Vintage Enamelware

Enamelware was created in the 1870s and was made until the 1930s. It was first available in catalogs and dry goods stores. Enamelware was available in variety of patterns and colors. It gained popularity because it was lightweight, sturdy, and easy to clean. Many different pieces were available, from ladles to pie tins.

A lot of enamelware was destroyed during World War II’s scrap metal drives. That has led to an increased value for the remaining pieces. Smaller pieces, such as pie tins or funnels, tend to sell for about $5 to $10. Larger pieces, such as mixing bowls or teapots, range from $30 to $300 dollars. The most expensive pieces are those that are in a rare color or pattern (like the red, purple, or cobalt blue swirl).

In 1960, Enamelware began to be manufactured again in the US. It is still produced today and is made around the world. You can tell if a piece is truly an antique by looking for a maker’s name or manufacturing date on the bottom. Old pieces also have wooden knobs (instead of the plastic knobs that are on new pieces) and the spouts and handles are riveted. New pieces have a smoother finish as well.

To clean old enamelware, start with a soft cloth and hot soapy water. You shouldn’t use steel wool or anything sharp because you can scratch the finish. If soap and water isn’t enough, use oven cleaner (the spray kind) to remove the dirt. Make sure to cover the handles and any tin lids before using it.

If the inside of a pot has lime or mineral stains, boiling potatoes or one teaspoon of baking soda can help remove them. If the stain is particularly stubborn, soak 3 parts water and 1 part vinegar overnight. Remaining stains can be soaked in water and chlorine bleach. It’s always a good idea to wash the piece with soap and water after you’ve removed the stains. This will remove harsh residues left by the cleaner.

Washing enamelware by hand is best for routine cleaning. A dishwasher should only be used if the pieces can be kept apart - you don’t want them to get banged up. Because water can lead to corrosion, make sure to dry the enamelware completely after it’s washed.

If your enamelware has rust spots, apply naval jelly to it for 10 minutes. Then apply cooking oil to help prevent additional rust. If you’ll only be using your enamelware for display purposes, you can coat it with spray wax or clear lacquer. Always be sure that any enamelware used for food is unchipped - bacteria can grow in damaged spots.

Vintage kitchen items are great sellers on eBay. Click here for a free list of vintage items you can find at thrift stores and garage sales and sell on eBay for profit.

Tips for Estate Sale Shopping

People love to shop estate sales because it gives them a chance to see into other people’s lives – plus you can get some great deals! Estate sales offer just about everything – they’re normally a way for people to get of the contents of a whole house, so buyers can find everything from kitchen supplies to window treatments. Because there is such a wide range of items, estate sales are popular with eBay sellers, antique dealers, and individuals. Check out these tips to help you shop successfully.

Don’t miss your chance. Other shoppers won’t have a problem grabbing something that you’re looking at, so pick up items you’re interested in immediately. You’ll always have the option to put it back later. It’s also a good idea to bring a mesh bag with you to carry all your items.

Focus on lesser known items. Popular brands and collectibles will be priced higher. If you can learn about valuable items that aren’t as easy to spot (such as items that don’t have the brand name marked obviously), you can get better deals.

Start in the basement. Most companies that run estate sales will place all the “nicer” items near the checkout station so they can watch them. Most buyers look at those items first. By heading to the kitchen or basement first, you’ll be able to avoid the crowds and have a better selection in those rooms.

Wait to shop until the last day. Not everything will be gone by then, and the best part is that sellers will become more willing to deal with you because they want to get rid of the items. You can score great deals by waiting until the last day – often up to 75% off.

Respect the family and their items. Even if you think everything you’ve seen is a piece of junk, there’s no need to say it. You never know who is listening – family members and close friends may have decided to come to the sale. Be nice and thank the sellers for giving you the chance to look, even if you don’t choose to purchase anything.

It’s also very important to be honest and polite. Many people push and shove and fight over items at estate sales. No item is worth causing a fight. Becoming known as a trouble maker can also cause you to be banned from future sales – estate sale companies share information on people like that so don’t get put on the naughty list!

Related articles:

How to Find Estate Sales in Your Area

Vintage Items to Sell on eBay – Huge List

Learn More about Selling Estate Sale Finds on eBay

Vintage Spirograph

Spirograph’s history is unique and unexpected. It was invented by a British electronic engineer, Denys Fisher, in 1962. His company, King Fisher Engineering, did work for NATO and he was a bomb detonator designer. Spirograph grew out of one of his inventions that he was trying to apply to industrial matters. His family noticed the patterns that his invention created and suggested marketing it as a game. While Mr. Fisher passed away in 2002, his game will always be remembered.

Spirograph was originally an educational game and came on the market in 1965. The Nuremberg International Toy Fair helped it gain popularity. Everyone loved the patterns, shapes, various effects, and designs. Spirograph was unique because it used only plastic gears and colored pens. It was thought to be the best educational game from 1966 until 1969.

Spirograph was originally produced and marketed by Kenner Toys. Kenner Toys was founded by the Steiners in 1947 in Ohio. The company name comes from the street where they were located, Kenner Street. Kenner Toys changed hands several times - they were bought by General Mills in 1967, then Tonka in 1987, and finally Hasbro, Inc. bought Tonka in 1991. In 1999 they got rid of the Kenner Toys name and became known only as Hasbro.

Spirograph remains popular today. All ages love the game and it is even used in schools to help students with math. Because it is such a unique toy, it can be appreciated by everyone and won’t become dated. My older sister and I both got one of these sets back in the late 1960's. She got the "big girl" version, Spirograph, I got the toddler version, Spirotot. My Dad tells the story of me announcing to everyone that year when asked what I got for Christmas, "I got Spirotot!!" (Sorry, family joke.)

A complete set sells for about $40 on eBay as you can see from these completed listings:



So check for this item at thrift stores, garage sales, and estate sales. And confess, how many of you had one of these growing up?