Think Spring! Springtime comes to Phoebes early

Baby, it's cold outside. 
We decided to bring spring a little early. We did a window to warm your heart and got some gardening items for you to shop for in anticipation.
Stop by and say hi. Think spring.

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What is Goofus Glass

The origional Carnival http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goofus_glass Glass!
From Wikipedia  
Goofus glass is pressed glass which was decorated with cold, unfired paint in the early 20th century in America by several prominent glass factories. Because it was mass-produced and relatively cheap, it was given as a premium for buying things, awarded as prizes at fairs. It was the first carnival glass, preceding the iridized product we refer to as carnival glass today.
Articles produced included plates, bowls, vases, oil lamps, dresser sets, salt and pepper shakers and candle holders. The most common colors used were gold, red, and green, with gold usually being the predominant color. The exact etymology of the name is unknown, but likely stems from the fact that the painted decoration wasn't very durable and people felt that it was "goofy" or that someone had tried to "goof - us".

Mermaid ~ What the heck is it?

We have a really good time here at the shop figuring out whats what.
We picked this up at auction recently. I thought it might be a hood ornament, others WHO ARE WRONG hehehe think it might be an ashtray. What did she hold in her hands?
Made of pot metal, spelter possibly cast aluminum. I am guessing she is about 7" in length.
Here she is on the hood of a car. ( My theory of hood ornament)
She sure spices up the hood of the Hyundai, don't you think?

Alright, the ashtray theory is purpetuated by the actual ashtray we got in the same lot.....I think it was a hood ornament too...and someone turned it into an ashtray.

There is always the horrible possibilty that we all deal with in this business....were they made to decieve.
I don't think so but I have been wrong before. So the discussion rages on. please feel free to join in.
P

How to test for Gold

We get lots of busted jewelery and some so ugly we consider it unsalable and blinding to the eye. Sooo we scrap it and you would be surprised how much money you can get for your busted or unworn gold!
The acid test shown above is easy and effective for identifying gold.
You can find the test kits online for cheap...like on Amazon etc.
Before you use the acid, take a magnet to what you think may be gold.
Gold does not have magnetic properties and wont be attracted to a magnet.
Not all folks who buy gold are the same....some are outright scammers.
Around here I have found that Fast Cash Pawn in Pawtucket pays the most and are incredibly honest.
I won't go anywhere else. ( This is an unsolicited plug for them and they deserve it)
They are on Newport Ave across from CVS.

Website  http://pawnri.com/

What the heck is this? Phoebe's Hidden Treasures

Time to play "What the Heck is it" again.
Found this kicking around the shop.
What is it?
 Does it go to something out on the floor. Ack, does it go to something we already sold??
(would hope to track down the customer)
I can't imagime it's function. Can you. Thank you in advance.

Approx 3" long

New Blog Feature ~ What the heck is this? Phoebe's Hidden Treasures

We are happy to share our knowledge and opinions whenever we can. We give free appraisals as best we can. We are in no way experts on anything but do our best. We have collectively been in the business for about 200 years, have reference books and this gall darned computer but we get stumped often enough.
People bring by stuff and pictures of stuff all the time and ask us " what the heck is this?"
So I thought it might be fun to put them on the blog.
Here is one from a regular customer. As far as we can figure it is some kind of coupon or ticket.
Do you know " What the heck this is?"

It is not laminated but in a protective plastic thingy.

Our customer found it hid in dad's things and is very curious to know what it is.

You can leave a comment if you know. Commical guesses welcomed.

 We have comments set so you can leave anon comments,,,all you have to do is fill in one of those devilish "captchas"

I am unsure if you can leave a photo of your own "what the heck is it?"

If not I will figure out a way to get an email for you to submit your photo's.

Thank you and Happy Guessing!