Reggie's Attic Estates & Antiques

Since the birth of our daughter, my husband and I have celebrated Halloween in a BIG way. This year we decorated the outside of our house with 140 light up plastic molded jack-o-lanterns. We have made a huge bash out of trick-or-treat night with several of our friends. This year we did a Sweeney Todd theme and it really turned out great. The amount of trick-or-treaters was unbelievable. We know we had over 300 kids. The fun of our buying our Halloween decorations is shared year round when we go to shows, shop flea markets, yard sales, estate sales, etc. To make our theme more realistic we purchased a 1900's dental chair at the Springfield Extravaganza in May. When we were there again in September we purchased a mannequin to place in it as our victim. She was only a $15 purchase and we got that out of her in laughs. Its amazing what you can find at shows or even your local flea market. You don't have to tie up lots of money in your purchases. We have a tight budget for our deco...

After the past few hectic weeks of shows and estate sales we are in Charlotte, North Carolina to do both the Designer Showcase & Antique Show at Cabarrus Arena in Concord, NC and the International Collectibles & Antiques Show at Metrolina in Charlotte, NC. This is the big fall classic. Both are quality wonderful shows that you should visit. I hope to give you lots of our adventure this week. Having only Monday off it should be very interesting!!!

Have you ever been stopped dead in your tracks over an item? Recently that happened to me. I mean there she was, the Marilyn Monroe head vase by Relpo #2089 and measures 6 ¾” tall. I had never seen her in person but I knew I had seen her while flipping through my books. There is the key ALWAYS study your reference library. Know what is in your books, update them often, and don’t let them just collect dust. I learned there is very little information on the internet or even in books about this special head vase. So I thought I would at least share some great up close photos of my fabulous find. She has been added to my inventory and will be available for sale on eBay in the next few weeks. I am reassured of the fact that rare items are absolutely EVERYWHERE! If I can find them in my small part of the world then you can find them in yours. What item recently stopped you dead in your tracks?

Last week I mentioned that Florence Originals were a great sale for me at the Nashville Flea Market. And that seemed to spark some questions as to what is a Florence Original? Florence Originals or Florence Ceramics are figurines that were made in Pasadena, California. They were manufactured during the 1940’s and 1950’s. On the bottoms of most of them you will find their names incised into them. Each girl came in multiple colors. My favorite reference for these figurines is The Complete Book of Florence Ceramics by Barbara S. Kline, Margaret C. Wehrspaun, and Jerry Kline. They are beautiful and extremely delicate works of art. The details are superb. I love their sweet faces, like little rays of happiness.

I believe Donnie & Courtney shopped every inch of Nashville this weekend. Looking for treasures and decorations for our favorite holiday, HALLOWEEN! Here are some of the "Courtney Cam" photos. I hope you enjoy. And hopefully we will be able to be here next month for the BIG extravaganza. "Antique Alley" Look at all the pumpkins they found. Donnie was so disappointed in what he didn't find last week. But this week made up for it. Its a first for me to see an open truck with an 8ft cast aluminum alligator staring back at me. I think I will call this the show picture of the week. *note how they have placed a doll baby's arm in its mouth*.

Some of the best Antique Markets can be found in Nashville, Tennessee. Tailgate and Antiques at Music Valley are some of the most noted antique shows to shop or setup. There also is a great antiques section at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds Flea Market. This is a monthly event usually the third or fourth weekend and it has something for everyone. In the 1980’s and 1990’s this show was the place for anyone interested in antiques. For me it has always been a successful trip. This is our first time here in almost 2 years, because of our schedule conflicts or they were sold out. In this market I sell more to a younger crowd which I am very excited about. A few things that have sold well for me include lucite furniture & accessories, Florence ceramics, pattern glass, jewelry, and fiesta. Buying trends tend to change so I didn’t come with just that kind of merchandise. Selling isn’t all I do here. I have bought well over the years, things for my personal collections as well a...

The second & third day at the Springfield Antique Show Extravaganza was full of fabulous finds. We’ve purchased jewelry, a darling sterling mesh purse, linens, photos, trombone, light fixture, prints, lots of odds & ends, and the conversation of the day yesterday a sitting mannequin for my front porch for our Sweeney Todd Themed Halloween. From what I have heard Donnie made quite the spectacle hauling her back on top of Courtney’s Stroller yesterday while Courtney talked to her.