Rotating Color Wheel Christmas Light

Mystery Teapot

One of the best parts of our job is research and identification of the art and functional art pieces that we pick up. We get to learn about new areas of collecting, gain new terms specific to various crafts, and hopefully give the works some artistic and historical context. This is also one of the worst parts of the job; research is endless, and many times we simply hit a dead end. The teapot below is a good example - I've been working to identify the charming and funky teapot below for some time now. I believe the signature reads "Heide 75". The closest I've come is Denmark's Dorte Heide, a potter from the correct period - but her other works a very different from this stylized stoneware teapot. The figural handle reminds me of Rosemary Taylor's pieces. So I throw this one to the crowd - any ideas? 

Antique Zimmerman Autoharp Restoration

A little video demonstrating our freshly restored Zimmerman 3-bar Autoharp - sounds great, especially considering it is more than 110 years old!

• Find the listing here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/118677391/antique-zimmerman-no-71-autoharp-1894-99
• And a gallery walk-through of the restoration: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.393473690727981.90058.257351037673581&type=1&l=711b951a02

Hooked Rug Art is Back!

Framed Hooked Rug Art!

Did you miss the Hooked Rug Art Invasion the first time around? Well, we have a treat for you! Vintage 1970s Hooked Rug art, jazz motif, in a black box frame. Great colors, great theme, well-executed, and funky as all git-out! Available for local Chicago pick-up, or message for shipping quote. $35

independencevintage@gmail.com

Vintage Chalk-ware

Vintage chalk-ware is sometimes referred to as “poor man’s porcelain.”  The figurines were made of either sculpted or cast gypsum (plaster) and painted with watercolors. This Plaster of Paris sets white like porcelain. Because it does not need to be fired in a kiln, the decoration could be quickly hand painted rather than glazed, making chalk-ware an affordable form of mass decor for the masses.  

Most of the chalk-ware I find was cast during the great depression and often in whimsical forms such as people, animals or flowers.

I recently found this pair of asian dancing figurines at an estate sale, now looking for a new home on etsy: ttp://www.etsy.com/listing/91455099/vintage-asian-chalk-ware-couple-pair-of

Mr. Zip - Vintage USPS Advertising

The profile pic for Independence Vintage is Mr. Zip, a cartoon character developed by the USPS in the 1960s to encourage the public to use zip codes in all mailings.


Check it out, Mr. Zip even has his own wiki page http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mr._Zip


We found our Mr. Zip figurine homeless in an alley in Independence Park on the northwest side of Chicago after a neighbor threw him out. Of course we gave Mr. Zip a home and said thanks to the Chicago alley gods for another fun find. He is made of wood and is about 4.5' tall.


Mr. Zip makes me smile, and it's more than just those charming big eyes. He is a favorite because he embodies some of my favorite things about vintage:


- He tells a story and really gives you a sense of time and place.


- Vintage advertising is cool!


- I enjoy vintage cartoons, faces, figurines, clowns, and circus. There is a special place in my heart for those creepy clowns and odd looking vintage faces.


- He comes from Chicago's alleys where I have been hunting treasure most of my life. I love the thrill of the hunt!


My Mr. Zip is not for sale.

Welcome to Independence Vintage

Independence Vintage *for the love of old things*

We are purveyors of vintage what-nots and everythings, bringing you our collection of estate sale and auction goodies. Based in Independence Park, Chicago.

We have a special love for all things vintage, especially purses, jewelry, figurines, textiles, housewares, glass, pottery, garden, art, miscellaneous oddities, etc...

Please visit our etsy shop to see the vintage goodies we currently have available:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/independencevintage?ref=si_sh

Thanks for stopping by!