Covid Journal, Day 351: The Strangest Things

29 and clear again this morning, another full day of sunshine. Feels like a blessing on my skin.

I am always surprised by what people buy from me on eBay, even though I select and list the stuff. I shouldn't be surprised, right? But I am, on a pretty regular basis. Here's a few things that sold recently, as cases in point:

Okay, to me this is just weird, almost ugly but with a certain perkiness that caught my eye. I listed it for 39.99, and it sold in hours. Made of ceramic, possibly a ceramics class project, this little lamp looked pretty cool when lit up. 

Almost looks like a UFO, doesn't it?

Another ugly lamp, at least to my taste, but I bought it quickly because I felt pretty sure that someone would think this TV lamp was the bomb. I was right. Sold in a week for 39.99. I have been selling quite a few lamps and lamp parts, actually.

Gauges--I knew nothing about them, but sold them to a Steampunker who was thrilled with them. 

Another steampunk sale was this huge and heavy glass lens. it was scratched and chipped, which is how I described it. Another happy buyer.

I loved this phone--so cool. But I didn't have the power cord so couldn't test it. Apparently that didn't matter to the buyer, who wrote to tell me how much they loved it. Maybe they had the necessary cords.

More lighting parts--an antique brass ceiling fixture with no parts except what you see here. Sold in an hour or two for 9.99.

Yes, plastic mistletoe. Actually, the vintage plastic Christmas decor sells well. Tacky? Well yes. But with that midcentury charm that so many like.

That's just a few of the things that surprised me. Vintage nightgowns sold really fast--I listed a dozen and 2 weeks later have 2 left. It's why I enjoy doing what I do, and why I rely on my instinct and not my personal taste when I'm buying for resale. 

Copyright Susanna Holstein. All rights reserved. No Republication or Redistribution Allowed without attribution to Susanna Holstein.

Unusual Finds

Sometimes I come up with some unusual things for resale. Here's a few recent ones:

The Manning Moon Ball

The Manning Moon Ball was made in the 1950's by Frank Manning of Louisiana, who, during the 1930's was a bodyguard for Huey Long.

From Patricia Mitchell's writing:

"Frank Manning probably knows more about the colorful Louisiana politics of this century than anyone. Given a little time and an attentive audience, he can relate behind-the-scene details of recent history that will astound you. ... He is also a scientist and inventor. He assembled two of the world's largest mobile telescopes, and was the first person to depict the topography of the moon on a sphere (the “Manning Moon Ball”). He also patented and manufactured the Manning Tasty Shrimp Fish Lure."  from Part 1 of 2: The French Quarter During the Depression by Patricia B. Mitchell, January 1975. Mitchells Publications.com

Patricia Mitchell is an interesting story herself; click her name at the top of this article to read more about her.

Manning sued Time Inc, the magazine, for violating his copyright owner's rights by publishing photos that Manning claimed were copyrighted by him. I have not found how his case was resolved,but what a colorful man he must have been.

The University of Toronto has a good article online about the moon ball, and has one in their scientific instruments collection.

The ball has a map of the moon, with raised lettering of the names currently in use at the time for the moon's features on one half, and other moon information on the other side.

 With this ball there is a map of the moon by Manning, and the whole thing is in its original shipping box with intact postmark of July 30, 1957.

Large Lens

Another interesting find is this large magnifying lens. I have no idea what it might have been used for, but I bet Frank Manning would have liked it.

Even though it's chipped, I bought it because I think someone somewhere will have a use for it. So it and the Moon Ball are now on ebay, and if neither ever sells I'll have a couple of good conversation pieces.

Gyroscope

I don't think I ever had a gyroscope as a child, but I know I'd have loved one. I believe this one was made in the 1970's, in France. It's certainly better quality than most toys are today.

I was intrigued by the directions which cover a full page in French, yet the English, German and Spanish directions are all included on the opposite side! Maybe it's simpler to operate in one of those languages!

This is the best part of re-selling--all the oddball things that turn up in the hunt.

Copyright Susanna Holstein. All rights reserved. No Republication or Redistribution Allowed without attribution to Susanna Holstein.