Antique Finds

There are so many good places to go antiquing and to flea markets in Europe.  So many hidden gems that are a lot more valuable then say, your typical flea market or antique store in the States.  Mainly because Europe has been around a lot longer.  So each trip to a new antique store is like a blast from the past or to another time period.  Surprisingly, Germany has a lot of French inspired antiques as well.

One of my recent hunts took me to a shop in Amberg, Germany.  This is one of my favorite shops due to the decent prices and variety of stuff.  This isn't one of your typical shops that is going to triple the price of their antiques to tourists.  It's a shop with lots of variety with a lot of dusty corners and space to fill.  They are also interested in making a sale, and not necessarily charging you "retail value".  This is great for me as I'm not looking to spend an arm and a leg to find old things to decorate with.  

One of the items that I had found was a gold painted wooden mirror that I had been eyeing on previous visits. They had a few different ones there but my eyes kept going to this one as it was the most ornate and it is in the Rococo style!

As you can see, I haven't found the perfect place for this yet.  But it may just end up in my living room. This mirror was made in about 1940-1950, so not technically antique yet, but vintage.  I absolutely love it!

The next item I found was a Nauman sewing case to put all your sewing essentials in.  The reason I bought this is because it goes with my Nauman sewing machine that I had bought at a flea market a few months earlier.  

It's made out of tin, I assume, and I think the image on the back may be the factory in Dresden where it was made.  I saw this exact same kit on ebay in terrible condition for $275!  Still, another one posted was going for $220.   Mine is in considerably better condition and what did I pay for it?  I paid 1 Euro!

The company Seidel & Nauman began making sewing machines in Dresden, Germany, in 1872.  

This Nauman sewing machine below is one that I found (that goes with the tin) at a Flohmarkt (Flea Market) in Neumarkt, Germany.  It is in decent condition and fully functional.  The detail picture shows the sewing needles and materials that came with it in the wooden slide.  This sewing machine was probably made around the turn of the century.

I've found that antique sewing machines are fairly common and there are various brands that were popular in Europe as well as the States.  I had the opportunity to visit the Singer Castle in Alexandria Bay, NY, to see the Singer dynasty in all its glory.

Though these sewing machines are pretty common, people like to buy them so they usually sell.  I'd say one of these in really good condition could sell anywhere from $50-$300.  I only paid 25 Euro for this one!

The last item that I found at one of my favorite spots in Amberg was an old pic nic basket.  Now, I have no idea how old this is and I am pretty sure it's not even retro, but I really liked the blue color and the floral motif.  Basically I just wanted it for pic nics, plus, I only paid 5 Euro for it!

I'm always on the lookout for a new shop to visit in a little town somewhere in the middle of NOWHERE!

Party at:  SavvySouthernStyle

                From My Front Porch To Yours

             French Country Cottage