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Sunday, May 23, 2010

Here He Is....

A thing of beauty, solid oak and a little wavy glass mixed in for good looks.  He is so masculine yet has beautiful feet.  I have coveted him and his kind for 16 years but never felt that the price for him was within my budget.  That was until this past Saturday.  I saw his picture in an advertisement for an auction.  His feet really enticed me.  For you see, I have only seen his specific kind one other time over the years.  Most of his cousins have a drawer or a solid base on the bottom.  No not my new baby, he has beautiful claw feet.  Sadly, one foot is missing part of itself.  Never fear though, that will be repaired and delivered back home by the end of next week!
Enough of this, I know you all want to see my newest "treasure"....I present to you Humphrey the Barrister Bookcase. Brace yourself ladies and gentlemen, he is quite handsome to be 106 years old!




I named him Humphrey after the manufacturing company on the label, Humphrey's Stacked Bookcases, 1904.  Like I said earlier, I could never afford his kind in the antique stores.  Depending on how many stacks the price ranges between $500 to $2000.  I went to the auction with the thought that I would not pay more than $350.  He was lot# 216 which meant I would wait almost 2 hours with my stomach churning in anticipation.  I was about to pass out with excitement when the bidding started.   My girlfriend, the auction queen, told me to wait to see what the bidding would be and not jump in too soon for I would just raise the price.  Well, when the bidding had stopped at $35.00 I started bidding.  I won Humphrey for $40.00!!!!
Then I started to cry, the anticipation and excitement and the fact that I had just won him for a mere $40.00 was just to much to handle. However, I did quickly recover, and went on to win a few more treasures that I'll share at a later time.  Humphrey deserves a post all to himself!


So, because I think  Humphrey is such a special  find I'm linking up to several blog parties this week.
Please check out:
Rhoda's blog party, Today's Thrifty Treasures @ her blog Southern Hospitality.
Linda's Nifty Thrifty Tuesday's @ her blog Coastal Charm.
Marla's WooHoo Wednesday @ her blog Always Nesting.
Suzanne's blog party,Vintage Thingie Thursday @ her blog The Colorado Lady.

I've never linked up to this many blog parties at one time.  I know I will be spending most of the week viewing many wonderful thrifty ideas and treasures out there in blogland.  It ought to be a fun week!
Come on and join in all the fun with me.
Fondly,
Ann

47 comments:

Anonymous said...

Now I'm crying over that treasure!!! Awesome, fantastic, wonderful, spectacular....I'm so full of excitement over $40.00!! That piece is beautiful, absolutely beautiful.

Mel said...

Visiting from Rhoda's party.

Isn't it wonderful when the stars align and all is right with the world; or you get the coveted Humprey of your dreams? Same thing.

I'm very happy for you.

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Oh what a thrill for you. I love it and I know you will treasure it always. Hugs, Marty

FLOWERSHOPGURL said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
FLOWERSHOPGURL said...

Wow, what a bargain of a lifetime, yay for you. Thank you for visiting and leaving your kind comment on my Little Bit of Red Love; I flipped my lid! I can’t believe that I found this cute red and white dish at the GW! You are so right, the SA and GW were calling me all day yesterday, I finally gave in today and got some more great bargains...
Hugz,
Kim

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Oh, Ann! It's lovely! And do you know...I have friends who had one just like it...sadly, destroyed in a fire. :-( It's a treasure! Isn't it nice when a longed-for piece comes to live at your house? Happy week!...hugs...Debbie

Linda (Nina's Nest) said...

Ann, that's a beauty! I have always loved those bookcses and always wanted one. What a deal! I think I am going to have to start going to auctions! You asked about the first pillow - the fabric is called "Arabella" , 2009 Covington Fabric and Design, LLC. It is fabric made for use outside. I just happened to have enough fabric with the name printed on the side! I used all the green and white, so I don't have a name, but will be going back, so if you need it, then comment back to me. I'm adding my name as a follower to you! Linda

The Lazy Peacock said...

what a great story - humphrey is absolutely beautiful. can't believe what a steal you got! congratulations!

Barbara Jean said...

Ann,
Great find!!
And he does seem to be very handsome (in great shape) for his age. =)

Thanks for coming by my place and leaving a note.

blessings

barbara jean

Anonymous said...

Love it... quarter sawn oak! And that price??? WOW! Good for you. ...Karen

Anonymous said...

WAY TO GO ANN! I am so happy you were able to procure your bookcase. It looks beautiful and I am sure you have just the things to put on display in there!

lori said...

wow! what a steal. I wish I had one of those.

Rory from Tools Are For Women Too! said...

Congratulations. I would love it if you and Humphrey could link up to Modern Craftswoman Monday. Rory

Jess @ Frugal with a Flourish said...

WOW! That is a great find! Congrats!

Linda@Coastal Charm said...

Awesome find...luv this piece! HAPPY NTT!

Blessings,
Linda

Michelle said...

Wow! I can't believe you got that beautiful piece for only $40. Great job!! :o)

Thanks for you comments on my blog!

The Charm of Home said...

