Silex Science

This 1951 Silex syphon coffee maker joined the collection this past weekend.  I got it for 50% off at $5, plus the estate sale cashier threw in the rest of my items (mostly ephemera) for free, so I was happy.

Play It Safe, Mister

So says this apple-headed youth. I guess we are to infer that Amoco gas is safe.

Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary, How Does Your Toaster Toast?

I found this 4-slot "Mary Proctor" model P21601 toaster in the basement of a home this morning.  It was pretty dusty, but I could see the chrome underneath was in good condition.  It cleaned up nicely.

Even More Glasses with Character

Way way back in 2011 and 2012, I wrote about some Pepsi character glasses I'd found.  Back then, I was paying a quarter a piece.  Those days are long gone.  I actually don't see the character glasses too often at sales and when I do, it's only one or two priced at $10 each.

Last month, I hit the motherlode of Pepsi character glasses at an estate sale.  I wish I'd gotten a photo of the glasses as they were staged at the sale as they were stacked up to 5 glasses high with duplicates. I almost went into catatonic shock.

While they were priced at $7/glass (which is still less than you pay in antique malls), there were some bargains (and one downright steal) in the mix.

I ended up with these.

Always on My Tree

I don't know why I'm compelled to save what I call "Misfit Memories" (memories no one wanted), but I do.

Maybe it's the thought that something meant so much to someone at one time, only to be forgotten or lost when they pass.

This mish-mash of paper and tinsel is no exception. I found them wrapped up in a bag this past summer.

Child World/Children's Palace Video Toy Chest

I don't normally pick up VHS tapes at garage or estate sales unless the content is unusual or unavailable in other formats.  This tape meets both qualifications.

Empire State Toaster

I have a disease for which there is no known cure.  If you saw me walking on the street, you wouldn't even be able to tell I was sick.  The disease? My name is Tom and I'm a toaster hoarder. I have an urge to buy any toaster I see at garage sales, estate sales, antique malls, thrift stores, you name it.  Maybe someday there will be a cure, but for now, I just keep buying.

My latest infection is this 1930's Electrahot Style 500 toaster featuring a stylized Empire State building design. I found it at a private estate sale for $6.  It was pretty grimy when I got it.