Brickhouse Antique Blather

We're Opening a Monthly Market April 1

2011-03-21T14:11:00.000-07:00

Here's a crazy of shot of Lisa dumpster diving at our new location - something got thrown away that we needed and she was up and over the fence like a shot. Something tells me this isn't her first foray! And yes, we are opening a monthly market called Two Days which will be open the first Friday and Saturday of each month in the new arts district in north Topeka. The address is 824 N Kansas, Topeka, KS.

Here's an interior shot of one of the rooms - great architectural stuff going on in this old building.

And another view. We plan to hang chandeliers in the window openings - how cool will that be!

This is a partial view down one side of the main room and and a few of our inventory items. We are continuing to bring stuff in and each month will have all fresh things!

I know you can't tell what all this stuff is but this is my van just after I returned from the flea market, Lisa's is also loaded and we sent a loaded pickup this way! Some things will come into Brickhouse and some will go to Two Days! We found some really cool industrial pieces and are still shopping. Better plan to come see us at either location!!

2011-03-21T12:05:00.000-07:00

New Stuff in the Shop

2011-02-10T09:00:00.000-08:00

Here's a view of a primitive table we added to the shop on Saturday - it is work table height, VERY sturdy and priced at $70.

This is an ice cream display: glasses, scoop, 3 head blender, Meadow Gold sign and more. I told Lisa it was to cold for ice cream but her view is it's never to cold!

The black room is featuring a matching chest of drawers and vanity out of the 40's. They are priced separately in case you only need one or the other.

Our advertising dealer has brought in this great neon sign for Blue Moon beer - boy does it light up the room! $275.

Or how about a nice wardrobe to store all your stuff. It has drawers down the center and mirrored doors on the sides with another drawer across the bottom. Next to it is a claw-foot drop front desk. They are $195 and $185 respectively.

Talk about sets! Here we have a full size bed and matching dresser with a wishbone mirror and 2 glove boxes - again we priced them separately just in case.

The minus degree weather inspired me to take a picture of this buggy lap robe decorating the wall in the pink room. The picture looks like a bear skin but it is wool and priced at $98.

Our front room is showing a great buffet for your dining room or how about using it for a TV stand. Wonderful storage below - $165.

We have some valentine pillows in the front room along with a great red trunk on wheels. The pillows are $5 each and the trunk is $145.

Another shot of the front room with a nice rocker drawn up next to the fireplace; it is $70 and would be really great on a porch this summer. This is just a few of the fun things we have going in the shop. Call us 785-266-6000 or come in 3711 SW Burlingame Road, Topeka, KS we are

Always Buying, Selling and Finding!!

Some of what we look like currently!

2010-08-27T10:37:00.000-07:00

New (to us!) cabinets, chests, bookcases, display cabinets . . .

Rugs, old fans, typewriters (just peeking out in the corner), an old phone and a window . . .

Fun old day bed, more rugs and pillows . . .

Nice table with 2 leaves, 5 chairs priced separately, mirrors, woodcuts, dough bowl . . .

Armoire (big enough for a TV), buffet, more bookshelves, picture frames . . .

Oak dresser with mirror, books, lamps, small library table, chairs . . .

Dry sink, pump organ case (conveniently gutted to be repurposed as something else) . . .

Heywood Wakefield set of furniture - nice bamboo porch look, lustreware, prints . . .

Closer look at the Heywood Wakefield chair . . .

Nice clawfooted secretary, crocks, Hitchcock chairs . . .

Bits, bridles, wagon wheel, whiskey bottles, lariat, cow skull . . . And more! Come see us soon.

Views of the Shop

2010-06-29T11:08:00.000-07:00

The main thing in this view is the old green crackle paint machinist's tool box - it has a nice drawer at the bottom. The inside is pretty clean and it is certainly ready for an adoptive home - $48.

Here we are showing a collection of children's photos; they range in price from $3 to $5. The great old buffet is probably from the early 1900's and is priced at $70 which is more of a reflection on the fact that we are great bargain hunters than it is a statement about the condition of the buffet! You really need to come check it out.

Silver and fruit pictures are some of my special things so this shot is of one of my favorite areas of the shop. Notice that the tea pot on the top sits in a cradle and tips to pour; just how classy is that!

Do you see the cute white display cabinet in the center? I think it is a repurposed radio cabinet. What do you think? Anyway it is priced at $120.

This beautiful oriental vase was gotten from a family who told us it was originally purchased in the 1920's on the east coast. It weighs in at almost 24 inches tall and the colors are outstanding as is the condition. There are no maker marks that we can see.

I would like to take this nice primitive cabinet home but it is 93 inches tall and I have only 92 inches of space. Sigh! I think it would make a great home for my cast iron stove collection. I am beginning to hope it sells quickly so I won't have to look at it much longer.

This great old mantle has columns and a fantastic mirror. We bought 3 almost identical mantles from a neat old house near the shop but this is the only one left. Lisa thinks this is the best of the lot - priced at $425.

I stood in the 90 plus degree heat for several hours last week and this cabinet is one of the things I came back with. It is pretty heavy and as we say "it's made of real wood." Don't you love the small boxes on the shelves.

Our unstoppable advertising dealer brought this Coke machine in last week; it is working and cooling and is just about the sweetest one I have seen. Priced at $1495.

In this photo you can see a great oak buffet, nice bookshelf, working vintage fan, White Goose Flour bowls, silver flatware set and a 5 pc pitcher set. Something for everyone! Call if you have questions or better yet come see us!

A Picture is Worth?

2010-01-30T12:15:00.000-08:00

Here is a sampling of fresh inventory in the shop. We have tables, chairs, rockers, buffets, pottery, pictures and frames, interesting suitcases and as if that weren't enough a fun wood carved eagle. I'm going to let the pictures do the talking (well mostly).

