Thursday, August 6, 2009

The old trunk

As you've probably noticed, I'm not good with headlines. I try to think of witty play-on-words, but it just doesn't happen for me. I sit for half an hour trying to come up with something and....nothing. So please excuse them.
One day when I thought I had made nearly every discovery, I dragged an old metal trunk out from under the house. With blog in mind, I photographed it before I moved anything.
Once outside on the grass I took everything out and laid it on the ground. An interesting mix, including a little old jar of bullets.



As you can see there were old milk glass lightshades, ropes, the large glass flagon, strings of old cotton reels (not sure what I can do with them), an ornate metal stand with sharp pokers hung on it (see right hand side), and a chandelier.











Now, this is very funny that I should find a chandelier because years ago, in about 1996, I saw a picture in a magazine of a clawfoot bath with a chandelier over it. This image opened up a whole new and modern use for the chandelier for me, but alas, at that stage, they weren't so universally popular and I was never able to find what I wanted. Now you can go into Beacon Lighting and get a fantastic reproduction chandelier for $250.



I've also found that whatever I wish for, it appears. Like magic. I found the pearls, then there's the piano, a lovely dinner set, anodised aluminium goblets, the gas lamp and now the chandelier.



Technically speaking, I think what I have found may be called a gas helper. It's not really a chandelier, but a suspended gas light with ornate metal and crystals.

The crystals are in the leather pouch in the bottom of the
picture - they're not very shiny at the moment!

I've only spent an hour trying to piece it together so far, and
haven't gotten very far. I can't really even find a picture
of one to make it a bit easier.


I'll keep you informed of my progress with this project.

5 comments:

  1. OMG what a wonderful, wonderful story. I am so intrigued with this beautiful home you have purchased. How wonderful that it was right under your nose and it all worked out. I have read your blog right from the beginning, actually reading it out loud to my hubby sitting next to me... "I thought my legs were going to give way".... you write soooo well! I will follow your story with great delight and if you don't mind, I will introduce you to so many of my blog friends who will just LOVE your story! A-M xx

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  2. I'm hooked. Your blog of all the discoveries made in your home are a MUST read. Thanks so much for sharing them.

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  3. every time I find a new blog from you I get as excited as you.

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  4. Wow!! Maybe you should wish for finding a huge sack of money!! Wouldn't that be a discovery?!? I just love your blog and have gotten my husband hooked too! We love seeing all cool stuff you find.

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  5. Love this blog, thanks for keeping us up to date. Don't throw out your wooden cotton reels, they are becoming quite rare,I'm sure someone on ebay would snap them up. Love your Chandelier, very romantic hanging above your bath with tea lights. Looking forward to more
    Jen

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