Sometimes when I go to an auction or estate sale, I just want to buy SOMETHING, anything. For me, junking is a treasure hunt and I just don't want to go home empty handed.
That's how I ended up with this sterling handled button hook. It certainly wasn't because I'd gone out with "get button hook" on my to-do list. But last week's auction was busy and the bidding was fierce, so I was happy to get a few little somethings.
Today when I unpacked my auction box to put away my buttonhook, I realized I have a few "little somethings"- and some of them are kind of unusual.
Like this sewing stuff. I suppose things were different 120 years ago, but it would seem that if you could afford a sterling handled sock darner, you could probably throw away a sock with a hole instead of mending it.
This is one of the oddest, but most charming things I own-fine crochet worked around a chicken wish bone, meant to hold a thimble. It was a gift from Lisa, who also appreciates the unusual.
More odd: This looks like a broken shovel, but guessing from the handle, it's something you'd use at the dinner table.
Does anyone know?
One more "what is it?". Maybe part of a manicure set...but what's that hook on the end? For crochet?
I don't know...do you?
Ok, no more questions.
If you're a junker like I am, I'm sure your heart beats a little faster when you see a discolored, slightly dirty, definitely old, formerly ivory colored box like this one. It's like "Let's Make a Deal"- under that lid, you might find the item of your dreams.
And inside this box...flower sack Dresden plate quilt blocks. I doubt I'll make a quilt, but I do enjoy looking at the old fabric patterns.
Under those quilt blocks, a delicately crocheted baby bonnet, booties and a card of tatting still attached to a boot.
Perfectly precious. I'll take that deal.
I loved your post with all those interesting things. Really a neat blog!!!
Posted by: nana | February 15, 2013 at 02:50 PM
Is that a crumb catcher to wipe crumbs from the table onto? I have one that looks similar that has a matching brush.
Loved seeing your finds!
I think I may go back in your archives to the beginning and start reading from there.
Enjoy your weekend!
Posted by: Leann | February 15, 2013 at 03:15 PM
You picked up some wonderful pieces. I love those button hooks!
The broken shovel looking piece may be a food pusher. They were used when serving to help push a portion off of the serving plate.
Posted by: Sarah | February 15, 2013 at 03:27 PM
The other tool looks like a new orange plastic one I have that is to help to peel an orange or citrus. Slice into the peel, then hook it to get it started peeling, maybe????
Posted by: Lori | February 15, 2013 at 05:48 PM
Wonderful finds, Betsy! I'm especially in love with the tracing tool and the sock darner. The other sterling silver items are great too and of course I adore the pretty laces and crocheted pieces you found. Lisa's gift is very cool item. I've never seen anything like that before.
Happy weekend!
Hugs,
Julia
Posted by: Julia - Vintage with Laces | February 16, 2013 at 01:01 AM
I'm so sorry, Beth! I had mixed up your name in my comment.
Posted by: Julia - Vintage with Laces | February 16, 2013 at 01:04 AM
I was pretty excited to see those quilt blocks when you opened the box, and I'm hundreds of miles away! Wish I could be more help on the mystery objects ... I was hoping to offer my expertise on the fancy tracing wheel but it wasn't needed.
Posted by: barbara | February 16, 2013 at 08:33 AM
I think the hook thing is a button tool. It helps the ladies button their dresses?
If you want those blocks made into a quilt I will be glad to put them together for you. Just let me know.
Posted by: Sharon Penney-Morrison | February 16, 2013 at 08:41 AM
You are good!!!! And now I'm hoping the old scissors I sold for $6 weren't sterling. I didn't even think to check!!! Egads.
Posted by: kristi day | February 16, 2013 at 12:05 PM
Great finds! Try Janice over at Curtains In My Tree. She collects vintage silverware. Those Victorians had all sorts of specialized serving pieces and utencils.
http://curtainsinmytree.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Kathy | February 17, 2013 at 10:01 AM
Motherlode! I am so glad you found the button hook which is charming and so many other goodies -- a good day!
Posted by: jeanie | February 17, 2013 at 11:36 AM
Very cool finds Beth - I LOVE what was in the buttom of that box.
Posted by: tina | February 21, 2013 at 03:24 PM
Wow! I love that little wishbone thing -- how creative!
Posted by: Laurie | February 26, 2013 at 01:39 PM