This high chair matches 4 chairs that come with a round pedestal table that also comes with 3 leaves and table pads!

Take a look at this Mission Oak buffet - it is very pretty and in very nice shape. And did I mention it is HEAVY? Please bring some help when you come for this one - and if you could come on my day off I would greatly appreciate it!

Shabby white is always IN in our shop!

Benches, steps and shelving are also always IN.

This is a very nice rocker with some super detail on the back.

Look at that gold frame and the small drop-leaf table it is setting on. The table has a small drawer in the front that doesn't show in the photo.

We've got the cart if you've got the goat. I'm sure you will need this red and white quilt also to complete the look.

Here's a great glass doored cabinet for your collections. It also has a drawer on the bottom and the shelves are adjustable. We are buying 7 days a week so come see what else we have found!

Lots of "New" Stuff Just In!

2009-10-03T08:49:00.001-07:00

The shop looks like fall currently with some nice furniture including tables, barrels, drop front desks, a nice highboy, vanities and dressers. To all this we have added pumpkins and vintage Halloween decorations and a few Thanksgiving items! With the nice weather we have been having, this is a really good time to get out and shop for some special items and with that in mind we have been doing just that! I hope you will come see!

This picture shows a really huge bowl and a really huge cedar chest. The bowl is priced at $140 and the cedar chest is $95. You can also see a great twin-size iron bed and a grandfather clock.

The turkey sign shown here is for the directionally challenged Thanksgiving guest! I love it! It is tin and priced at $20.

Here we have one of the nice vanitys (or is that vanities?) we currently have in stock. This one has a full length mirror in the middle. It is priced at $175. Take a peek at the santa in the display case on the right hand side. It is celluloid and is standing on skiis and holding poles. He is from the 1930's and is priced at $30.

And here is the next vanity - it is a cute cottage piece and matches the dresser on the left side. They are priced individually at $130 each.

Now showing another cedar chest, this one smaller in size with metal decorative bands and priced at $85. You can also see a old sled - just the start of the winter and Christmas items we will be bringing out.

I like this corner in the Blue Room. It has a tractor seat stool, nice oak framed mirror, old farm table, quilt, stained glass lamp, and a milk bucket. What's not to like?

The Green Room is the temporary home for this nice mahogany chest of drawers with a serpentine front. It has lots of storage and a great mirror. Please bring help to load when you come to purchase this beauty as it is VERY heavy. It is priced at $$220.

Have you got a tire horse tire swing? We do! The ticket to us just said "Blackie" and it took me 3 days to figure out what we had bought! He's pretty cute and priced at $24.

This may be my favorite piece of furniture currently in the shop. It is a china cabinet on a table - I think it has always been that way as the wood and finish all match up but it is a little different than the cabinets we usually get. The configuration makes it a super piece. Marked at $385.00

Late Summer Sale!

2009-08-10T10:57:00.000-07:00

Before I get to the details of the sale, I want to show you a few pictures of new merchandise in the shop. You are looking at an ice box, oak and in need of a little TLC but nice, some copper flash grates and a nicely framed family picture probably from the late 1800's. That's what nice about having a shop - you can put all kinds of unconnected stuff together any way you want.

The principal thing I was wanting to show in this photo is the iron bed, twin size and really cute. We have the rails as well and it is all ready for a new home. Also showing is part of our extensive collection of Coke items. The bed is marked $125 - now try to find a new one that nice at that price!

This picture features a dresser with mirror. Nice detail on the mirror and the whole thing is marked $155.

Or how about a cedar chest? This one is larger than usual and is marked $75.

Then we have a small drop front secretary just right for a guest room or hallway or a nice spot to drop your mail and keys. I know you can find a place for this piece - $125.

This corner in the blue room shows a VERY LARGE corbel, a 36" wide exterior door with beveled glass and a Miller neon sign to name a few things.

Now about that sale - we are giving 50% off on most things on the veranda right now and will be having some other sales throughout the shop starting later this week. I'm thinking 20% off furniture and advertising as a start. Fall is coming and we need to move some things out and make room. Please come see us!

Fresh Merchandise, New Dealers

2009-06-16T11:26:00.000-07:00

Here at Brickhouse Antiques we have been busy buying and selling and conducting estate sales. We have also welcomed 2 new dealers and a new consignor and feel like the shop is full of good things at good prices. In the view above, you are seeing a Tiffany style stained glass hanging light. I never get tired of stained glass and really love the fact that this one is only $165.

This red rattan chair is part of a 3 piece set including sofa and coffee table. It has a wonderful summer look and is comfy also. I think it would really nice on a porch or maybe in a lodge setting. The set is $210.

Here is the sofa and you can just see the top of the coffee table - you really need to drop by and take a look as it is much nicer than my photos indicate.

Speaking of nicer than my photos, here is a shot of one corner in one of our new dealers' rooms - as you can see they have gone for drama in black and gold and rich wood tones. There are some nice chairs and lots of great accessories. This is a new look for Brickhouse and we are excited to welcome Ronda and Russ.

Here is another view, you can see a roll top desk and other interesting items. The desk is marked $415. There is alot going on in this room, please come and check it out!

Further along in the shop, we have a new dealer who is specializing in lustre ware. He has some really beautiful pieces - this photo can't come close to showing the beautiful colors. I have discovered a latent interest in lustre ware - particularly in large groupings like he has done. We are also happy to welcome David! If you come in and wonder where I am, look in the Ivy Room where I am probably oooing and ahhing!

Here is a second view of the Ivy Room. Come see what you think of our new dealers. We try to have the best of the best here for you!

Spring Things Happening Here

2009-05-05T10:36:00.001-07:00

New in the shop is this stained glass window, 43 1/2" x 41 1/2", which depicts a small town with a star over one of the buildings. Hmmm . . . I think I know what town this might be. Anyway, it is priced at $475.

