One show and sale that I try to attend every year is the Virginia Highlands Festival Antiques Market in Abington, Virginia. It is held outside under two huge tents, but you’d never call this market a flea market. It has a great mix of antique and vintage items, with absolutely no junk. I like this one so much because I always see things I’ve never seen before. It is simply a nicely edited show of quality items.
Conversely, this is not the place to expect a huge bargain. Not that the prices are crazy high, but these sellers have great inventories and they know their stuff. I find markets like this one to be just as valuable for an education as for shopping.
A table of Scotty cuteness. I especially love the big guy in the back which is a riding toy with little wheels.
A seller had this book, and had taken it apart to sell the illustrations separately. I see a lot of this, mainly when the illustrations are exceptional (as these are) and when the entire book is quite pricy.
Here’s an example of one of the prints. Most of them were done with this technique of using blocks of color and white to form the picture. You can see more of Coles Phillips work here.
Proof that a hat box needn’t be round to be terrific.
I loved this old sign for the Old Abington Weavers. The weavers made and sold coverlets (note designs on sign) to the tourist trade.
There were some super cosmetics pieces. The red swinging compact still had little rounds of rouge and pressed powder.
It’s a good thing I’m not a grandmother, because stuff like that little dress and sailor top would bankrupt me!
This 1910s suit was love at first sight. It was in perfect condition, and even included the original matching boots. Admire the details:
This seller also had some lovely hats, including this one and the one in my top photo.
And it looks like she made a sell to this lovely woman!
I’m not familiar with the Utility Dress Co., but isn’t the sign nice?
On the way home I made a quick stop in Bristol VA/TN to check out their antique malls. The dividing line between Virginia and Tennessee runs through the center of the main street, State Street. Thank goodness all the antique stores are on the Virginia side as there is a big difference in the sales tax rate.
I love this reminder of the old Bristol. Wouldn’t an hour at F.G. Pitzer be an experience?
Oh my goodness that brown suit!!! it is to DIE FOR!!!
LikeLike
And my photos do not show it at its best advantage. The brown was much richer, the fabric soft and smooth. Note the belt draped over the skirt. It is a remarkable suit!
LikeLike
Love those buttons!
LikeLike
Yes, they are so wonderful.
LikeLike
I found an artist last weekend that takes the Antique buttons ( I have 100’s and she makes a delicate clay flower in the center and then attaches it to a pendent. I bought two of them. Maybe now I will do something with all my buttons!
LikeLike
Lizzie, I assume you still collect vintage swimsuits? I came across an ad on a Dutch website from someone who is selling a few. Here you can see the pictures: http://www.marktplaats.nl/a/antiek-en-kunst/antiek-kleding-en-accessoires/m702922186-antieke-zwempakken.html?c=3c1f5dcc18d02a99040ca8de656940d2&previousPage=lr
I immediately thought of you. I could ask them for more information if you’re interested.
LikeLike
I am interested, especially in the first one. Thanks SO much.
LikeLike
I have sent you an e-mail to the address you listed under ‘contact’ 🙂
LikeLike
It would have been hard to walk away from that brown suit.
LikeLike
It really, really was.
LikeLike
I actually squealed when I saw the 1910s suit. It gives me chills when I see things like that in person, and you presenting it to the blog world is the next best thing :). I’m also in love with that ghost sign in the last photo. I’m doing a search on Abington this morning….
LikeLike
Abington is a sweet little town. There are lots of historical structures, and it is close to great outdoor activities. There is a great old inn, and the Barter Theater.
LikeLike
I love window shopping with you! I am also drooling over that brown suit as well as the compact with the moon and stars. And of course all the hats. Thank you for introducing me to Cole Phillips. I checked out other images and they are all exquisite, particularly the dresses in them.
LikeLike
I happy to have you come along. I love the Coles Phillips prints as well. His work has a real modern look to it.
LikeLike
That is a very nice suit. I think it may be a bit later than 1910 maybe c1915-16 although I would have liked to see the skirt shape. The “peplum” skirt on the jacket – that Russian tunic look – the embroidery and the diagonal opening with the nice fastening details are all good indicators. This period is a transition with much overlapping of silhouettes.
LikeLike
The skirt is quite full. I should have photographed the shoes, but they were mid 1910s as well.
LikeLike
Hi Lizzie – along the lines of this ad from the NYPL Digital library;
http://tinyurl.com/kewxtqf
LikeLike
Yes, that is pretty much the shape.
LikeLike
Ahh..the compact for me!! Have a lovely trip to NY xxx
LikeLike
Thanks so much! It was, indeed, lovely!
LikeLike
ahhhhh–that suit! I love the display of Scotties, too.
LikeLike
Yes, I cannot resist the cuteness of a fuzzy face.
LikeLike
Love the idea of making the button hole a feature instead of hiding them, brilliant.
Christy
Lil Bit Brit
LikeLike
Pingback: A Young Man’s Fancy by Coles Phillips, 1912 | The Vintage Traveler