Kaleidoscopes and Antiquated Lamps

I bought these three kaleidoscopes over 30 years ago and bring them out every Christmas. This year, however, I have decided to leave them out. They are on my fireplace mantel with a few of the oil lamps. They are so beautiful that I thought I would post them with a few of my old lamps. Do you think I can trust my BabyGrands??This beauty has been with me much more like 40 years when I first discovered an interest in 'old things'. At that time it was a matter of necessity. One could pick up old things pretty cheap then, but now this would go for a pretty penny, for sure. Maybe it's time I look some of these lovelies up! This is my Rose Lamp.

I found this little crystal based lamp just a few years ago at a garage sale for a buck. Do you think I did O.K. on this one.? I just love it and when I no longer have my GrandLoves spending the night so often, I will find just the perfect place for it.

I rescued this Railroad Engineer's Oil Lamp from salvage. My neighbor was about to plow over a little out building on his property. Lucky I showed up when I did. He asked if there was anything I wanted before he started demolition. Lo and behold, there were several oil lamps, some cool old furniture, vintage fabrics and notions., even several old Bibles. It was a golden day for me, thanks to my neighbor's lack of interest in what he called 'junk'. I since have collected lots of his 'junk', most of it off of his rock pile. Yikes!!!

This was yet another great garage sale find. Someday, this will go to my son. He has a collection and love of the American Eagle and he was with me and spotted this lamp. He was 7 at the time. Good things come to those who wait.
This Cherry Lamp, I call it, came from an auction. No one wanted it and I got it about 28 years ago for a whole dollar. I never have liked the shade on it but also have never found one that I would like yet...not sure how to dress it.
My candelabra came from St. Vinni's in Baraboo, WI about 14 yrs. ago from my son's X...their house was a beautiful old Victorian full of treasures. She loved antiques too and every chance we got, it was a trip to Vinni's and auctions. She actually purchased this for herself, I thought, when, before we headed home, she gave it to me. It too, needs a special place. I used to have a vintage bedroom, and hope to again soon. All of my treasures will find their place.

The etched mirror behind the lamp was another 'save' from my bachelor neighbor.
I have several oil lamps, all of my very small ones are in storage. The one in the center was a cabin-warming gift from my husband's aunt. The other two came from another bachelor neighbor. Gene said the one on the right was the one that hung in the stairway when he was a kid. It was lit at sunset and stayed lit until he and his siblings were all tucked into bed. The one on the left sat on their kitchen table.
These next two are very heavy. They were also from Gene. He says they were made of leaded glass, thus heavy. The one on the left was in the porch, the right one in the living room on a mirrored dresser. Way to the left is an extra globe for the largest lamp. I love these lamps and especially because I know the story behind some of them. I know Gene loves my having them. It brings him many memories when he sees them since his family house is no longer livable. How I would love to restore that old log house and make it a home again for him. If only, if only.

I hope you enjoyed the tour of just a few of my lamps. I have several more in storage that do not have shades. Such a pity to not be using them...they are all brass.

Some day, some day., if not by me, my daughter and one of the boys appreciates the 'old things'.

Til next time

Blessings Be Yours