Another "star" that just came in is this 1948 Rockola Juke Box. It is so beautiful and works really, really well. Don't you love the light-up colors in the front and of course it is fun to see the record play. It is priced at $4,000.

This picture shows a vintage Pepsi machine, late 40's or early 50's and yes; it works great, and a nice mantle. The mantle is a classic design with columns in the front and is priced at $375. We also have a Mission oak mantle that probably is pictured in a previous blog. The Pepsi machine is $650.

This is a bad picture of three really nice items. 1) steel lockers - think high school days, 2) a washtub on a stand - think icy tub of your favorite beverage and 3) an old wooden wheel - these have gotten so hard to find so please think about this also. I apologize about the darkness of the photo but that means you will just have to come in and take a look for yourself!

This is a view of our Veranda. The outside area where we keep lots of vintage yard and garden items this time of year. See the cute bench, the arbor with attached fence and the 1940's glider? This is just a few of the things we have collected. We have several more gliders not pictured but they always go fast.

This is a better view of the glider and a shot of two metal signs - our dealer who brings in the signs and other advertising items has filled his space and then some. He has other soda pop, oil and gas and so much more. This picture makes the veranda look deceptively bare, don't believe it. We are adding more as items disappear.

This is one corner is what we call the Ivy Room. Recently this room has gotten a new look with the addition of a new dealer in the back half who specializes in lustreware or is that luster ware or lustre ware? I'm confusing myself now so I will just refer you to the following picture and you can see some of what he has brought in.

Can you see the bright glazes and the shine (luster) on the pieces here? Most were made in Japan and have a definite oriental influence. I really like the colors.

This ice cream cone forms the basis of what Lisa calls "the diet area." We have some scales and other items from a drug store and it all resides in what has turned out to be the industrial zone of our shop. Work benches, fans, lights, iron and other delights line your way to the Veranda or when you have explored there and come back in, see you to the Ivy Room. I hope to see you in one area or another of the shop very soon!

Progress!

2009-03-09T11:40:00.000-07:00

To those who know me, I'm sure you aren't surprised that it took me months to figure out how to get more than 5 photos on each blog! Here we are - 10 pictures, count'em! Of course, they are in the opposite order from what I originally intended but no matter! That's progress. Speaking of progress, we are continuing to get ready for our upcoming 7th Anniversary Open House (March 14-15) and to that end here are some spring ideas - a screen door and wash tub on a stand. Check that screen door closely and you will see two vintage door pushes. The top one is Coca Cola and is priced at $240 with the bottom one saying Forest Hill Milk and the tag says $95. I actually like the Forest Hill Milk one the best. The wash tub and stand are priced at $35 and the door is $75.

This is another view of more advertising items including RC, Coke, Bubble Up, Sunbeam Bread and several others. The dealer specializing in advertising continues to bring in some really fun and one of a kind items. There is so much here you will just have to come in and look for yourself!

We haven't neglected adding more furniture to our inventory. Here is a nice wash stand or commode and a marble topped dresser. The commode is open on the bottom which makes it nice to display rugs or other things and is priced at $75 with the dresser coming in at $345. We have lots more furniture also.

Do you see the sticks in the jars? Those are vintage drum sticks and we think they look interesting and artsy standing among the drawers and boxes. They also happen to be on a fun shabby table (comes with one leaf) that sells for the amazing price of $45! The drum sticks are $12 per jar and the drawers are $6.

Do you need an oak desk? This is a very nice one that has a lot of storage. The bottom door on the right opens up to dividers and cubbies. We have it priced at $95 and it won't last long!

This metal cabinet has 40 drawers and is displayed in our industrial area. We are having fun searching out and displaying a surprising array of items from boxes to corbels to drill bits to neon signs to hardware to boat motors to fans and even a pair of concrete lions! It's a different look but one we love.

We have started a spring garden area (inside for now but heading for the veranda later) and it includes some McCoy pots and vintage garden books as well as other items.

You are looking at a stainless steel milk bucket topped with glass to make a table beside a metal bench. The bench is $60 and the bucket is $20.

Here we have a large bookcase secretary (or at least larger than most we find) and it is priced at $450. I like the look of the decorative stencil on the door.

And last but certainly not least, here is a German grandfather clock. It has a very attractive case and Westminister chimes. It is priced at $850 but I'll tell you a secret - we plan to have it on sale during our Open House March 14 and 15! There will also be other great sales and some surprises and of course no Open House is complete without triple chunk brownies and other goodies! Mark your calendar and hurry on in! See you then!

Getting Ready for Open House

2009-02-27T11:35:00.001-08:00

Our 7th Anniversary Open House is scheduled for March 14 and 15 and we are stocking up for some sales and our annual free item give away. This give away is our favorite activity of the whole year. We choose items in each of our 11 rooms and mark the price tag FREE. Each customer can take one item and these are at least a $20 value. It is really fun to see our customers find and take home some neat things! The first year we had to convince a few people we really meant to give away FREE things. The photo above shows a Mission oak fireplace mantle that has been decorated for the Open House - it is priced at $385.00.

Here we have a nice oak cabinet with spoon carving on the front doors. It has a lot of storage and has a nice look for a small price - $235.

I think this cabinet would make a nice kitchen island. It has a shabby look to the front and a nice wood top. The back could be painted or left as is and it is priced at $195. The top display has a Watts pottery advertising bowl and some ice cream bowls and scoop.

We have filled this jelly cabinet with vintage kitchen items and the top is covered with Hoosier cabinet jars. The jelly cabinet is priced at $185. On the right side you can see one of several pieces of stained glass that we currently have in stock. These windows are $50 each. Above the window a door is just visible - this is part of the architectural salvage that we have in stock. We usually have a number of doors and windows and other fun things like columns and corbels.

