While in California I visited a few of my favorite antique shops and malls as I tend to do, but I finally managed to make my way to the Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena. I had heard from many individuals that this was "the" flea market of all flea markets in southern California, so as luck would have it, my trip coincided with the day it was being held in January. Knowing full well what these places can be like I decided to go very early.
I have to say that it was a bit overwhelming to walk through the market because there was so much to see. Vendor after vendor selling everything from kitsch to gorgeous collectibles could be seen for miles. These types of places can either wear you out right away or they can invigorate you to find what you're after. My strategy was simple. Look for anything in a milky green and quickly inspect it.
A few pieces of jadeite did manage to capture my attention, yet I used caution with a few vendors after examining several items, because I felt that they were overpriced or else they were reproduction. Thankfully, and I hope that they can forgive me, I do have several friends who are 'experts' at collecting jadeite. With my phone in hand I was either dialing them up or texting them throughout the country to get their thoughts (thanks for putting up with me!) on certain things.
I have to say that it was a bit overwhelming to walk through the market because there was so much to see. Vendor after vendor selling everything from kitsch to gorgeous collectibles could be seen for miles. These types of places can either wear you out right away or they can invigorate you to find what you're after. My strategy was simple. Look for anything in a milky green and quickly inspect it.
A few pieces of jadeite did manage to capture my attention, yet I used caution with a few vendors after examining several items, because I felt that they were overpriced or else they were reproduction. Thankfully, and I hope that they can forgive me, I do have several friends who are 'experts' at collecting jadeite. With my phone in hand I was either dialing them up or texting them throughout the country to get their thoughts (thanks for putting up with me!) on certain things.
Not all of what you see here was bought at the Pasadena Flea Market. Others were purchased at King Richard's Antiques, which is a frequent stop for me when I'm in the area.
Here are a few beautiful finds that I have now integrated into my home. I couldn't be happier with these additions.
Take a look.
This cake stand has eluded me for years. It was made by Fenton over a decade ago and is no longer in production. Several friends of mine have it in their homes and use it on a regular basis, so you can just imagine how I felt when I saw it behind a display case. I had to examine it for any flaws.
The under plate is even more breathtaking. Look at the intricate pattern!
You can see that this was clearly made in a glass mold. There are four lines perpendicular to the center of the plate, which indicate some type of mold was used during the manufacturing process.
My bowls! The swirl bowls on the left are quite common and the beaded edge bowls on the right are not. Both were made by Fire King.
Made from the 1940s-1960s, this particular set was well marketed. I have the 6", 7", 8", and 9" bowls in the swirl pattern. According to experts, however, there was a fifth bowl from this set. The 5" bowl is not quite so common to find these days because so few of them survived over the years. If you do find the 5" bowl (yes, it is small), expect to pay a premium for it or for the entire 5-piece set.
These bowls had me stumped when I looked at them. They have no markings, yet they are indeed vintage, not reproduction. After consulting my 'experts' and looking through the Keller & Ross book, I concluded that they were made by Fire King. This set includes the 4-7/8" bowl, 6" bowl and the 7" bowl. There was an 8" bowl that was a part of this set, but again, it is rare.
My miscellaneous items include a reamer, a small tumbler of sorts and two small pots.
I was most excited about this McKee reamer because it was such a good find and deal. While examining it I almost felt as if it had never been used. I found no scratches, nicks or chips on it.
You have to understand that I did not go to these places with the intention of buying any particular item. Really and truly, it was fortuitous that I stumbled upon these finds when I did. Months ago I did a post on tips and recommendations when shopping at flea markets and antique shops. The basics are always with me. I still go to these places with my heavy canvas tote bags ready for anything. Click here to revisit that post.
In the meantime, Happy Antiquing!
In the meantime, Happy Antiquing!
I love a good flea market trip! Looks like a lovely collection of finds.
ReplyDeleteWow - beautiful finds, David! You have a great eye! I particulary like that cake stand.
ReplyDeleteI recently started collecting white milk glass - however, ther is no tradtion for this in Scandinavia. So far all I have is some reproductions from a Swedish shop. They're quite lovely though. Think I'll start looking at American webshops. Do you know any good ones?
Oh, David! What gorgeous finds you made in Pasadena!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you 100%, the first time I went to the RB flea market, I was overwhelmed by the scale of it all! There's no way to see it all in one day and I cannot tell you how much I discovered just by taking a second, (3rd, 4th, 5th) glance at the same vendor booths! Lucky you for being able to go and BRAVO on your finds!
You have such decerning taste and such a good eye! Everything you chose to adopt into your collection is perfect, but that cake stand is Pièce de résistance, in my book. WELL DONE, YOU!
No one deserves this joy more than you do and I thank you for sharing it!
xo
They are all lovely, but the cake stand is a triumph, so is the lemon juicer! I have never seen anything like either of these pieces.
ReplyDeleteThank you everyone!
ReplyDeleteAnnette: I have to say that ebay and Etsy might be your best bet for finding white milk glass. Check to see if they offer international shipping.
Thank you :) I'll give a try, and let you know the outcome! Have a nice weekend!
ReplyDeleteExcellent finds! It's so fun.. seeing your photos and then being able to look at my own collection and see so many of the same thing. I can't wait to see your first creation on the cake stand!
ReplyDeleteKenn, you must have an excellent collection! As for the cake stand, I'm not sure whether to place a decadent Coconut Cake on it or a Lemon Cake of sorts. Then again, Angel Food would be nice too. :)
ReplyDelete