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!