This small vignette is part of Lisa's vision for the green room. We are showing a small writing desk with a shelf on top backed by a brass headboard. I like the brass piece much better here than on the floor as part of a bed. It just seems to give the corner and the desk some depth. The headboard would also look fine on a wall for artwork. Now that you know what we are planning and some of the new stuff that will be here, mark your calendar and plan to attend our Open House March 14 and 15! We'll keep buying, selling and finding nice things for you!

Lisa's Vision

2009-02-06T08:30:00.001-08:00

Those of you who frequent our shop know we usually try to display our merchandise to help you think how it might look in your home. Lisa has lots of good display ideas and is the mastermind behind lots of "our look." This view is one corner of her latest vision which revolves around doors, fans, and work benches. I hope you can see some of it even though we have the ambient lighting thing going on.

This is another corner of the same room and shows a medical cabinet and very large corbel. We like architectural salvage when we can find it. Also showing is a lamp made from a coffee urn - priced at $55. The medical cabinet is $75 and the corbel is $120.

Do you see that dark table in the center of the room? The top is slate and the legs are the same color. That table is very heavy and maybe we should be selling it by the pound! Oh well, the price is $110 and I think it would make a great center island. That red box on the table is full of stereo view cards - political, military and children are some of the types and they are $10 each.

This is a pretty dresser or it could probably be used as a buffet. It has a beveled mirror and some neat details and I think it has an English look to it. This is probably the only thing in our shop that isn't American. It is priced at $285.

Here's another view of Lisa's Vision. You can see one of a pair of concrete lions, a neon beer sign, a large wooden wheel with iron spokes, several fans and some industrial photographs. The lions are $95 for the pair, the Busch neon sign is also $95, the wheel is $45 and our fans are usually in the $20-30 range. Please come visit our shop to see what else we have been finding!

Two Posts in One Day - Wow!

2009-01-20T12:42:00.000-08:00

This is the second post of the day because I can only upload 5 pictures at a time. There are so many things I want to show, I had a hard time picking so you will just have to come to the shop to see the rest. If you have specific things you are looking for, please email or perhaps you see something peeking from the edge of one of these photos. Anyway, I would be glad to send more pictures directly to you and answer your questions. This photo shows a grandfather clock case - the works are with our clock man being cleaned and should be returned soon. I believe the clock is English and it is quite attractive. The smaller clock on the left is a Coke clock and the dial says Delicious, Refreshing and Drink Coca-Cola. It is priced at $675.

Here we have a nice quarter sawn oak highboy with a hatbox and mirror priced at $325. It came out of an estate that also furnished us with a gentleman's dresser - also oak and priced at $385.

We are showing a silverplate flatware set by 1847 Rogers Bros. 49 pieces and $68 including the box and displayed on a copper flash stand. Would you believe that stand was originally for an adding machine on the lower level and the top surface where we have the silver was a writing area. Yes, we do have the adding machine - it weighs about 3 million pounds! - but we like the stand better as a serving or display cart. The two tier copper flash stand is $110.

Here's a little closer look at the silver - again, email for a close-up. The set is nice and should polish up really well.

This cabinet just arrived this morning - it has one drawer and two doors on the bottom and open shelving on the top. It is priced at $435 and is displaying a set of farm pattern dishes by Brock of California - you get the whole set for $50. The two matching columns on the left side of the cabinet are solid wood and a little over 7 feet tall. They are marked $110 each. Please read the post directly after this one for more pictures of some of our current inventory.

A Loving Valentine Shops Here!

2009-01-20T12:05:00.000-08:00

The title of this post is what we currently have on our marquee. We are showcasing old valentines and some great gift ideas for your sweety in the shop currently and here are a few views. This silverplate flatware is by Harmony House and the pattern is Maytime - vintage 1944 - you get the whole set (about 62 pieces with the box) for $75. If you would like a close-up of the pattern, please email. For some reason, I can only get 5 pictures per post uploaded.

This set is 1881 Rogers Bros. and called Proposal. You get 47 pieces and it is $60 - again with the box. We aren't good about polishing our silver but these should come out very nice for the new owner. If any of you out there love to polish silver, come on down!

Here we have a harvest table (7 ft. 4 in x 28 in), four very pretty cane bottom chairs and a long bench. On top the table is displayed two very large platters - mid-century modern, 1958 and marked Catalina Custom, Tucson, Arizona. I wish I had space to show you how gorgeous they are - I guess you will just have to come and see. They are marked $60 each.

Can you see the two matching silver lamps? I think they are so cute with their red shades. They have been rewired by our amazing lamp man and are ready to go to your house. The one on the right is sitting on a very cute incubator with chick graphics across the front.

This is a better view of the second lamp and a shot of a pine cabinet topped with a blue and white hand sewn quilt. The lamps are $30 each and the cabinet is $285 while the quilt is $82. If you are watching your budget or trying to reuse and recycle in a meaningful way, please come see what we have to offer.

Fresh Inventory!

2009-01-05T11:42:00.001-08:00

Christmas has come and gone and New Year's over so it is time to restock and regroup! We have been adding some nice things (hurry on in, the best always goes quickly) like a complete dining set (drop leaf table/3 extra leaves, 8 chairs, buffet and china cabinet) in the Duncan Phyfe style for the astonishing price of $650, great primitives like the white cabinet pictured above. ($225) Don't you love red handles on white cabinets? And a host of other items, small to large.

Here's another nice primitive cabinet. This one could be used for a center island - it sports 2 drawers and shelf space. ($185) How about the metal box displayed on top - it says LETTERS 1856 and is priced at $98.

