The Good, The Strange and The Ugly

This week saw Retrovert's first ever auction visit. We played it cool (though our hearts were racing!), carefully examining the lots and sticking to our maximum bids. Only once did we succumb to temptation and buy a lot unseen. Our best buy of the day was a mixed box of vintage china. It was an eclectic lot to say the least!

The Good:

Bridgwood plates and Swinnertons bowls that evoke spring with their floral motifs and bright grass greens.

A lovely set of Grindley soup bowls c.1936-54

A delicate Hanley Porcelain Co cup from the turn of the century and a pair of generously sized Tuscan Bone China teacups and saucers.

A very heavy marble rolling pin for perfect pastry.

The Strange:

Items decorated with butterfly wings were fashionable between the 20s and 50s. Ethically I'm not sure how I feel about selling this tray - perhaps we could donate the money to Butterfly Conservation?

I have a feeling this Royal Winton vessel is for something else entirely, but I think it works well as a quirky vase.

And The Ugly:

Although some of these have a quaint charm, they are not really our style and will probably be soon coming to a charity shop near you. If you know anyone called Rosalind and Harry, we'd be quite happy to donate the dish to them free of charge! I am secretly scared that Jane is going to want to adopt the dog for her animal collection and knowing her love of kitsch she might take a fancy to some of the other quirky objets too.

Have you ever been to an auction? We'd love to know your best and strangest vintage or retro purchases!