Tuesday 18 September 2012

Brocante Buys

I did warn promise you that I was going to tell you all about my brocante buys...  so this post is rather picture-heavy!  I had a great day!

There were literally hundreds of stalls that covered the ground on both sides of the river bridge and, although this is always a good event, I have never seen it so big before.



I wanted to get some toys for my grandchildren to play with when they come over for a few days in October, and there were certainly lots to choose from.  I know that Max likes to ride on things and push things around, so I got a trike and a little pram (which Molly may also like)...

Pram and trike

...as well as some smaller toys - a Polly Pocket house...

Polly Pocket house

...a camper van that ingeniously has lots of uses (the top becomes a boat, the side hinges out to be a pool and so on)...

Camper van 2



... and some cars...


...which I would like to think they will both play with, but I know from experience that Molly likes dolls, prams, and 'girly' things and Max likes cars, ride-on stuff and train sets.  To be fair Max does like to push around a pushchair with a doll in and I hope he will grow up to be a 'modern' man and not feel he has to be macho about everything!  Seems unfair that girls get to play with any and all the toys (and dress in any way they like) while boys are encouraged to play with 'boys toys' and certainly never wear skirts and dresses!

I also got a few minor things for me, such as some Kitchen Devil knives, a cowbell that I'm going to hang outside my front door (fed up with people knocking so timidly that I can't hear them even when I'm downstairs) a Mouli Julienne, a fabulous oak sewing box (which will need a whole post to itself) and another typewriter....

Yes, I'm feeling a bit guilty about the typewriter, although I don't know why. It is a lovely Olivetti Lettera 32 and I bought it (for just a few Euro) from the original owner, who bought it new in the late 60s. I've cleaned up the carrycase and the typeface and just need to get a new ribbon for it...

Olivetti typewriter

I discovered, while talking to an elderly English couple, that there is a Typewriter Museum in Montmorillon, so of course I'll have to pay it a visit...



Seems that it is open pretty well all year round, which is great (not to say highly unusual)!

9 comments:

Anna said...

Lovely vintage stuff...
Have a great day.
Anna

Annie said...

What fab buys Penny.....you've obviously got a good eye for a bargain. :-)
Hugs,
A x

Elizabethd said...

I think you are heading towards your own museum!

moleymakes said...

Great purchases. I remember buying Polly Pocket and Lucy Locket things for my daughter.

That Olivetti takes me back. I had one at home when I was in the 6th Form. I used to practise my Pitman's typing on it :)

Carol said...

Some great finds, love the Polly Pocket house. Look forward to seeing your new sewing box.
Carolxx

Annie Cholewa said...

Lovely buys :)

I too have a penchant for old typewriters ... I struggle to keep it in check!

Trudy said...

You're a tease!! Wish I could have tagged along with you on your brocante shopping spree : -)

maschinengeschrieben said...

Nice Lettera! Is the è under the 7 and the % next to the Tab key the usual arrangement on french keyboards?

quilterliz said...

G'day penny. You did pick up some great things for your grand kids and lucky you in getting another typewriter. How many do you have now? Take care. Liz...