The Thrift Queen

 

What: Black Velvet Dress (Please pay no mind to the overly angst-y young photos of myself)

Info: Though this dress isn't vintage, at least I don't think so. It has a very retro vibe to it with its off the shoulder (yet not revealing neckline), well layered tulle and simple but elegant black color. Velvet; I have found that either people love it or hate it. I just so happen to be one of the ones who love it. There is no longer a tag on it so I am unfortunately unable to look up when exactly it was from..

Where: This one was found in the Irwin Goodwill. It was shoved in a over packed rack of prom dresses. After the exhausting effort of pulling it off the rack, and picking up all the fallen dresses, I had to buy it! 
75 Billott Avenue  Irwin, Pa 15642
 888 - 304 - 0227

Why: That day I was looking for old fabrics with the intentions of making new pillows out of them when suddenly I found this dress! Homecoming was coming up, and even though my friend Carly and I weren't going we had decided to go out with each other dressed up and take photos. This is the dress I worry. 
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What: 1962 Polaroid Electric Eye 850

Info: This was a camera I never even knew existed until the day I bought it. All bundled up in a leather container there was this camera, film packages that have never been opened, and the original manual. Now, don't let the photo deceive you, this is one large camera. Weighing over 10 pounds! As of yet, I haven't been able to find enough information on this camera to do anything with it. The manuals that came with the camera are awfully vague. Online I have found several articles asking what the camera is worth, yet, none with anything helpful. 

Where: The antique shop in downtown Jeannette, of course! This is a perfect example of why it pays off to get know the shop owners. The man who owns the place stumbled upon it and picked it up for me, knowing I would buy it! 

Why: Being that I have never seen a camera like this, it was of course eye catching. The fact that it is an instant print (like polaroids), but you use the solution yourself to develop the prints was fantasizing. For $30 I brought this camera home. 
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What: 1944 Ansco Accordion Camera

This is ml'ove, Phil, and the 
viewfinder on my Ansco Camera. 
Info: Unfortunately, this is one of those finds that I don't know all that much about. If anyone is more knowledgeable than myself, please, share what you know! In the past, I have owned Ansco film; this is the first camera I have collected from them. The company was was based in Binghamton, New York which made cameras from the mid-1800s until the late 1980s. This model has a leather exterior and accordion style body. 116 mm film; as soon as I get my hands on that I can test it out!  
Where: This was another great find from my favorite local antique store; 'Antiques & Oddities.' This one was the first that I found nestled into a side area, hidden from plain view. Which just goes to show why it pays off to wander a place top to bottom each time you enter!  You can find the things you never knew you never found! I paid only 20 for the beauty, which I feel was quite a bargain. 
316 Clay Avenue Jeanette, PA 15644
 724 - 523- 7767


WhyOverall, it is quite a stunning camera and when holding it gives off such a unique sense of past times. It wasn't something that I thought I could pass by. It isn't very often when you stumble upon an object that can speak for itself; and this camera definitely can!


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What: I believe it is some sort of decorative sound maker. And the sticker clearly reads, "HAND MADE IN KENYA"

Info:  This is one of those Thrift-Finds that I picked up out of sheer curiosity. I remember my teacher Mr. Davis, in my 10th grade sociology class, had these neat African sound makers and upon finding these I assumed them were very much of the same thing. Although this picture is not the most descriptive, these two awkward shapes are actually was looks like a dried up, well preserved, hollowed out fruit. (Better Pictures still to come) The sides have hand drawn designs crudely painted, with several parts that look half finished.  (I think it give this neat find all the more character, personally!) When shaken there is a slightly muffled sound of either dried up seeds or rice under a fairly light shell.
If anyone has any info on this really neat pair, please write to us!

Where: This was actually one of my early finds at the local Thrift King. Nicely it was put in a clear plastic bag, so the price wasn't directly written on it. Which is a problem I often have there. All around I love the store besides that. The people aren't the classiest  but, sure are friendly! I give it a thumbs up! Stop and take a look if ever in the area!

SOLD: This was one of the finds that I knew I didn't need, which made me want it even more! I love neat things to hang around the house and this certainly is one of them!
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What: 1960's Imperial Delta 127.

Info: Imperial is the brand name of the camera, and this model was one of the very first to be made under the new "Imperial Camera Corporation" name, before this the company went by the name 'Herbert George Company' which was named after it's owners. That is all I know of the company. I believe it was made to be another everyday flash camera but with a more advanced look to it. I found this camera to be shockingly lightweight, which is due to it's plastic body. 

Where: This was yet another lovely camera that I found at my local antique shop, 'Antique & Oddities', in Jeannette, Pa. Be sure to always check in your local stores, you never know what could be right under your nose! And if you are hunting for a particular item, I have found that antique store owners make friends with like people. Often times they are able to point you in the right direction! 
Antiques & Oddities
316 Clay Avenue
Jeanette, Pa 15644
724 - 523 - 7767

Included: This camera I found to be in shockingly good condition. I am in need of a new bulb but that is all. And what's the only thing greater than a working antique camera? A working antique camera with it's original packaging, of course! 

SOLD:  Again, this is a thrift find that just screams "Laura, buy me!" Another camera for my growing collection. I believe buying old camera has become a slight obsession, it is so hard to turn away!

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What: 1954 Kodak Brownie Camera Holiday Flash. 35 mm. 

What a wonderful little camera this is. As of now I have yet to get it up in working order. It looks as if it is ready to run, but is in need of a good cleaning and a new roll of film. 

Info: In general Brownie Camera were made to inexpensive and simple to use. It was the first introduction to the everyday Joe who wanted to share family moments to the wonderful world of photography. Kodak was the maker of the original brownie, but I believe later the term became generic for all 'home model cameras'. This particular model I have had a hard time finding the manual for so the cameras specs I am not aware of. If you have any info I would love to hear from you!

Where: This camera came from a great little antique store in Jeannette, Pennsylvania called 'Antiques & Oddities'. It is a warm old town store front with a great shop keeper. Be sure to stop in if you are ever in the area. Reasonably Priced. Friendly. Large selection of period pieces. 
316 Clay Avenue Jeanette, PA 15644
724 - 523- 7767

Included: This lovely little camera actually came with it's original packaging, original flash, original bulb and probably most exciting (for Phil), it's original batteries! All of which I have yet to get a picture of but will hopefully will soon!  

SOLD: As a confession, this is solely mine. I have a sweet spot for cameras. Restoring them. Collecting them. Making them. And making a living off them. Why did I bring it home? A better question would be how could I ever pass something like this up?! Too good to miss! I have every intention of restoring it to working order  and using it once before retiring it. .... eventually! 
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