Armchair Antiquing

I love to go 'antiquing' and poke around antique shops to see what treasures I may find. Some days though I just don't have the time to drive out to where there are some antique stores and spend hours poking around, so I'll do some "armchair antiquing" via the internet instead. I have had good luck with all my internet antique purchases, but as a word of caution it is buyer beware whenever transacting business over the internet. You really have to know what you're looking for, read the descriptions, and be sure to ask any questions if you have any doubts.

I collect pressed glass pieces from the Fleur de Lis line made by Bryce Higbee circa 1898. I love this glass because my grandmother was born in 1898 and also because the Fleur de Lis is a symbol of my French ancestry. This cake stand was one of my first internet purchases.

I fell in love with this butter dish. You should see how it sparkles in person. Instead of butter I often use it for a cheeseball during the holidays.

I bought this compote just because it was the Fleur de Lis pattern. I've never actually used it, so perhaps one day I'll use it as a centerpiece somehow on the holiday table. That's one problem with internet auction sites - you can get carried away and buy things you don't really need in the excitement of the moment.

This is a celery vase, which they used to serve stalks of celery in.

This is one of my platters, which shows the Fleur de Lis nicely. This was a special find because the seller spelled "Fleur de Lis" wrong. Because other bidders didn't find it by using the usual search words for this type of glass I didn't have any competition and was able to get it for a good price.

I also have several bowls and other pieces, but I don't think you want to see each and every piece in my collection. :-)  I haven't gone armchair antiquing in awhile and I can't think of anything I actually need, but maybe I should go take a look. One never knows what they may find...