Buying lesson—check items out for damage!

Recently at an estate sale, I bought quite a few items.  One of the items was a Lefton salad plate made for the Order Of The Eastern Star.

I had purchased it under the notion that the plate was in good shape.  When I got the plate home, I found that the plate had a good sized chip on the edge of it.

Today when we shop, we have the ability to use out cell phone to check out the worth and rarity of a piece that we are interested in.  To a great extent, it has diminished the need to go with your gut, but not completely.

You still have to be able to judge an item if it’s fake—and frankly to discover flaws.  You need to use your fingers and the light around you to discover chips and cracks.

Fortunately, my purchase mistake was inexpensive.  It was less than 5 dollars.

Currently in my Etsy store, I have an Eastern Star cup and saucer for sale (which can be seen here).  I am including this plate as a free gift when you purchase the cup and saucer.

What kinds of mistakes have you made when you purchased an item?

Vintage sheet music for all

Once upon a time and not so long ago, sheet music could easily be found in music store racks.  It usually surrounded a piano where someone would play it for you, and it all was less than a dollar.   

Their beautiful cover illustrations were often done by well known illustrators.   Not only that, they feature songs that are in movies as well.  The song "Gladiolus Rag" is a perfect example of this.  The song was prominently featured in the movie "The Sting," and it can be found in my Etsy shop here.

 

Today, for the piano or guitar student, these vintage items are still fun to play and sing along with.  They also make great wall hangings when they are framed.

You can see more terrific sheet music examples in my Etsy store here.  What were some examples of the sheet music that you have run across?