Recent Acquistions

I picked up a few miniature accessories at an estate sale this week.  A mini Victrola, a tiny wooden carved elephant, a brass tea pot with a removable lid, a ceramic picture, a glass pitcher and 4 striped glasses and a chubby little ceramic boy with a movable head!

I am normally not one to put people in my houses or scenes, but this little guy caught my eye.  On another note, I did go back and pick up that house a few weeks ago.  I am currently working with an electrician to make sure the electric system is safe.  More to come on that project. 

(Please disregard the messy studio - Its been a busy few weeks !)

Estate Sale Dollhouse

I came across this dollhouse at an estate sale this week.  I did not purchase it, but I may go back later in the week and see if it is still there.  This company typically marks down prices by 25% each day to move the inventory out.

I liked the straightforward clean lines, and the attention that someone had paid to the small details.  The house definitely needs some attention, the floors are a little warped and the plywood is starting to de-laminate in a few spots.  The front face is removable - it is on the floor to the left.

 The windows were in pretty rough shape, but each still had its original curtains.

The kitchen still has a few items left by it former tenants.  It had a great linoleum floor complete with colored borders.  The wainscot was also made from linoleum.

I am guessing the bathroom had been remodeled at some point.  Real tile was used on the floor.

The living room has a great fireplace.

Here is a view of the entry hall and the stairs.

I was fascinated by the shingles.  They were pieces of wood cut so that you could see the grain, and stained all different colors to give the appearance of slate.

Around back there was a switch for the lights and a hidden door into the attic which concealed the transformer and all of the wiring for each room's light fixture.

each set of wires of carefully laid out and labeled.  I am guessing the house is from the 1940's - possibly earlier. If you have any ideas, I would be interested to hear them.

Thonet Bentwood Parlor Set

I came across this antique Thonet Bentwood parlor set this week at an estate sale.  I was surprised at how good the condition was.

From what I can tell, this set dates from the late 1890's and was manufactured in Germany.  

The Settee measures approximately 5.5 inches tall by 4.5 inches wide. The Table measures approximately 2.75" tall x 3.75" long x 2.5" deep. The Chairs measure approximately 4.5 inches tall.

The seats are a piece of wood that is uhplostered and trimmed with gold and red ribbon on the edges and each piece is attached with small nails.

The set came with a small footstool which I have not see with any other sets before.

 There were also these two similar chairs -note one is missing a leg.

The bright red backdrop is also an estate sale find - a giant piece of red velvet for only $1 - I couldn't pass it up and figured it would be something I could use on my Victorian project.