Mississippi River / New Orleans Skyline / The Crescent City

Some recent River shots...

Mardi Gras Beads

For a few weeks a year our city gets draped in the most lovely assortment of colorful beads... cast-offs from all of the parades of Carnival.  They hang from trees and fences, glisten in the sun like jewels, and remind us of just how lucky we are to live here.   The party is over now, but I just stumbled upon these shots and wanted to share them.  They were taken the day after Mardi Gras.  They will have to do until we see them again next year!

Lace and Silk - Vintage French Quarter Finds

Fabulous vintage textiles uncovered from a grand French Quarter estate on Royal Street. 



Romantic Lace Boudoir Pillow Sham

Antique Silk and Lace Wedding Handkerchief:

Amber Tiffin Depression Glass in the "Julia" Pattern - Found in a Grand Old New Orleans home

In a grand old New Orleans home just around the corner from us in Uptown, we were lucky enough to source these from an awesome estate sale.  I rarely see a whole set like this, and also rarely see things in this good of condition.
 
Depression Glass - by "Tiffin."  This is the "Julia" pattern in amber:

I fell in love with these footed tumblers first:

But the tumblers could not be separated from their family. So they all came home with me. 

Cocktails, anybody?

And this pitcher is in absolute mint condition.  It lived in a box and was never used by its original owner.  Can you believe it?  It is completely fabulous and flawless.  Such a rare find!

 

Beautiful etched torch design called "Julia."  And the glass remained so clear after all these years!

 Ahhh - I just love these!!

 

More pictures and purchase info available HERE.

 

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!