Pirate’s Loot

While I was in the countryside for Mother’s Day, I took the opportunity to dig for treasures. I was under the impression that most if not all antiques that were not inside the house were already taken by someone so it was a pleasant surprise to find some nice things.

I originally climbed up to the second level of the shed to close one of the doors wind had blown open and took a peak inside while at it. I found three beautiful chairs that were buried under a pile of rubble. One was completely in two pieces and the other two pretty beat up. I figured I might be able to use the one for spare parts and after a complete re-upholstery have two beautiful chairs. Sadly I had to leave the chairs waiting because my car was full.

I looked into another storage room and found more treasures, the big item being this stunning little table. It was under big heavy wooden boxes, some full of old school books and magazines. The table looks almost perfect from afar but after being under a heavy load, it’s leaning to one side and the joints are very loose. This has to be carefully taken apart and figure out how to make the joints fit snug again.

The third treasure here is understated but very valuable to me. I found a dusty, mouse poop and dead insect ridden box of old brass curtain thingies. In another pile was a variety of curtain rods. I had to take them all, clean and inspect to see the full potential.

I spend one evening washing the curtain thing to better see what I have. There are different sizes and sets in various stages of patina. Most were made of pretty thin brass, possible laquered, and many beyond repair, but there is definitely potential after I sort and polish them.

After I hauled my loot back to home and stopped by at a hardware store to buy polish, it was time to get scrubbing. I’ve now spend three evenings after work scrubbing these brass pieces and I still have most of the curtain loops and little thingies to polish. It looks like I’ll be able to make at least two curtain hanging sets from these without buying any parts.

So satisfying to see the change!

Shiny things, magpie happy!