Vintage William Spratling Conquistador Sterling Candlestick Holders - made in Mexico with a New Orleans Twist

Sometimes, you come across something really special.  Such was the case with these little gems...

I was drawn to these candlestick holders because of their shape and inherent New Orleans scrolly style.  But they were covered in years of heavy black tarnish and it was hard to see their potential beauty under all that.   But I took a chance and loved them anyway.  I worked hard to polish them up and look what was under there!

Spratling Conquistador Scroll Base Candlestick Holders - eBay

My goodness - these things are gorgeous!  Look at the detail and their elegance.  Then take a look at the bottom... and you will see these significant markings:

As it turns out, these are Spratling/ Conquistador pieces - circa 1950ish - a time when Conquistador (a then major silver manufacturer in Mexico City) produced a few William Spratling designs.

These beauties have a very unique and detailed scroll design –reminiscent of New Orleans’ iconic iron scroll work found all over the city. Not surprising, as William Spratling himself lived in New Orleans for a brief period of time in the early 1920s, taught architecture courses at Tulane University, and shared a house with William Faulkner. Perhaps the city inspired this scroll work candle stick design?

And this particular set of candle holders is extra special as it comes from New Orleans too! So - I'm thinking the design potentially went from conception in New Orleans, to production in Mexico, and then back home to a life in a New Orleans home??  How very special! :)

See more details and pricing on this eBay listing.

Vintage Finds from An Estate on Napoleon Ave in New Orleans

Some really great vintage finds from a recent estate sale on Napoleon Ave in New Orleans...

Chic Demitasse Set of 4 vintage Silver Porcelain Cups & Saucers and a beautiful embroidered organza tablecloth!

 

A pair of graceful vintage silverleaf painted California Pottery peacock figurines - by Freeman McFarlin Anthony.  These can really grow on you.  So unique and beautiful!

My favorite find - a vintage silver plated tea tin with an awesome weathered patina.  This piece is very heavy - it is really something special, isn't it?

All together now:

And a few charming retro accessories to round out the day.  Great finds!

Retro Jetsons Candy Dish

 Vintage handbags and Pierre Cardin tie from New Orleans!

Antique French Market Basket / Rolling Cart - Marché Panier - via New Orleans

You are not going to believe this one! Look what we came across last weekend: an authentic French Rolling French Market Basket! This is a real gem!

We were lucky enough to find this at an estate sale here in New Orleans. Not sure of its exact history, but it clearly has seen many markets in its day - perhaps both here in New Orleans and in France? Given this city's French influence, it might have been brought here from France many, many years ago?  Hope so...



"Marché Panier"

So great for shopping at today's farmer's markets.  You can load it up and pull it behind you as you go.  Fantastic design!  The French always seem to know that they are doing and what is good.

 Here it is at our local Patisserie - looking so cute!

And check out the old time construction on this thing.  It has held up for many years - they don't make things like the used to.  Check out the cast iron wheel system - very sturdy.

You could also use this as a decorative piece in your home, shop, cafe or studio.  Would make a nice umbrella stand or vintage display piece... If I can part with it, that is. :)

 I can't get enough of this thing!  

Weekend Wanderings and Yard Sale Finds in New Orleans

Another fun weekend of exploring New Orleans! and hitting yard sales and estate sales.  Here are a few shots from The Bywater - where we started our day. We love those funky old cottages.  Such character!

Love these yellow trumpet flowers against that raspberry colored cottage!

And of course we found some cool vintage stuff.  Green depression era glass dishes, fabulous white linen napkins (sold just hours after posted!), cool old 1970 French wine bottle with New Orleans import labels, an antique Singer oil can, and a Gold Imari Japanese Vase!

Probably a relish dish back in the day, but great for displaying rock, shell, or sea glass collections

almost art deco-looking in style



Also found these vintage linens from a woman who told us they belonged to her grandmother here in New Orleans.  Imagine the scrumptious meals these have seen!  They sold in my Etsy Shop immediately - I will be on the hunt for more!

Love the Fleur de Lis Pattern - very New Orleans



Hours of fresh laundering and ironing these vintage beauties.  Love them! 

Admittedly, I got into the Rose to help pass the time while I ironed... and yes, it helped!  :)


And this was just too good to be true - look at this little poser!

Then - on to an architectural salvage shop down the road.  Mounds and mounds of antique treasures! 

Does that say 1870?  Oh my!

Too bad I'm not remodeling a house right now, but we did manage to find a few gems in the small boxes in the back...

And here's a little find - a Gold Imari Vase!  Beautiful!  All hand painted - from Japan.  Check out those beautiful jades!!

We finally made it home - to a wonderful brunch cooked by my loving husband.  Lucky me!!