Dumpster Diving -You ain't a true "junker" unless you've done a little dumpster diving. Like they say, "one mans junk is another mans treasure". I have heard some amazing stories of what people have found. Guitars, tools, antiques, furniture, jewelry and building materials. A friend found  a lot of computer components still in the box and made $10,000 selling them on the Internet.

So, with me its more like luck. I have never actually gone out for the sol purpose of sifting through someones unwanted trash. I just happen to be in the right place at the right time!

Before you make plans to go treasure hunting in someones trash remember to following -

• It might be illegal since the trash is private property
• Wear gloves
• Wait untill no one is around
• Look out for spiders

Now, here some items I have found while trolling the curbside in the hood....

Vintage lamps - The one on the left is made of greek
marble the one on right is a Kutani lamp
Both valued around 150 bucks

Solid copper 15 gal oil can. Value 125.00

Tiger oak Cabinet and sewing machine. Value 90.00

Antique copper fire extingisher. Value 80.00

Restoring Chandelier's

I don't understand why people buy light fixtures from places like Lowe's or Home depot. They are expensive, cheap materials and usually made in China or other countries. I'm a sucker for old light fixtures, sconces, chandeliers, swag lamps and table lamps. I really dig buying old lamps and giving them their new life. Here are a few photo's of some I have restored, -

Designed this chandelier for a baby nursery

Found this beauty at an Estate sale for 75.00

It looks beautiful in my formal dining room

Found this on Craigslist. It's actually a Kathy Ireland
Original. I have this one hanging in a spare BR

Beautiful Candelabra  - One of my favorite designs
For Sale - 300.00

1970's Green Swag with a Cool Grape design
For Sale - 75.00     SOLD

New Finds

Thought I would share a few recent vintage finds -

Coleman 200A Lantern - Made 6-1964, used only a few times, in amazing condition. I bought this at an auction in Fresno CA. I wanted it so bad I waited about 3 hours.
Paid: 22.50
Value: 100.00
SOLD: 89.88 Shipped to Tokyo, Japan

ERTL John Deere Petal Tractor 1970's - found in Chowchilla CA. I saw a guy selling stuff on a sidewalk and made him an offer. Not a big fan of John Deere but I really liked the condition it was in. The trailer i found in Centerville CA at a Yard Sale
Tractor: Paid 70.00 Value 150.00
Trailer: Paid 40.00 Value 40.00

Sale pending

Schwinn Phantom Bicycle Tank: 1950's.  I got this on Craigslist. I called the guy less than a minute after he posted the ad. The tank was reproduced in the 90's but this one is the real deal. It was a little rusty and dented but a great find!
Paid 20.00 SOLD 137.50








Schwinn Ladies Breeze 1960's -  I bought this a Yard Sale near Clovis CA. It wasn't even part of the sale. I mentioned to the guy that I buy vintage stuff like bikes and motorcycles so he offered to show me some awesome things in the barn. This bike belonged to his mother. She bought it and didn't like it so she stored it 40 years. I cleaned it up and took it to San Luis Obispo CA and sold it. Figured it would sell better in a college town.     Paid 60.00  SOLD 130.00

This is a cool thing I found at a Rummage sale in West Fresno CA. All porcelain front to an old gas pump. It would look cool hanging in a restaurant or a vintage store. I hung it over a movie poster "Walk the Line" that is hangin' on a door in my garage. Anyway, I think it cool and I couldn't pass it up!  Paid: 40 bucks. FOR SALE   Make me an offer

Coleman 242 lanterns - I think 1946 - My good friend John actually found these at a barn estate sale in Stockton CA. He gave 5 bucks for both and called me to see if I wanted them. Heck yeah! I love dirty junk. I gladly gave John 20.00 for these awesome lanterns.

Hard to believe this one of dirty lanterns. I cleaned 'em up and listed both on eBay.

Paid: 20.00 Sold 155.00

Angeles Co Tricycle - Probably 80's but looks older. Found it at a Thrift Sore in Fresno CA called - "4 Sisters Thrift". If you are ever in the area of Ashlan & Cedar in Fresno, check this store out. These gals are cool and tell 'em Joe sent you.Maybe you'll get a bargain! Paid: 30 bucks NFS I'm giving this to my grandson

Thanks ya'll... Joe

Oh dont forget to like me on FACEBOOK Junkmanjoe

                                                             

Porcelain Advertising Signs

My buddy Len aka "da bread guy" has every porcelain sign ever made. He probably has thousands! I always enjoy hearing his amazing stories about how he finds all these old advertising signs. While touring the inside of his home, he allowed me to take a few pictures. Every square inch of his home inside and out is covered with old signs. He estimates some are worth $1,000's. I need to convince Len to sell a few of these signs to me. Of all the vintage requests I receive, porcelain signs are at the top of the list.

The living room

 Thanks Lenny for the tour and don't forget I still have that Sally Ann Sliced Bread crate you want!

Len also has 100's of collectible oil cans





Mobil Pegasus Flying Red Horses



Happy New Year

2011 was a great year for collecting vintage and antique treasures. I found some really cool stuff, met some great folks, made some folding money and learned a lot about the history behind the things I found. Some great things were made in America up until the late 70's. Quality materials, pride and true craftsmanship went into our countries products.People put their signature on every piece they made. The funny thing is the world knows it! I received request from people in several countries wanting my items...70's swag lamps are popular in Japan, Great Britain and Malaysia. Coleman products are very much in demand and Vintage toys are hot too! Some items I feel belong in USA. Military memorabilia needs to stay on good ol' American soil.


2012 is going to be even bigger. I plan to have a warehouse soon and possibly start a vintage store and promote monthly auctions. I need to focus more on selling my stuff but I have so much fun buying and finding amazing junk! I also plan to travel more around CA and meet more cool people and hear their stories about the old days.


Oh Yeah! check me out on FaceBook and click LIKE. Search for "Junkmanjoe"


Hope we all have a great year.
Congratulations Tyler and Kate with their first child little Kingston!

My Grandson Kingston

I am truly blessed,
Junkman Joe