And this one - 

Last edited by BYOB (2/12/2015 1:59 pm)

Flea markets mostly. Occasionally the odd antique shop or church sale. I much prefer treasure-hunt type shopping where you never know what you'll come across vs. wandering around flourescent lit aisles where 20 of the same thing are lined up on the shelf. I like things with a history, and I like quality. I've gotten so many amazing things over the years. My "swanky" bar collection started with some killer Irish crystal lowball glasses and decanters -(you know, the type that make you feel like the supreme leader of your domain and your minions, even if those minions only consist of a couple of indifferent cats that do not in any way listen to said supreme leader - sigh), then some neat cocktail shakers, then the drink guide contraption and old drink guide books, glass stirrers, pitchers (my favorite is a Bombay Sapphire antique porcelain one with Queen Victoria on it), serving trays - mostly silver, oh, and an awesome mesh covered seltzer bottle. I'll see if I can find pictures of some of this stuff on the net somewhere. If I try to actually take pictures and post them, we'll all be antiques before I get it figured out! Proudly, I've never paid more than probably $35 at the most for any one thing. And contrary to popular belief, you don't have to haggle, because truthfully, the prices are already too cheap for what it is.

I'm thinking I may have missed my calling as a museum curator, with all my mini collections. Luckily, I have managed to display them pretty well, which keeps me from being anywhere near the hoarder label thank goodness. Recently, I have started to collect inlaid Italian wood pieces. Small furniture, trays, boxes. They were/are masters at that craft. The skill involved just amazes me, and there they are, just sitting for sale amongst a bunch of dusty junk for a price that would have their makers passing out!

Very cool stuff, BYOB.
Keep sharing!

I can see you mixing drinks with that seltzer bottle, wearing either a tux or a smoking jacket!
David Niven in the modern age 

https://mattsko.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/davidniven.jpg

Last edited by Goose (2/14/2015 10:06 am)

Please show the Italian-made violin when you get one.