One of our favorite dealers brought in this very nice display cabinet - it has egg and dart trim around the top and as you can see some great curved glass. These cabinets are getting really hard to find. We are using it to display a collection of chocolate and ice cream molds. Check out the next picture for a closer shot of those.

We have a Santa, a bee hive, trains, federal shield, cup, tractor mold and more. They are priced from $30 to about $85 and are made of pewter. They make a great display all together!

This last photo shows a current view of one corner of our advertising room. This space is always overflowing with Coke, Pepsi, oil and gas and other kinds of advertising is all shapes and sizes and types. We have clocks, thermometers, neon signs, porcelain signs, pop machines - you name it! It's a fun space and one that's always changing. If this is your thing, we've got you covered!

Orange Crush on Display!

2008-11-24T12:09:00.001-08:00

Maybe I'll get it right this time! Or not! My pictures loaded backwards, you were supposed to see the really cool Orange Crush dispenser - two views- and then some of the display cabinets in the shop. The idea was that Christmas is a nice time to get (or give) a display cabinet and . . . Well, you get the idea! So, anyway here is a tall 6 sided cabinet with glass shelves and a light at the top. Priced at $188.

Then we have this Timex rotating cabinet - also lighted and great for displaying jewelry or your watch collection! It is priced at $137.

How about this one! It has two glass shelves, a light at the top and bottom storage. The shape makes it compact and fit nicely against the wall. $180.

Here is the side view of the Orange Crush dispenser. It is about 16 inches tall by 9 inches wide and says Drink Orange Crush A Fruit Flavored Beverage.

This is it in all it's glory - I think it was worth scrolling down for. The dispenser is in beautiful shape and is priced at $725.

Orange Crush on Display

2008-11-24T11:06:00.000-08:00

Christmas and Other Events!

2008-10-24T11:29:00.000-07:00

This past week we have been putting out some vintage Christmas Decorations in preparation for our annual Holiday Open House which is scheduled for November 8 and 9. This has been hard to do as it always seems too early! Here are a few views of our efforts.

These little guys are Gurley candles and make a nice grouping. You can never have to many Santas!

I don't know if you can see these mercury glass picks very well but they are displayed in the pitchers and glass basket along side a hard plastic Santa and reindeer.

Here we have a lot of net angels in various poses and more Gurley candles! You can never have to many candles either!!

And then we have the ever popular bottle brush trees and putz figures. The top shelf holds a McCoy planter filled with Christmas post cards from ca. 1910. The cards are great fun to look through and read the messages. These are just a few of the items we currently have displayed. Our dealers have been working hard bringing in fresh merchandise in every room so if Christmas decor isn't what you are looking for right now come see what else we have to offer. As usual, our prices are "take home" friendly!

Estate Sales!

2008-10-10T12:41:00.001-07:00

As you may know Lisa and I have an Estate Sale Service and this past weekend we conducted a sale in the College Hill neighborhood of Topeka. The picture above shows one end of the living room in the bungalow house. The house was crammed with collections of various sorts ranging from advertising thermometers and banks to vintage kitchen utensils and as you can see some very full bookcases! It was probably the most fun sale we have done since it had so many nice things for us to sell.

This view shows the "western" area with loads of Monterrey Ware dishes and some fun things from Yellowstone National Park. There were also a number of western theme silhouette pictures and some vintage toy tractors still in the box. Just visible on the left side of this picture is a shelving unit in the bathroom just crammed with advertising boxes and tins -mostly toiletry items with some great graphics.

As you can see, there was no shortage of vintage red and white kitchen items. My favorite was a matching set of knife block, napkin holder, memo pad and hot pad. This stuff just flew out the door and to top it all off there was a huge quantity of vintage yellow as well as green kitchen items. Can you just see the corner of the stove? It was so neat - probably 1950"s - and in great condition. Yes, we sold that as well!

If you can't tell, we displayed about a trillion spice and advertising tins. A large part were branded Monarch (mostly on the top shelf with some spillover below). There were so many neat kitchen collectibles most of the ordinary kitchen items were displayed in the garage! I wish I could show you all the rooms.

This room was upstairs and mostly contained Christmas decorations with lots of Hallmark ornaments and other fun stuff. The other bedroom upstairs was the doll, doll furniture and bear room. And we did FILL the room! We found lots of Cherished Teddies and Boyd's Bears and their accessories and a whole bunch of darling little miniature chairs to name just a few highlights. It was a great sale and we think the owner will be pleased with the outcome.

End of Summer Bargains! Get'em While They Last!

2008-09-01T11:26:00.000-07:00

Lisa and I recently bought these church pews - 17 in all - they are oak, very heavy and 10 feet long. We got a nice bargain so our customers will get one also - they are priced to move super fast at $50 each. Call to reserve yours!

You can just see one corner of this great old desk - I think it is walnut and is known as a partner desk as the drawers and shelves can be accessed from either side. The top probably had leather on it originally and that needs to be replaced but this is by far the most interesting desk we have had in quite some time. This one is marked $250.

Here we are presenting a baby chick incubator - look at the wonderful graphics! They read Successful Incubator, Des Moines Incubator Co., Des Moines, Illinois. It has been fitted with legs making it a great table. The glassed area in the front does open and the whole thing can be yours for $145.
We also have a French Wire tiered plant stand. These are getting hard to find - we have only had 3 in the last 6 years and they haven't all been this nice. We are planning on taking this one to the next antique show we do which will be in mid-September if it is still in the shop. It is priced at $215.

Someone (not Lisa or I since we are tool-impaired!) put a table top on these carved wood legs. They probably started out in life on a organ or piano stool but they function very well as a table. Sometimes, the best idea to save an old piece is to "repurpose" it to a modern use. This table is $48. Notice the typewriters in the display? We have a number of models here in the shop and most are $20 or under. Our customers are continuing to find amazing ways to use and display these great machines. If you see anything you like, call (785-266-6000) or come in!

