I went shopping with my mum & aunts today. And I took to heart the general acknowledgement that you have to be committed and competitive when you go thrifting with other accomplished thrifters who share your tastes. So my elbows are a little bruised from all that jabbing people out of my way, but I came home with this platter for $10.
For anyone who cares, it’s a J & G Meakin in the Kootenay pattern – for which I can only find one reference on the whole wide Internet. The pattern evidently dates to 1890ish. But I couldn’t find any good information regarding its possible value.
Not that it super-matters. I don’t want to sell it and I don’t need convincing that I got a good deal.
It’s in pretty good condition – no chips or cracks. It’s got some pretty serious crazing but that’s all on the bottom.
It was waiting for me in a flea market that I occasionally browse but never really buy from, hanging out behind glass. I stood there waiting on its purveyor for some time. And as I waited, some various family would arrive in the vicinity and say, “ooh, that’s nice.” And then I would say “yes, that’s what I’m waiting here for so keep your eyes off it.”
So there was no hiding from the seller that I was pretty set on getting it. I think he had a little moment of regret about pricing, told me how it was really priced too low and hemmed a bit before allowing that he supposed the marked price would be fine.
And then I found this little pitcher at another thrift store. And, of course, I got my weekly fix of vintage linens too.
Carolyn
/ 2013-12-31Megan, I have the exact platter, that I inherited from my Dad. I live in Alberta Canada, and all I can find on it is yes, it’s at least a hundred years old. It is a big platter and sits on my cupboard above my sink, and of course needs a good dusting. take care and I’ll keep you posted.
cheers
Carolyn
Megan
/ 2013-12-31Thanks Carolyn! It’s a beautiful platter and I love it. I hope you’re enjoying yours, as well.
Your comment reminded me that I have a few clearer pictures of that platter in this post: http://www.worldempress.com/2012/03/08/thrilling-thrift/
Carolyn
/ 2013-12-31Megan, I have the exact platter, that I inherited from my Dad. I live in Alberta Canada, and all I can find on it is yes, it’s at least a hundred years old. It is a big platter and sits on my cupboard above my sink, and of course needs a good dusting. take care and I’ll keep you posted. I love your site/blog. May I be so rude to ask if you live in UK..I have always wanted to visit.
cheers
Carolyn
Megan
/ 2013-12-31Not rude at all! But I’m much closer to you than that. I live in Saskatchewan. So you’re totally invited to visit me, but that’s probably not at all the visit you’d be hoping for! 🙂
I feel deeply for your wish to visit the UK, though. My family is from the UK, my grandparents having immigrated to Canada from London, and the rest of my mum’s generation being born here. So my mum’s generation has a number of UK cousins that they’re still close to – my aunt and one of my cousins have individually gone there for trips, but the rest of us are still planning/dreaming for our own.