Yesterday I made a quick roadtrip down to Newport News, VA to visit with Cheryl (no blog). Naturally, we got in some good junking. We hit a few stores where I got some smalls, and as we were walking down the street, a woman popped out of a restaurant and asked if we were antiquing. "Well, there's a yard sale around the corner you might want to check out." She mumbled something about silver trays for 50¢. Well, you don't need to tell US twice.
As we neared, we could see that it was quite a strange set-up. Apparently, it was the back of an antique store that had closed 5 years ago. It was kind of set up like cages. There were a TON of wood/glass display cases (all marked sold—because they were a mere $50). I couldn't even bear to look at what the prices on all the architectural salvage (columns, awesome windows, corbels) were—all sold, of course. Suffice it to say that there were tables for $2, chairs for $1.... I'll wait until you recover. Now, to be fair, most of it was slightly damaged or dirty, but still....
I quickly started making a pile of my smalls, and the ringleader shuttled my prizes up to the front for my trademarked VRS pile. It kept growing and growing, and he finally said, "I should warn you, missy, that you're already at $14." I almost busted a gut, but had to keep my game face on. I got out of there with a half-carload for $19! Cheryl has offered to be my witness before a jury of my peers if you don't believe me.
Bonus: Cheryl sold me some globes and cameras!
P.S. After seeing Cheryl's comment, I've re-written the headline. It's too appropriate!
It's true...that actually happened. We, on the advice of a stranger hanging out in front of a bar, ventured down an alley to an unmarked building full of cages (!) due to a vague promise of dirt cheap, antique junk. Fortunately, we came away with a carload of goodies, and we were not shipped off in a cargo container and sold to the highest bidder. From now on, I'll be doing drive bys there to see if they have more good stuff. Thanks again for the fun day, Sue!
Posted by: Cheryl | 28 January 2013 at 06:07 AM
Amazing finds!!! I'm glad that you guys weren't shipped off in a cargo container :)
Posted by: Kim @ Vintage Pretties | 28 January 2013 at 08:20 AM
Wow amazing. That is what keeps us going, the possibility of a big score where the items are awesome and the prices can't be beat...they almost pay you to take their "junk" away. congrats.
Posted by: Karen G | 28 January 2013 at 10:15 AM
So will you be selling the Girl Scout pennant on Etsy????? :-)
Posted by: Robin | 28 January 2013 at 11:12 AM
I can't even imagine someone saying "you are already up to $14"...what a windfall! Good for you!!
Posted by: Annette | 28 January 2013 at 02:11 PM
High five to the woman who came out of the restaurant and told you to head down the alley...nineteen bucks...well done!
Posted by: laurie magpie ethel | 28 January 2013 at 02:55 PM
Hahaha! Great haul and great story! I'm glad you guys made it out ok. :)
Posted by: Melissa | 28 January 2013 at 11:58 PM
What a great blog and a wonderful post. We've been passing the winter with a little Armchair Junking:
http://thejunkdrunk.wordpress.com/2013/01/30/junkspiration-cambridge-flea-tools/
and
http://thejunkdrunk.wordpress.com/2013/01/28/armchair-junking-coffee-tables/
Posted by: The Junk Drunk | 29 January 2013 at 09:43 PM
How funny up to $14.00 !!!!!!!!!!!!
Little did he know that was not even change for us junkers, maybe $1400 we need a notice !! LOL
love the Girl scout pennant, since I was a girl scout Back In The Day, 1958
Posted by: Curtains In My Tree | 30 January 2013 at 04:16 PM
Just the kind of sale we all dream of...just makes you smile wide, doesn't it?
What is that tall metal piece with the carrying strap, asked nosy Nora?
Posted by: Sue | 31 January 2013 at 05:32 PM
Thanks for this.
Posted by: Ben | 10 March 2013 at 11:14 PM