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| Just a small fraction |
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| I didn't measure, but this was well over two feet long |
There was no way the vendor didn't recognize my interest and excitement as he showed off the few skeleton keys and the ancient skate key. I was prepared for him to sell the keys in small sets or for an astronomical price.
I was surprised when he said the whole bunch was FIVE DOLLARS!
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| The skeleton keys and skate key are in this poor picture |
Pat handed him a twenty, but there was no change to be had. I immediately asked if he would hold the keys for me while we shopped, and we'd definitely be back for them with a lower denomination bill. He was more than pleased to do so.
As we explored the other booths, I found some chandelier crystals (pictures later) and that purchase broke the twenty. We headed back for my chain of keys. All we had was a ten and four ones and the vendor STILL didn't have change. I convinced Pat to just give the gentleman the $10 bill for the keys, I thought it was well worth it.
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| Just a few of the lengths of keychains in this score |
Pat says we've got to work on my flea market skills. Apparently, paying double is NOT a good thing. As well, I need to restrain my excitement when I find something I like. In particular, I shouldn't gasp and proclaim "LOOK!" when I discover a cool item. You live, you learn.
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| There were all kinds of cool pieces in the mix of keys including this little lock |
I spent a good deal of yesterday afternoon
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| Check out the awesomeness of these! |
It sounds like these keys are going to be a little bit of work for me, but I'm so excited about them. What do you think? Was it a good deal?
And do you have any tips on cleaning or ideas for projects with them?
yes, great find...at first I thought were gonna pay 20 :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a SCORE!
ReplyDeleteYou are going to have so much fun with these. I am looking through the pictures saying to no one buy myself "Look at that VW key! Look at that skeleton! Look at the red one!" I am getting smirks from the girls.
I can offer nothing about cleaning and use, but I will surely be tuning in to see what you make.
DWhite- I might have paid that much if that's what he had asked. I was absolutely giddy all day after we found these. You wouldn't believe it!
ReplyDeleteI don't think I could've kept my cool either -- what a treasure trove! I spotted one with "Sears" stamped on it that looked particularly fun. Aw heck, they ALL look fun!
ReplyDeleteThat is a fantastic find! I found a jar of keys once and paid $10 still think it was the sweetest deal ever.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by today, off to peruse the rest of your blog!
Angie
Total score! I have a pile I discovered this summer at my mother-in-law's house who couldn't figure out what the old keys went to and said "sure you can have them" ... I slinked away with a crafty smile :)
ReplyDeleteBut confess, I haven't figured out how I will clean them without ruining the finish? do you have advice?
Cynthia (Ha, I finally found your name!)- A while back I made a similar score from my grandmother. She realized I was designing with keys and pulled out an old band-aid tin full of keys including a bunch of skeleton ones. Though she gave it to me, I have a hard time using them since I know some of them go to doors in old family houses. I have to get over that though. As far as cleaning them, I'm soaking a few at a time in a tub of hot, soapy water for a few minutes then scrubbing with some baking soda/water paste with a toothbrush and then rinsing. The ones that are still not very clean/I can't see the designs, I'm rubbing with a very fine grit of steel wool. I found some instructions for some other steps like soaking in a jar of vinegar (to get the brass shiny) or in some coca-cola (to get rid of rust). I haven't gone to that extent yet. I'm just starting with a good surface clean for now. Feel free to contact me if you want any more info! And, thanks for stopping by.
ReplyDeleteO wow, that is a fabulous find! I was drawn to the Sears key, and the one with the three circles just a little above it. So pleased to have discovered your awesome blog, and am now following :)
ReplyDelete18 pounds, wow, that's a really big collection, lucky find ♥ I do see an old vw key, too- I once had a VW Bug or Beetle or whatever the insect was called lol. Your cleaning instructions sound good, I did see something about using a wirebrush wheel or a tumbler, no personal exp I just searched the net. Thanks for stopping at my blog, I'm on your gfc now, too. See you again!
ReplyDeletethanks Hope! will try that! I agree on wanting to hold on to the keys as they clearly have been 'in the family' a very long time. But we tried the keys on all sorts of doors - and not a one fit? so strange.
ReplyDeleteCynthia- That's not weird at all. I have keys on my personal key chain that I don't know what they go to. . .THAT'S a pain! ;) Have fun with yours. I can't wait to see what you create!
ReplyDeleteThis was a great deal and well worth the $10.
ReplyDelete