Estate Sale Bargains

Back when I lived in New York State, my friend and I explored garage sales, looking for bargains on the weekends. After moving to Florida I check out a few garage sales, but never really got into it.

My husband and I recently discovered the fun of estate sales. We’ve gotten some lovely items to use in our home and also some wonderful pieces to use as gifts.

When people have too much stuff, and want to get rid of old possessions to make room for the new, they hold a garage sale. But some times it is necessary to get rid of a whole house full of items all at once. Usually it’s when a family member dies. The process is overwhelming, so professionals are hired who help organize an estate sale.

Estate sales can also be necessary because of long-distance moves, divorce and bankruptcy. These sales can be a good way to pay off debt or make money off unwanted possessions. Shoppers often find bargains, antiques and unusual items.

Estate sales are different from garage sales, because they're usually run by a professional company, and the goal is to sell all the items remaining in the home. In most estate sales, the public is invited into the house and can browse through the entire house. Many times the house is up for sale too. Prices are displayed on the items, but it's acceptable to bargain for lower prices.

Well, one Saturday, we walked into a house that had a number of miniature carousels. I have a small collection of carousels and did a college thesis for my Master Degree on the art of the carousel. You could say, I have a soft spot for them.

I hadn’t thought of expanding my collection, but the prices and quality was too good to pass up, on three of these. I had a problem with one the three which was 14” across, large and expensive. I went home with the other two small ones and to think about the large one.  I did get a good price, but had trouble deciding. When I did get home I called one of the sales staff at the house. She didn’t answer, so I left a message. Not hearing back from her, I assumed the carousel was sold.

The two carousels I bought that day. 

I didn't realize it at the time but not only does this carousel go around and play music, but it goes up and down too. None of my others go up and down.

When I bought the girl (right) on the carousel that day, I knew I had one home similar to it, with a boy (left). They are not the same year, but were manufactured by the same company.

The following weekend I walked into another house to check out the estate sale…there was that same staff person! She had not received the message on her phone until the following weekend and had not sold the carousel. There it was, she had moved it to the current sale! My hubby bought it for me for Xmas at a good price and put it on its’ own table in our living room. All week long I had told myself, I didn’t want it anyway!

Here's a fun find...My husband Sandy's real name is Anthony and while looking over some small collector buildings I spotted one with Anthony's Cafe printed on it in two places. Of course we had to have it and hang it in our kitchen.

Here are a few more of our finds:

We look forward to the new year going on the hunt!