Saturday, February 18, 2012

Old school audio

It was sad to see my old stereo system go.  I had bought it in 1988 (when I was 15),with one of my first paychecks from working as a junior checkout assistant / dog's body, at Coles supermarket.  Still in excellent cosmetic and working condition, someone got a bargain on Ebay for $50. 
 Since moving house, the system had lived on the floor in the lounge room.  It was big and out of place and needed to find a new home and someone to use it and love it.  However, this led to the problem that I have quite a few old records (and sometimes add to my collection when the whim takes me)... so, how would I play them now?  Obviously I NEEDED a new (old) record player.  Nothing big, just a turntable this time.  I bought a lovely Garrard turntable with integrated HMV amplifier and matching speakers, on Ebay.  I had already sourced a cool stand for it from Mill Markets Newcombe.

Unfortunately, since bringing the player home it hasn't been playing to the end of the records correctly, so it's going back to the seller for a fix.  Hopefully, cross fingers that the fix ends happily.  But, yesterday I spun a little Michael Jackson and Elvis on it, and it sounded great.
Last week I also picked up this cool orange coloured radio cassette player, in the shape of a helmet (?) at Nobelius Auctions.  How retro looking is it??!  Nobelius, in Surrey Hills, have been a favourite auction house of mine, but sadly, they are closing down after their next auction.  I bought it to resell later, but after using it yesterday, I am not sure I can part with it, at least for a little while!!

Shoppers notes:

Mill Markets is the mother ship for collectors in Victoria, they are in 7 different locations (and I hope to have a stall there one day when I have time) see http://www.millmarkets.com.au/

Nobelius Auctions, one auction left, see http://www.nobeliusauctions.com.au/index.html

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

2 lovely auto trolleys

Mid-Century Trolley
Unfortunately all holidays come to an end.  My last purchase for the holidays was a fantastic mid century auto (or drinks) trolley.  Auto trolleys are more commonly seen in dark timber with turned legs.  I did already have a beautiful art deco trolley that is now for sale on eBay.  See the two pictures to compare styles.  Which one do you like better?   I love both of them, but the retro style is my new passion and fits into my living room style.  I hope someone buys the art deco one and loves it though.

Art Deco Trolley
The art deco trolley I bought last year at Abbey's Auctions.  The mid-century trolley I bought last weekend at The Second Hand Shop.  I had seen the trolley on their website in the previous weeks and really liked it.  However, it wasn't until I read a tweet Saturday morning about them having a sale with 10-20% off most items, that I had the sudden urge to drive an hour across the other side of Melbourne to see if they still had it.  After parting with $200 I had the trolley and was heading home.  I have a few "barenalia" things on the trolley.  As you can see I like amber glassware (amongst many other things)


Shoppers notes:

Abbeys Auctions have a general auction every Friday and an antique auction every 6 weeks.  They are located at 480-482A Station St, Box Hill.  See http://www.abbeysauctions.com.au/


The Second Hand Shop is located at 10 Binns St, Montmorency.  See http://www.thesecondhandshop.com.au/ or Facebook
& Twitter 2ndhandShop