May 28, 2009

At the auction.

Last weekend was the first of two auctions a year sponsored by the Ocean Grove Historical Society. I go just for a good chuckle. I mean, I'm a thrifty little diva...I don't pay buyers' premiums (10%) and sales tax (7%). Pshaw.

That said, no one ever seems to be in the market for furniture at the local auctions, so you can get some really good deals. I had to hold my own arm down to prevent from bidding on an antique mahogany rocker that went for $50, and a fantastic pair of Victorian-era cane chairs that went for $40 (for the pair). And a lovely full sized maple bed from the 1940s or 50s didn't even fetch the minimum bid of $5. It was in great shape as-is, but could easily be shabbified (beach speak for painting white) and would look adorable in a beach house bedroom. I forgot to bring my camera so you'll have to take my word for it. I mean, five bucks for a full size bed?!

I did manage to raise my #61 paddle a couple of times, for this vintage sign which I got for $10:


What can I say? I'm a sucker for old signs.

And this Victor Borge poster that went for the lowest of low $5! No one wanted poor Victor! I loved this guy. And I also love this line on the poster:

"A great Artist who can clown without offending music lovers...and reduce an audience to tears!"

How's that for copy writing?


I'm really surprised no one else was interested. Usually anything with Ocean Grove on it goes for more than it's worth given the local angle and all. We can see The Great Auditorium from our front porch so this purchase was a no brainer.

On Monday (love holidays off from work!), I went to Michael's with my 40% off coupon in hand to get a frame:



And then to Jo-Ann's to buy a yard of muslin (think "linen-look") for $1.39. I crafted a "faux matte" by covering the backing of the frame and pulling the edges (tightly!) out the back and around the wood:


Now Victor will be residing at the shore house, mere steps from where he reduced an audience to tears. Without offending them, naturally. And I'm certainly not offended by the finished product's price, which came in at under $30 for everything.


Speaking of auctions and vintage finds, look what I got in the mail:

Can you feel my excitement?

20 comments:

desiree said...

Antique roasdshow is coming out west too! And I got tickets also. I can't wait! There's nothing like antique shows. I can't get enough of them.

desiree said...

Forgot...you're sooo talented as well. Love the Victor find!

Blondie's Journal said...

Dear Thrifty Little Diva,

I could cry that I wasn't there for the maple bed! I turn my blonde little head away from those pesky little details such as buyers premiums and taxes (what ARE those??) ;-)

Very cool how you matted that frame. You just poke the fabric under the frame and out the back? I really like that idea! I also like that you like Victor Borge. He was a class act.

Have a great weekend!

xoxo
Jane

Unknown said...

Hi Laura,
Your finished poster looks great framed!

You sound like me...too much of a tight wad to spend a whole lot at an auction. Sounds like there were some great deals though.
:) Diane

Purple Flowers said...

You are one lucky girl!!! I love that show. Are you going to bring anything that they can appraise?

You go to the best markets and auctions! I love the idea of a rocking chair for $50.00

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Very neat pieces, Laura! I love both of them, and I could feel my heart race with the first pic. I know you must be over the moon. GREAT finds!

XO,

Sheila :-)

Tina said...

Oh I'm soooooo jealous!!!

Sounds like heaven to me...antiques road show......that auction.

I need all the updates and details

I will live vicariously through your experiences there.

You make me wanna pack up and run out to the shore.

Love your blog dearie.
Have a wonderful weekend
T

Maya@Completely Coastal said...

I can tell you're having so much fun..., and will soon get a second beach cottage!

j.cro said...

I'm going to have to remember that frame trick. You one smart lady!

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Laura you did good! Auctions usually scare me but this one sounds like one I'd love. What great bargains!

I love watching the Antique Roadshow! Are you bringing anything to be appraised? What about that wonderful old sign?

Jean Martha said...

I love auctions!

That's all I can say right now, my brain is plunked.

Sue said...

Great sign for only 10 bucks...You find the most amazing things...and always for cheap....

heidi said...

hey! What are ya brining to the roadshow, anything!!?? Can't wait to see pics.
xoh

Julia @ Hooked on Houses said...

Love the framed Victor Borge! How fun is that?!

Linda Lou said...

Love your Victor poster-you can always count on a 40% percent off coupon at Michael's to inspire you!! I got mad coz there was nothing I wanted to buy last week with my little coupon-looks like you have had fun at these antique shows!

abeachcottage said...

oh lordy you gotta be joking me that you got that sign for 10 bucks

I have been at auctions (sadly not with paddles, just bit of paper with a number) where those kinda signs hit over $200 - over my budget

another boom boom I believe

Sarah

SPetrie said...

Very clever. I just bought a HUGE vintage circus poster for $15 and put it in my kids room. What a steal. How did you get the muslin around the frame without it showing?? Good job!

Maureen said...

I love how you framed Victor. Perfect. I also laughed out loud when I read your comment about painting things white. :)

Rue said...

That's so fabulous that you scored tickets to the Roadshow!!! I can't wait to hear all about it! Make sure you take lots of pictures! The Keno Brothers are my favorites... I've actually seen them in NYC a few times :)

And your "linen look" matte was very tres chic, a wonderful idea!!

{Bellamere Cottage} said...

My Mum saw Victor Borge in concert in Seattle years ago....I remember her saying he was hysterically funny....I wish I could ask her all about it..

Blessings,
Spencer