Did you know Noritake made these dishes?

2008-08-26T08:13:00.000-07:00

We have a really cute child's set consisting of a teapot, casserole dish, platter, cups, saucers. plates and more. They are all marked Noritake. I had never seen any children's dishes by Noritake. There are 22 pieces and they are priced at $85.

On another note, we have several additional pieces of furniture including this country buffet ($180) and small oak commode ($60). As you can see, the commode has the bottom two doors off - they are in one of the drawers. The commode is a little larger than we usually see them and I personally like it with the open space on the bottom instead of the doors; although, I didn't take them off - that's the way it arrived.

Here is a bookcase/secretary that is also larger than normal. It could use some TLC but is a nice piece none the less. ($395) I hope you can see the nice detail around the mirrors on the top.

Continuing the theme of doors off, we have this slant front secretary. We do have the front panel for it as well. It is priced at $75 and other than the door situation, is in nice condition and very attractive.

This is a nice barn wood 2 piece cabinet ($145) and it is displaying 2 unusual flue covers (black memorabilia themed) as well as some vintage flags, oil lamps and other "cute" stuff. I know you can't see the flue covers very well in this photo so I suggest you stop by the shop for a good look. Or email and I'll send you some close-up shots.

Pepsi, Coke, Dr. Pepper, Advertising and More

2008-08-18T11:51:00.000-07:00

We are showing this really nice, original condition Pepsi slider machine in the shop currently. It works great and would hold pop, water bottles or something "ahum" stronger. It takes a dime and has the cap catcher also. This is just a one part of our advertising and soda pop inventory.

For a change of pace, here we have a "huge" set - 125 pieces- of 1847 Rogers Bros. Grand Heritage silver flatware. Most of this arrived in the shop in the original packaging so I'm sure it has never been used. It is basically a service for 12 with every conceivable serving piece included! Wow, ice tea spoons, demitasse spoons, individual butter spreaders and the list goes on!

These 3 clocks, Coke, Dr. Pepper and Mountain Dew all work great and keep the staff around here from working overtime! But they are for sale so come and get them and we'll find more! They range in price from $85 to $250.

My photo doesn't do justice to this great Queen Anne Dr. Pepper can machine - vendo 56. When it lites up, the graphics are very nice. That's the good news, the bad news is that it is sold. I took the picture and then got the call. So enjoy it here because it will be down the road real soon.
This is a small view of one part of our advertising room - we have a hard working dealer who just keeps bringing in great stuff. If you like signs, clocks, thermometers, bottles or neon, you need to come visit us. The prices will keep you coming back also!

Since it has been so long - here's three shop pictures

2008-08-14T12:17:00.000-07:00

These are three long benches we have been keeping stacked to display a variety of fun items. Old music instruments, boxes, cooking molds, vases, wood dough bowls, etc. It is pretty amazing to see all these items lined up side by side as if they had something in common!

This is a five-legged table (I know, I know, only four legs are visible - but trust me we do have the fifth leg and also 3 table leaves) with a nice picnic basket and other picnic related items. Does it make you long for nice fall days out under a tree?

I like this little white table and matching cabinet top. It is just the right size for loading up with Occupied Japan figurines, restaurant china, and other fun stuff. Please come and see what other things we might be adding!

Views from our last Estate Sale

2008-08-14T11:59:00.000-07:00

Lisa and I have added an Estate Sale Service to our shop and this is a peek into the dining room of the sale we had a couple of weeks ago in the Potwin area of Topeka. As you can see, displayed is a number of flow blue plates, a sterling silver set, a 1940's wool man's swim suit and several pictures. What you can't see on the wall to the right is several darling sets of children's dishes. The collection included about 5 sets and they were all really cute.

Here's another view of the Bavarian china set and a nice oil painting. It was right about here that my camera began signaling low battery and I hurried to get a couple more pictures before it went kaput.

This is part of the kitchen. Notice the table, it was marked Army on the bottom and folds right up. Now just how useful would that be! There was also a lot of pewter and pretty hand painted plates displayed.

This view is of the living room and shows some artwork, another set of sterling silver, a Mission Oak bench and several pieces of pewter. This is only a partial look at this room - it was pretty full of neat things. We also had a big table of jewelry and pocket watches and several nice pieces of furniture here.

That is a general look at some of the types of things found in our Estate Sales. If you are needing this service, or know someone who could benefit from our help; please call us and we will discuss all the details of how it works. Having someone take the burden and conduct a sale can be a great experience!

Update Coming Soon!

2008-08-07T12:06:00.001-07:00

We have been busy here in the shop and working after hours on an Estate Sale so there have been no updates lately! Today I got ready to put up some fresh inventory pictures and also some views from the Estate Sale and guess what! The camera needs new batteries! I will make that a priority and hope to get it all together for Monday.

The sale was good with some nice inventory and loads of customers. We typically run a two-day sale with the second being 1/2 Price Day and this was no exception. We were in the section of Topeka called Potwin which is a historic neighborhood and always a fun place for us and our customers as well. Please check back soon for more info and pictures!

Buying, Selling and Finding!

2008-07-01T08:48:00.000-07:00

This great old industrial table took 3 men to put in my van! It is sooo heavy with those 4 iron plates fastened to the top. I think it started out in life in a printing shop. I don't know if you can tell but it is taller than the average table and would be great with some stools. The legs are chunky and have some "character" marks and we have it priced at $155.

Here we have a 4 stack oak lawyer's bookcase. The doors are missing but it is still a very nice piece for storage or display. We have a couple of customers in our wish book looking for something like this and we will be calling them. Which helps me to remember to say we do have a list of people and things they are wanting and would be glad to add to that if you haven't found what you are looking for.

