There is always something to bid on when searching Ebay.  Especially if the price is right.  And then every week or two there is a pretty hard to find item.  Well today there was 3 items listed!  A Syroco Painted Clown, a Barnes Patent and a very rare "Imperial" Joseph Pitt Patent.  I haven't acquired any of them yet, and I'm not too confident in my snipes (as I'm looking for a bargain!), but it doesn't hurt to try right?  Wish me luck!

P.S.
I have a whopping 37 listings going right now.  Feel free to use your entire tax returns when bidding.  I will accept co-signed Government Checks as payment for you loyal readers.

Today has been pretty busy so far.  I woke up early to head out to Sandwich Illinois to hit up the local Antique Fair.  Trust me, I searched high and low and then haggled with a few sellers, but no treasures to report.  Better luck next next month I guess.  Definitely time for a real sandwich!

The mail man dropped off several openers yesterday.  They just so happened to be mostly Negbaur Parrots!  You will be able to bid on them via Ebay shortly as I am listing many items today.  Happy Bidding!

I went to Kuztstown, and came up short.  But on the way home I stopped by a few malls in Ohio.  There were a couple pieces to be had.  A Burlington Vermont Flash and a Beverwych slide opener.  No $5 Golden Knights to report here, but I'll take what I can get....

I was able to see my friend Chrissy earlier this week, and from her childhood she had gotten a few Beanie Babies.  Well she has one that I've never had.  Slither the Snake.  She had him tangled between the shelves in her closet and nearly ripped his tail off while trying to free him.  I was SO EXCITED to view the beanie as I've been hearing about him for about 3 years now.  I think it would make for a great Mothers Day gift to me.  (well that's the next giift giving holiday right?)

Well I think I'm ready to start collecting them again, or at least quietly pursue them,  as I actually bought one in Ohio at the mall.  He is a Pink Face "Spangle" with an international tush tag.  Welcome home Spangle!!

Well I'm back in Chicagoland, but not home yet.  I stopped off in Rockford to visit my buddy Scott for a bit. 

I've finally got a chance to dig through all of my bags and boxes to really see what I scored this weekend.  I think I will separate the entries.

I must say that the JFO Group is the most friendly and welcoming group of people.  Each person is genuinely excited that you are there and having a good time.  I can't hardly wait till next year!

I should probably get home soon to see what the mailman has left me! 

Also scored this weekend was a unique item.  It's a crate for the Crown Cork and Seal Company.  This should get Mark a little hot and heavy.

Here is my half of the trade between Josef and I.  Though I came out ahead, I miss my piggy already!  And I need to find a replacement for my Best 6 entry.

Me and Josef and then on the way home to Chicago, the Antique stores and malls were raided!  I'm almost dizzy just thinking about how much "stuff" is out there!  Here are pics of my treasures collected.  The big scores were a 6-Tool bow for Josef and a Syroco German Shepherd Dog Head Mold for me.

Here is EVERYTHING I bought from the JFO guys.  All were acquired for good prices and should end up on Ebay sooner than later......be on the lookout!  Except for the legs maybe.....

Today was beautiful here in Chicago!  About 65 degrees and sunny!  I got up early today so I could make the rounds at the Kane County Flea Market.  Lots of old furniture and Pez dispencers in case you are in the market for some.  I must admit that I bought 2 grape vine handle corkscrews just to practice my haggling skills and get the juices flowing.  I came across a couple dealers that had several roll-overs and common double levers, but not a real bargain at $15-$25.  Finally I found what I was looking for.....another Flash (how many do I have now...?)!  Although the price tag was $3, I negotiated a final selling price of $2!  I love the flea market!

Syroco did not do a whole lot of custom "advertising" on the items they produced, but they did do some.  I saw this little guy online and was quick to set my snipe as he has a leather band around his brush instead of the typical stitching.  It reads "Fort Leonard Wood".  Probably produced to highlight the opening of the Military Base located in Fort Leonard Wood, MO. late in 1940.

I've started to tear through my collection in search of bottle openers to bring to the JFO Convention.  It's only two weeks away!  Needless to say, I don't think I have found any "I" types for Harriet (sorry Harriet!) but I do have some.  Most importantly though, is what corkscrews to bring that will dazzle Josef into releasing my Sterling St. Pauly Girl.  This will be quite the challenge as I refuse to give up his Ross Pig in Packaging.   Hmmmm........
This "Impossible" trade has been going on for about a year now, but both parties are not budging.  Stay tuned....