Liberty Antiques Festival, Fall 2012

Friday I got up early and hit the road for Liberty, NC so I could spend the day in a cow pasture.  Actually, the cows were gone, having been replaced by old stuff of all kinds. I’ve written about this show in the past, as it is one of my favorites.  It’s held twice a year, and is some of the best fun to be had.

They advertise NO CRAFTS OR REPRODUCTIONS, JUST TRUCKLOADS of Antiques and Collectibles.  Actually, that is not quite true, as some booths are nothing but reproductions, and there are some crafts scattered in, but still, it is the closest thing to a true market of just old stuff to be found in my area.

This time the weather was good – dry and not too terribly hot.  I did think that the crowd was down a little from the spring show, and there were several empty dealer spaces – something I’d never seen before.  It is possible they were coming only for Saturday.

So, what did I see that I liked, but did not buy?  The top photo shows a super 1920s printed muslin pillow that was to be embroidered.  I’m thinking I messed up by not buying it.The seller who has this booth always has some lovely vintage clothing and “girl stuff.”  It’s one of my favorites.

These handbags are from the booth of another regular seller at this market.  Isn’t that plaid one nice?  I’m a sucker for a nice structured box bag.

I loved this picnic set which had enameled tin plates and cups.  I’m not sure the flatware is original to the set, but I’m not an expert on these.  One day I’ll find one that is perfect and it will be mine.

So, which came first – the fabric or the trim?

I always love seeing Detmer Woolens cases, because I have one from 1922.  I couldn’t believe how drab this one from 1930 is compared to mine which was only 8 years older.

This store display from Bata has to be the world’s largest tennis shoe.

It’s a good thing I do not collect little girls’ clothing because I’d have gone home penniless but with a trunk full of 1930s dresses.  The seller got these at an estate sale at the home of a Coca Cola executive.  It must have been the entire wardrobe of a little girl when she was about seven or eight years old.  They were all from the mid 30s, and most were nautical in style.  No feedsack dresses for this little princess!

This is the label from the dress on the right.  Jack Tar Togs was a famous maker of middy blouses.

I was happy to see this because I actually own this same blanket.  I’d always suspected it was made by Beacon, but there was no label.  This one did not have a label either, only this paper tag.

I’m seeing so much of this type of stuff.  I don’t know how you feel, but crafts made from old stuff still makes it crafts.  I really wish antique markets and malls would not allow this type of thing to be sold if they advertise “No crafts.”

Nice shot of the hot glue strings.

Tomorrow I’ll show off my purchases.