My grandson Keaton sneaked into this picture and is standing in front of a ca. 1870's china cabinet which is displaying cups and saucers and jewelry mostly. The cabinet has an ebonized finish and each shelf has handy plate grooves and is priced at $475.

This cabinet is one of several we bought from a nice lady who saw our "Always Buying" slogan out front. She was downsizing and we were able to help her out and get some nice things for the shop as well. Six days a week we are available to "shop in the parking lot" or possibly make an on site visit for larger items. She got cash, we got stuff!

One of our dealers brought in this double cabinet. Both sides have glass doors on the top and storage on the bottom. The shelves are adjustable and the story goes that they came out of the science lab at Topeka High. These would be fabulous for someone's collection - what a lot of space for only $510. The cabinets are 2 pieces so moving them is easier.

Fourth of July Quilts and More!

2008-06-23T09:17:00.000-07:00

We get lots of people coming by the shop to sell us things and these two quilts are a recent example. They are very seasonal with their red/white and blue/white colors. The quilts are "comfortably" worn and all handmade. The same person also sold us a small armoire and a primitive cabinet that is not pictured. We love to "shop in the parking lot!"

This pictures an assemblage of items displayed on some old football benches from Climax, Missouri. Our motto here at Brickhouse is when you run out of space and can't go out just keep going up. There is untapped square footage for display just above eye level!

Restated Jewelry. That's what we call these two necklaces made from vintage items. They combine, among other things, chains, keys, a watch and charms. We hope to have more of these items in the near future.

This nice cabinet has a Mission look to it and is very functional with several shelves and glass doors. Lisa found this out on the trail last Friday and had several adventures that involve forgetful sellers before it arrived in the shop.

Finally we have this armoire that would make a great entertainment center or just another place to store your "stuff." I like the decoration on the top. It is 45 inches wide x 22 inches deep x 81 inches high and is priced at $335. What a great piece at a great price! I hope it is speaking to you!

Eliza Faith, Coke and More - Something New and Something Old!

2008-06-16T12:10:00.000-07:00

This is the newest shopper in Coralee's family. Eliza Faith born June 4 and weighing in at 6 lb 10 oz. She stopped by the shop on Friday escorted by her Mom, Dad and sisters. Keep scrolling for the Coke machine!

How about this beauty! It is a Worksman Cycle Ice Cream Bike. When it arrived at the shop, Coralee rode it around the parking lot and can testify that it was pretty fun! We have it priced at $450. Come see it!

OK, here is the Coke machine - Vendo 56 priced at $1950 and it works great. What a blast from the 1950's.

Here we are showing a nice little desk and a New Haven Tear Drop clock from the 1880's. The clock is pretty fancy and is priced at $250.

This is a view of the front room with several fresh pieces of furniture. A set of 6 chairs, small cabinet, dining table and several other pieces that you probably need to come see! If we don't have what you are looking for, please ask to be put in our Wish Book and we'll call you when we do.

Cassidy and Keaton Visit the Shop

2008-06-03T10:10:00.000-07:00

One of the advantages of being an owner is when family situations crop up (i.e., lack of daycare) Grandma can help out. This is one of the scenes at the shop recently where Cassidy and Keaton wore vintage hats and posed in front of some new merchandise. This old front door is a treasure just waiting for a home!

Being smart shoppers, these kids know a nice item when they see it and chose this fireplace insert to stand beside. It is iron and priced at $40 and bears the marking Humphrey Radiant Fire.

Next we have them showing off an 1870's iron face clock. I know, I know you can hardly see the clock but don't the kids look great! P.S. Check the last picture for a better look at the clock.

Have you ever seen a more ornate rocker? Barley twist legs and how about that woven back! The back might not look like it but it is wood not cane! We have the rocker priced at $125.

Just as promised, here is the clock. It comes with information indicating it was made by the George A. Jones Company for Stevens and Hodges and Company between 1870 and 1872. It is a 30 hour clock and strikes the hour on a wire gong. After we have our clock man give it the once over, it will be for sale for $225.

New Primitives Added

2008-05-26T10:47:00.000-07:00

This cabinet is a new item in our shop. One of the reasons I like it so much is the dark finish. I have started to notice a trend away from the lighter woods that everyone wanted for several years. Dark has always been a favorite of mine so I am glad when we find some fun pieces and bring them into the shop. This one is priced at $310.

This desk/shelf combination came from a rural school. I see it on a porch or sunroom with plants or it would be so neat in a child's room. This piece has some great "patina." Priced at $125.

Keep going to the next picture!

This is a double sided cabinet - easy access from either side. Think of it as a room divider with storage benefits! Now tell me if you have ever seen another one of these! Priced at $325

Speaking of unique, how about a desk that has been repurposed from a pump organ. It has so much great old detail. On the bottom is a pull-out bin and it has a lot of working space. Priced at $185. Notice the Auditorium sign on top the desk - I wanted to put it over the bathroom door but it wouldn't fit. Anyway, it is $75.

I hope you can see enough of this nice dresser to appreciate its 1880's look. I moved back as far as I could but still missed the bottom drawers. It has brown marble on top of the drawers on each side as well as the space between. One of my favorite ways to use this type of piece is in a entryway or hallway. They just give so much style and a place to put "stuff." The price tag says $345.

Well, there it is, a small sampling of the things that have just arrived at Brickhouse Antiques. We invite you to come see them all!

New Pictures

2008-05-12T09:06:00.000-07:00

I just wondered through the shop and took pictures of things that were just in or caught my eye. This is a really nice picture, the colors are so great, and it says "Blessed are the Pure in Heart." It is priced at $65 and I think it dates from the early 1900's.

Now this blackboard hangs in our "office area" and reflects the fact that we are shopping 7 days a week and always looking for more neat stuff. We have customers bringing us small items and asking us to come to their homes to look at large things they would like to sell. Basically, we are available Monday through Saturday here at the shop and for appointments. Sunday's may find us at a flea market or sale.

