Estate Sales—With a Grain of Salt

Lately, estate sales in the DC area have been very disappointing. Just from the listings, I can sense that they have loads of newer items, orientalia, and super-high-end collectibles and antiques. I'll leave those to the big-time dealers. I want the junkier sales, the "house is packed", "bring a flashlight", "50 years of accumulation" sales. I know I'll encounter the ubiquitous crusty barcalounger, 15-year-old Jello mixes, and more owl figurines than I feel comfortable with, but that's the price I pay (figuratively). With winter settling in, though, any self-respecting dealer needs to lower her standards even further.

 

Friday before work (and then during lunch) I hit 2 meh sales. The "lunch" one was one of the aforementioned "years of accumulation" sales. What DIDN'T this woman collect? There were packets of postcards (at $85 a pack), more animal figurines than anyone should have, and about 200 butterpats (too expensive for me, though). Probably 50+ cigar boxes, salt cellars galore, and cookbooks. Time was a-ticking, and I had to make my decision. Then I saw 2 baggies full of vintage salt/pepper shakers and the deal was sealed!

 

Yep, I'm now the proud owner of 42 vintage shakers for a grand total of $8 (math = .19 cents apiece)! And I think these are my favorites. As an avowed saltaholic, I'll sleep goooooood tonight.

The "morning" sale, however, was bizarre. At first, I was ecstatic that it was thrillingly within WALKING DISTANCE of my house (2 blocks). Yep, I pass by this house every single morning walking Cody. Often, when walking him (particularly at night), I fantasize about getting my grubby paws on some of these homes. Look at that amazing garden statuary! I can see those antiques through the window! This, however, was not one of those homes. At the risk of offending some readers, they have not-one-but-two PT Cruisers in their driveway. Not a good sign.

And guess what? It wasn't even an estate sale, but a "downsizing" sale. In my book, downsizing equals YARD SALE. As my sister said, "People don't seem to understand that 'estate sale' means someone DIED. Preferably someone who hasn't redecorated since the '40s." Word.

Comments

[Tammy]

Tell it, girl! In our neck of the woods, all the snoots who live in the high $ neighborhoods falsely advertise "estate" sales instead of calling it the yard sale that it really is and think they're too good to have!! Ummmm...no. I don't care if you think you live in an estate, if your crap's in the driveway or out in the grass, it's a YARD sale! LOL

[georgiapeachez]

uh yeah, two PT Cruisers = two losers. Downsizing their repro bar shakers from Restoration Hardware no doubt.

[sweet pea]

always good for a laugh when i stop by your blog. i sure hope we can make a meet and greet happen this week! glass of wine in the driveway?

hugs,

shelley

[Into Vintage]

What's up with these living estate sales? I feel spoofed every time I show up for an entire estate-free-for-all and all I get is a garden variety yard sale. I'll make a mental note regarding the PT Cruisers - you've confirmed my suspicions about those.

[Linda @ A La Carte]

I am a lover of vintage salt and pepper shakers and you really scored on these! Love them!

[Laura]

Sometimes people use "estate" because it sounds more enticing and then they throw in a few grandma items for us purists. Even if the owner of the estate hasn't passed on, they should at least be packing. I've been to a few of those and they were legit. One time I rushed to a sale advertised "estate" and it turned out to be this older (not ancient) gal's flea market stuff she had left over when she closed her business. For that, I didn't mind dogging her to lower her prices. Then she continued to post her "last chance estate sale" through part of the summer. Ugh.

[Nank]

Exactly what does it mean when there is a PT? I drive a PT (have for 7 years)and ALL of you would LOVE to get your hands on what I have in my house! Really. Not one single owl and not even a hint of orientalia. No unicorns, clowns, jesters, avon bottles, (okay 6 of those but they were my grandmothers and they are in a box in the shed), no key chains, no coffee mugs, just prime stuff! Can't say exactly what or where because someone might be watching. Only Sue has my address and I doubt she'd travel this far to check it out. I LOVE MY P T! It's PURPLE!

Nancy

[Sue]

FROM SUE: My point about the PT Cruisers was that its highly unlikely that an elderly person who just died has 2 PT Cruisers in their driveway. Show me an ancient big Buick in the driveway, and I know its my kind of sale.

[Michelle]

Love all the salt and pepper shakers you found and what a great deal they were! I love the "haven't redecorated since the 40s part!" Exactly!
Michelle

[phyllis]

Word. LOL!