack clarity and professionalism then, all I can say is...…...
FRANKY MY DEARS. I DONT GIVE A DAMN!"
It's not too late to absorb the ambience and drama of, "Gone With The Wind." Have a listen to this masterpiece by Allie Wrubel and meld into this melodic period as you finish reading this blog about Antiques and Collectables.
Pinocchio and his friend are not impressed with me. They must have heard me say, "Frankly my dears, I don't give a damn." And Pinocchio's long, wooden appendage in the middle of his face has reminded me about what happens to people who tell lies. Ok......so I do give a damn about the quality of my images! So I hope you will have mercy on me for the dust laden ones that look a little lack lustre. I will endeavour to finish this post with better quality images. Am I forgiven?
Yes, Pinocchio. I'd pay $65 to remind me not to lie........Woops I just told anther lie.
I told you about the dust and the grime on some of the old, old products for sale didn't I? Here is the proof. "There was one green bottle standing on the shelf..........(hanging on the wall.)" Remember that song......or was that before your time?
Sorry, There is no cognac left in these empty bottles.
There was a wonderful array of beautiful china placed on shelves and cabinets around the shop. I loved the blue and white finish on this old wash basin and bowl.
Speaking of antiques. How many of you 'oldies' have heard the saying, "Like a Bull in a China Shop?" You wouldn't want reckless kids running amok round here would you? Most of these goods would come under the 'priceless' category I reckon and many simply could not be replaced. So, I guess we can be thankful that 'Daisy' is not the proverbial 'Bull in a China Shop' and she is also strung up from the rafters high enough to not pose a problem to the delicate china-ware below. She certainly is a 'looker' isn't she? Udderly gorgeous in my opinion. Ok.......that's a very old joke, but what did you expect? You can't make a silk purse out of a sows ear. (lol) MOOOOving on.
"One man's treasure.........
.......is another man's trash.' If there was a spare bull available I'd place these two very ugly dogs right in its path and look the other way. I'm sure a blind two year old could do a better job of making cute, china, canines than these two chunks of junk.
I couldn't possibly leave you with that very ordinary picture above so I will finish Part #1 of my Antiques and Collectables Market Friday post with a lovely display of old fashioned china.
I will return with Part #2 next week. So, until then, have a great week. Bye for now.
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