We’re not all lucky enough to have relatives that have held onto relics from the past for decades. My grandma did save me a fewvintagedresses and some gorgeous pieces of jewelry, but I would give anything to take a peek into her home 50 years ago.And if you’re interested inthe pasttoo, we’ve got the perfect list for you down below.Bored Pandahas searched far and wide to find photos of fascinatingantiqueand vintage objects that we just don’t see everyday anymore. From money that’s no longer in circulation to magazine clippings from the 1960s, you’re sure to find something new (yet simultaneously old!) on this list. Enjoy scrolling through these items that could be in museums, and keep reading to find a conversation with Karen Ratzlaff, owner ofLion & Lamb Vintage!This post may includeaffiliate links.
We’re not all lucky enough to have relatives that have held onto relics from the past for decades. My grandma did save me a fewvintagedresses and some gorgeous pieces of jewelry, but I would give anything to take a peek into her home 50 years ago.
And if you’re interested inthe pasttoo, we’ve got the perfect list for you down below.Bored Pandahas searched far and wide to find photos of fascinatingantiqueand vintage objects that we just don’t see everyday anymore. From money that’s no longer in circulation to magazine clippings from the 1960s, you’re sure to find something new (yet simultaneously old!) on this list. Enjoy scrolling through these items that could be in museums, and keep reading to find a conversation with Karen Ratzlaff, owner ofLion & Lamb Vintage!
This post may includeaffiliate links.
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My dream stove. I wanted a vintage stove for the longest time, and when this one popped up in my favorite color (for $400, no less) I made the four hour drive and shoved it in the back of my Honda Element and drove it right back home. She’s a dream. Works perfectly. Takes three grown men to move her, but she’s worth it.
There’s something about items from the past that just makes them so much more magical than what we have in stores today. The quality is often much better, there’s a charm that most antique items possess, and even simple objects like toasters seem to be artifacts when they look nothing like what we use nowadays.Not to mention the fact thatshoppingvintage is much better for theenvironment. And you’re likely to take home high quality items that were made to last if you buy something that’s been around for decades. Unfortunately, we don’t all have access to amazing thrift stores and fabulous estate sales in our area. But with the internet at your disposal, I promise you can find amazing old items with just a little bit of digging!
There’s something about items from the past that just makes them so much more magical than what we have in stores today. The quality is often much better, there’s a charm that most antique items possess, and even simple objects like toasters seem to be artifacts when they look nothing like what we use nowadays.
Not to mention the fact thatshoppingvintage is much better for theenvironment. And you’re likely to take home high quality items that were made to last if you buy something that’s been around for decades. Unfortunately, we don’t all have access to amazing thrift stores and fabulous estate sales in our area. But with the internet at your disposal, I promise you can find amazing old items with just a little bit of digging!
To learn more about why vintage items are so special, we reached out to Karen Ratzlaff, owner ofLion & Lamb Vintage. She was kind enough to have a chat with Bored Panda and discuss some of the best vintage finds she’s ever come across.“While hunting for things for my Etsy store, Lion and Lamb Vintage, I often find items I want to keep. Most of the time I resist that urge, but not always!” the expert shared. “One of my favorites keepers came from a private estate sale and is something I’ve never found before nor will I ever again—a 10” painted fragment of an Egyptian mummy case. Is it authentic? I believe so given the source and construction. To me it’s priceless.”
To learn more about why vintage items are so special, we reached out to Karen Ratzlaff, owner ofLion & Lamb Vintage. She was kind enough to have a chat with Bored Panda and discuss some of the best vintage finds she’s ever come across.
“While hunting for things for my Etsy store, Lion and Lamb Vintage, I often find items I want to keep. Most of the time I resist that urge, but not always!” the expert shared. “One of my favorites keepers came from a private estate sale and is something I’ve never found before nor will I ever again—a 10” painted fragment of an Egyptian mummy case. Is it authentic? I believe so given the source and construction. To me it’s priceless.”
We also asked Karen what antiques can teach us about the past. “Antiques and vintage items give us a peek into how others once lived and even shine a light on the social mores of that era,” she noted.
“For example, I often spot ashtrays when out sourcing for vintage items and it’s a stark reminder of how popular smoking once was in the U.S. With its heyday between the 1920s and 1970s, every home had at least one ashtray if not for themselves then for guests,” Karen shared.“And smoking was allowed everywhere, including on airplanes and in hospitals. Glamorous movie stars made it look so chic, and doctors recommended it to ease stress. Thankfully, times have changed, but surprisingly mid-century modern ashtrays remain popular collectibles.”
“For example, I often spot ashtrays when out sourcing for vintage items and it’s a stark reminder of how popular smoking once was in the U.S. With its heyday between the 1920s and 1970s, every home had at least one ashtray if not for themselves then for guests,” Karen shared.
“And smoking was allowed everywhere, including on airplanes and in hospitals. Glamorous movie stars made it look so chic, and doctors recommended it to ease stress. Thankfully, times have changed, but surprisingly mid-century modern ashtrays remain popular collectibles.”
“Going further back in time, well-heeled Victorians set a table like no other as a way to showcase their wealth and gentility,” Karen added. “Serving pieces included unique sterling silver implements for tomatoes, fish, sardines, fried oysters, asparagus and even potato chips. Individual place settings would have separate forks and knives for salad, fish and meat. Crystal included nappy dishes, knife rests and separate goblets for every possible libation. A far cry from our more casual dining.”
While it’s not possible to buy everything gently used, we asked Karen which items she would highly recommend we shop vintage for.“If you adore costume jewelry, vintage and antique pieces offer a much better value than new items,” she told Bored Panda. “Typically, the workmanship is finer, and you won’t risk exposing yourself to the toxic elements (such as lead and cadmium) often found in newer jewelry made overseas. Look for prong-set, clear stones, undamaged metal, and working closures.”
While it’s not possible to buy everything gently used, we asked Karen which items she would highly recommend we shop vintage for.
“If you adore costume jewelry, vintage and antique pieces offer a much better value than new items,” she told Bored Panda. “Typically, the workmanship is finer, and you won’t risk exposing yourself to the toxic elements (such as lead and cadmium) often found in newer jewelry made overseas. Look for prong-set, clear stones, undamaged metal, and working closures.”
“If you’re in the market for a piece of wood furniture, say a coffee table or dresser, back away from IKEA and head for an antique store or estate sale instead,” Karen added. “Older pieces have the quality, craftsmanship and durability not found in flat-pack items and you’ll find some made of beautiful woods that are no longer used such as mahogany and rosewood. Prices may even be cheaper than new items. It’s a win-win.”
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Passed down through the family and managed to survive moves through 2 continents 3 countries and a half dozen cities throughout those years.
What doesn’t it do - heat water, pump water in or out, add detergent, end automatically, spin clothes.What does it do - move clothes around, work after 70 years!
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