This is a small view of the hallway shelf area that some dealers have moved into and plan to keep stocked with seasonal items. If you didn't get your Mother's Day gift from here, you probably missed some nice things! Their prices are terrific!

This is a great table and 2 stools, pine I think, that is kind of fun. It is heavy and sturdy and priced at $375 for the set. Lisa and I had our afternoon tea there last week and can testify to the comfort levels!

Here we have a Stromberg-Carlson floor model radio that still works! The fabric front has been replaced but they did a great job and it looks fabulous! $200 takes this baby home!

If you need pillars, look no further! We have a selection of sizes and they really look good all together. Hope to see you soon whether you are buying or selling!

Signs of the Times

2008-05-05T11:25:00.000-07:00

I've pictured some of the signs we have just brought into the shop. Some are painted wood but the majority are metal or steel, at least one is double sided, and they range in price from about $30 to about $75.

As you can see, this one is pretty big and has some "character" marks. These don't bother me but some people might want to repaint or repair. I don't think that would be to much trouble.

See the little girl on this Sunbeam Bread sign, the actual model came into our shop a few years ago and purchased a Sunbeam door push. She modeled for the company but her parents never kept any souvenirs and she was "buying back her childhood."

This Golden Sun Feeds sign would look great on someone's backyard fence. It's long and narrow and is priced at $60.

There has got to be lots of fun places to hang this explosives sign - what a conversation piece!

Here is my favorite sign - Barq's Root Beer - it's in fun vintage condition and is $75. The colors are nice.

Lisa and I talked about changing our hours to what this sign says but decided to hang with what we have when we noticed the After Hours phone number. Open 7 days a week is plenty for us so after hours don't call us, we'll call you! Hm, probably not! Come see all the signs, I think you'll like them.

A Few Things on the Veranda

2008-04-21T12:49:00.001-07:00

Here's a big wooden Welcome sign, a pitcher pump, some nice pots and a unique bird bath/sculpture. I bet you haven't seen another sculpture like this one!

We sometimes call the Veranda our "imagination area" because our customers are very good about spotting the charm and potential of even the shabbiest item. This table and 2 chairs are priced at $45.

Here's a great bench just looking for a porch to call home! It's priced at $60 and is about 4 feet long.

If you are longing for a claw foot bathtub, you've come to the right place. If this beauty sticks around long enough, I am planning on filling it up and adding some water plants. This one is in great shape and would be great in a bathroom remodel. It is priced at $95.

This is some miscellaneous wood trim. I would love to see what these came from originally! Well, there you have a few examples of what we have on the Veranda. We'll be refilling it all Spring and Summer so come and see.

My Favorite Things, At Least For Now

2008-04-14T14:38:00.000-07:00

This bookcase secretary is just new in the shop and made it to the top of my favorite things list. It has some unusual hardware and is a nice size - not to big, not to small. It is priced at $495.

Next on my list is this piece of stained glass. It has some nice color and I really love the design.

Then we have this flower basket just brimming with US flags! How can you help loving this! I saw something like this last year but the basket and the flags didn't come together until last week.

You have to come see this child's rocker before it is gone! It is in wonderful condition and is just begging for a child or perhaps a doll or bear to sit there in splendor! It is priced at $68.

Here is one more thing - a really nice white kitchen cabinet. Actually it would work lots of places besides the kitchen, wherever your vision might take it. Priced at $285. There you have it, my favorites for a little while. More inventory is on the way as we are off to shop this weekend!

The Veranda

2008-04-07T08:51:00.000-07:00

The official opening of our Veranda is this Saturday, April 12. This picture shows what the big door in back looks like - all locked up! We will be loading treasures out through here for our customers beginning Saturday. We always like to make a big deal out of this since it means that Spring is finally here! And since this is a big deal we are having an Open House at the same time - that always means SALES! We will also be registering customers for Gift Certificate give aways. Lisa and I have been shopping hard lately so the shop has some nice things we think you will like. We also have an new area dedicated to signs and advertising.

As the sign says:

See this empty cabinet? We are planning on having it filled with cool stuff by the weekend! I'm not going to tell you what so you will just have to come and see! It will be worth it! The weather is supposed to be nice so leave the yard work for later and come visit us! See you then!

Setting off on the Blog Adventure!

2008-03-29T11:38:00.000-07:00

March 29, 2008

Here we are on our vintage tandem bike starting this blogging adventure! And yes, that's just what we look like when we use the computer, all giddy and silly!

We hope to use this medium to tell people what is going on in the shop - new stuff coming in, fun things we might be doing, and cool people (customers) we see.

Please let us know what you think and what you would like to see/know about.

Actually, the bike in the picture is sold BUT we have another one out on the Veranda that is even nicer. Speaking of the Veranda, it will be open next weekend, April 4. Look there for yard and garden items not to mention a clawfoot bathtub and butcher block tables with metal legs and stainless steel shelves. We hope to keep it stocked through the coming season with loads of neat outside stuff!

The picture on the right is from our front room - see the sign

over the buffet - "BEST ON YOUR WAY" - what do you think that might mean? Lisa and I have daily discussions on that and you will be doing us a favor if we get an answer. I mean, we can move on to more earthshaking questions like does the toilet paper roll from the bottom or the top in the shop bathroom and other realllly important stuff. So come on and help us out!

Here is one more picture I want to include from inventory that will soon be on our Veranda. No, not Lisa, the bike. Isn't it cute? The Pepsi machine is great also - it even works. Come see it in our front room. Isn't that where everyone keeps their Pepsi Machine?

Since this is our first blog entry, anyone who finds and reads this pleeeese comment! We need the reassurance and the input. Thank you!

Lisa and Coralee