Sunday, September 20, 2009

Marine Biology Plates

Last weekend we made a trip as a family down to our local farmers market. Fresh kettle corn, vegetables and flowers galore, when out of nowhere we stumble upon an older gentleman selling antique newspapers and maps. Rifling through his many wonders I found an old book plate from an 1857 science textbook with fish. On a whim I asked if he had anymore, and sadly he sad that was his last. As we were about to leave he said he would make a note to himself to just check around his place and see if there were any others.

Today Wren and I made another trip down to the market and when we arrived he told us that he could not find the book the fish plate came from, we thanked him for checking, and then he smiled and said "I couldn't find the book, but I didn't say I couldn't find the plates!" I was absolutely beyond thrilled when we pulled an old file folder out from under the table and opened it, completely filled with marine biology images. In total he had 16 plates that are all over 150 years old for me. The total price? $45. Sounded like a deal to me.

He gave me 3 mattes, but I actually plan on mounting them all between 2 plates of glass and doing a wall full of them.

These two are my favorites!


He also had a collection of botanicals that put this pile to shame. I am thinking they would look spectacular in the guest room, or a bathroom.
Thank you for making my weekend Mr. Book Collector!

27 comments:

E @ Oh! Apostrophe said...

These are gorgeous! What an awesome find!

Jessica said...

How awesome!! I am so jealous of your cool finds!

~ Kelly Ann ♥ said...

Score- great deal

http://kellyannstudio.blogspot.com/

Melanie@TheOldWhiteCottage said...

You are so lucky! I was just looking at plates like these at the flea market and most were over $100 EACH. I looked plenty but left empty handed!

Rebecca said...

you have a knack for finding beautiful and unique treasures! and $45??? what luck!!

Elizabeth said...

those are really pretty. i'd love to see the botanicals. i love botanicals.

erin said...

Those are cool!

Linda in AZ * said...

* YOU, my dear, are ONE LUCKY GAL~~~~ soooo wonderful to find these, and from such a lovely, endearing old-time gentleman!!! That makes it MOST SPECIAL!!!

Best,
Linda in AZ *

Michelle @ Sweet Something Design said...

Wow! What a find! Beautiful images! Can't wait to see what you do with them!

Liana said...

being a geologist in the making im actually take a class that talks about marine ecology etc! lol so i actually recognize the names of ur marine organisms

Astrid in Bristling Acres said...

I'm completely jealous of your beautiful find! My background is in biology...and tidepool critters are my most favorite thing!

Anne said...

I'm drooling over those prints/plates/whatever the technical term is. Amazing!!

for the love of a house said...

Wow! Those are amazing hand-colored prints! Great find!

dedeetsyshop said...

How cool are those! I can't wait to see what you do with them! BTW- I posted about your blog on my blog! Check it out! Keep up the wonderful job!

Dominique Kathryn said...

Just found your blog and I LOVE IT! Such cool furniture and decorating finds. Inspiring me to paint some of my furniture! Looking forward to more. Wish you lived in my area so I could buy way more furniture than I really need!

beachvintage.com said...

Hi Holly, found you through Beach Cottage Love. Fabulous blog. You have a new follower.

Maya @ Completely Coastal said...

Oh, do I love them..., what an excellent find!!

Michelle ~ said...

I love love love the starfish! I was just in FL looking for 'treasures' enjoy them!!

Unknown said...

WOW! Very cool!

:) T

Jamie V said...

I'm feeling sooooooo inspired!!!

Jamie V said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

beautiful! i want them! ha!

Sew Much Ado said...

Those are amazing, how awesome that you found those! Thanks to your inspiration I just refinished my first dresser, it's posted on my blog... warning though, it's not white... although my next one definately will be after seeing all that you have done :).

Moore Minutes said...

Treasure finds like this are so fun!! These are lovely.

Little Lovables said...

Oh wow, I love these!

lindsey said...

Hi Holly,

I am SO beyond jealous of these plates. Were there any other great ones left? If so is there any way I could pay you to pick me up some? I am so in love with these and would love to get my hands on some for my bare walls!

:) Lindsey

p.s. I would also love to hear your ideas on what you are doing with yours!

lindsey said...

Hi Holly,

I am SO beyond jealous of these plates. Were there any other great ones left? If so is there any way I could pay you to pick me up some? I am so in love with these and would love to get my hands on some for my bare walls!

:) Lindsey

p.s. I would also love to hear your ideas on what you are doing with yours!

 
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