Well, I did promise a blog about antique finds. I just didn’t know how long it was going to take to write it! So here goes.
It’s summer and what says summer better than a sunflower? This one’s a volunteer in the front yard. It doesn’t exactly fit where it grew but what a stunner!
Here are my finds. Not big or particularly impressive, just little treasures collected over the past several months that make me smile.
This vintage bird vase was too cute to pass up. Plus, it serves to commemorate our landmark anniversary, celebrated last February. Succulents are a wonder. They’ll grow anywhere in almost any light. They’re perfect for small containers.
I found two vintage yellow ducks a couple of years ago that I love. This tiny vase is perfect for the Easter table or anytime ducks are the order of the day.
Like a cheery birthday celebration! There’s those two yellow ducks in back.
This is a real knockout. I adore the ruffled edges of this gravy boat. I looked at the marking on the bottom to find it’s made in California.
Vernonware, originally called Poxon China, was founded in the city of Vernon, California, in 1912. The name was changed in the 30s to Vernon Kilns with marks that read Vernon Potteries, Vernonware or Vernon Kilns. This quality pottery never attained the notoriety of Bauer, Hull or Roseville but had many successful years until it ceased production in 1958.
My piece is marked “Early Days, Vernonware, California, U.S.A.” Although there is a solid turquoise with this name, my gravy boat comes from a set featuring Americana pastoral-themed dishes displaying distinctively rendered depictions of farmland, harbors, riverboats and valleys surrounded by lavish floral displays. My piece has a harbor with sail boats.
Here’s a diminutive Hull ewer, my smallest piece to date. And it’s in really pristine condition.
This footed creamer and sugar set was also impossible to resist. I love it when treasures come to life once they’re washed. Just look at the sparkle. One of my granddaughters made the tiny lavender sugar cubes. I added the teacup so you could get an idea of how small the pieces are. And just look at those ruffled edges. I seem to have an unintentional theme going here. It must be time for a tea party.
I’ve been collecting for a spoon rack passed down from my mom. She used it to display commemorative spoons. I plan to showcase small-bowled silver tea spoons. I will fill a bunch of slots with this set. Getting the spoon rack painted and ready to hang is definitely going on the chore list. Now it’s surely time for a tea party. With gravy.