That is a great catch! My Dad has one of these and it was expensive. I always liked it because the books don't get so dusty.

Lotta Dahl said...

That is an awesome find and an even more awesome price!

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

OH! You lucky girl! I have always wanted one of those...no..TWO of those! I am sooo happy for you~!!

Debbiedoos said...

What a steal! That is a gorgeous piece and you must be thrilled! Thanks for visiting, it was nice:)

Unknown said...

oh my goodness...40$
that's the deal of the year..
thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving such a sweet comment.
I am your new follower...
I am getting lots of comments, but not so many followers..I dunno.
blessings,
glenda

ThriftyAnnabella said...

Great buy!

Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage said...

Oh, Ann. I was cheering you on at the auction from way over here in NC. I just knew you were going to win that barrister.

Only $40.00? WOW!!! I think I would have cried too! But, right now, I'm smiling from ear to ear just knowing you won.

You know, repairing something like Humphrey's foot is the perfect dilemma for Ask the Yankee.

I've watched him make repairs like that for years. And each time, I'm amazed that you have to strain to even see where the piece was repaired...if you can find it at all.

I'm so happy for you!

By the way, I'll be announcing the details for my other linky events this week. Keep checking in.

Hugs,
Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage

Deborah Kay at The Paint Splash said...

Ann, This is such an awesome find! I'm so glad your patience paid off and you were able to get Humphrey for such a great price. Have fun and post what you end up using him for..:-)

A Bit of Serendipity said...

WOW... All I can say is WOW, what a steal, I mean deal. I love the price. I think I would have cried too if I won. You did fantastic, well worth the wait to get him. Have fun filling him up. Also thanks for stopping by...
Cristi @ a bit of serendipity

Dandelion and Daisy said...

Lucky girl! Auctions are so fun, 'cause you really never know what something is going to sell for. I'd say you did good!

Anonymous said...

Woo Hoo! Now more of us in blogland will be oohing and awwwing over this treasure. What a find. Thanks for linking and sharing this treasure at Woo Hoo! Wednesday.

Rose @ Confessions of a Curbshopaholic said...

What a score! I must get to an auction someday. Lucky you that you have a friend who's a pro at auctions. I probably would have started bidding against myself! lol
Saw this on NTT.
Rose

gail@My Repurposed Life said...

I'm so glad Humphrey found a new home with your family!
He is so cute!
gail

Shelley said...

Wow! That's the wonderful thing about auctions...sometimes you pick up a treasure nobody else has is interested in! It's absolutely beautiful!

Coloradolady said...

Oh, you lucky, lucky girl!!! What a deal. I have thought about trying to find a few auctions, but with my addictions to vintage, that might not go too well!! Have a great VTT!

Jeanne said...

I love the adrenaline surge of getting a great treasure. I totally understand your excitement!

jeanneselep.blogspot.com

Dena E's Blog said...

Hey Ann,, Sweetie,,I have an award for you..No pressure though ;0)
You're just the best!!!
Hugs Dena

Postcardy said...

That was a great price. Humphrey is a cute name.

Tara Beaulieu said...

Wow! $40 for such a beautiful bookcase! My mother has two with leaded glass that I have been begging her to part with for ages now. I am sooooo envious! Congratulations on your fabulous win!

iheartsunnydays said...

Oh Humphrey is gorgeous!

Grannys Attic said...

How pretty and what a bargin. Love the story you told with it. My Mama has one almost like yours. Blessings, Vicky

fitty's pinky rose cottage said...

such beautiful bookcase! and soooo antique! and for the price of $40 bucks.. that is one big score! awesome! thanks for sharing and happy VTT.

Unknown said...

That is really awesome...good for you!

Have a great VTT!

Sarah

Ulla said...

Congratulations on the great bargain!

Unknown said...

Love this little Lawer's Chest. That's what I call them anyway. I always picture them full of law books. I is lovely. :)

~Liz

Paulette said...

Humphrey is sure a handsome gent! I'm glad you won him at auction and at such a fabulous price. I worked for an old law firm and when we moved, these things were up for grabs. Did I grab any? Nope! Did have a place for it then. I am enjoying your good fortune, in any case!

Unknown said...

Ann...congratulations on your treasure...good things come to those who wait! Enjoy your blessing (he is GORGEOUS!)!

Blessings!
Gail

Michelle said...

Wow! $40??? That is just so totally awesome. Humphrey is gorgeous. I'll admit, I know little about antiques, but I've always loved those glassed-in bookshelves.

Sally Annie Magundy said...

Congratulations! Humphrey is such a handsome fellow! I've never been to an auction - I'm always afraid I'd stretch my arm or scratch my nose and end up bidding a gazillion on something accidentally. ;)

Enjoy!

Happy VTT,
Sally

Anonymous said...

you win the woohoo prize with this one for sure! I love that piece! I quit going to most auctions because of the time involved but someone told me if there is something you want to see come up for auction sooner, just ask. I will try that next time.

Miri said...

Humphrey is beautiful in that wonderful masculine way...Humphrey Bogart-like!

I'm so glad for you...I love to hear about someone getting something fabulous at a fabulous price at auction!