Fabulous Finds Friday: A Cool & Funky Find

I’m not sure what I’ve done to be so lucky with my finds these days. Maybe it’s because I took so much time off from visiting the thrift stores that I’m being rewarded for my restraint.

I suppose that’s as good an explanation as any. Sounds good anyway. 🙂

I was just saying to John last week that we should put a thermometer in our living room to see if our furnace thermostat is working correctly. It seems to be acting up a little lately.

And lo and behold… earlier this week I found this wacky and wonderful piece.

 

Vintage hand carved barometer Made in Italy 1

It’s quite large at about 39 inches tall, and seems to be made out of hand carved wood.

 

Vintage hand carved barometer Made in Italy 3

There’s a lot of lovely detail work.

 

Vintage hand carved barometer Made in Italy 2

Even though the gold paint is still kinda bright it does have a lovely aged patina.

 

Vintage hand carved barometer Made in Italy 4

I have no idea of how a barometer works so I don’t even know if this is working right or not.

 

Vintage hand carved barometer Made in Italy 6

But it looks pretty cool.

 

Vintage hand carved barometer Made in Italy 7

You can’t see it in this picture, but the thermometer still has the silver mercury… and it seems to work.

Yay! That’s always a bonus.

 

Vintage hand carved barometer Made in Italy 8

Here’s the back.

It’s very obvious that the work was done by hand because it’s pretty rough.

 

Vintage hand carved barometer Made in Italy 9

The barometer is held in place by 4 nails and is easily removable.

 

Vintage hand carved barometer Made in Italy 91

Same goes for the thermometer.

 

Vintage hand carved barometer Made in Italy 92

Here are some markings and the label on the back.  I wish it had a date on it, but I don’t see one.

I’ve seen some very ornate ones like this on etsy for anywhere from $90 to $300, but not sure where this one would fall because I didn’t see one exactly like it.

 

But whatever it’s worth I think I did pretty good for my 5 dollar bill.

When I first picked it up at the thrift store honestly my first thought was to take out the barometer and replace it with a clock and spray paint the whole thing a funky colour.

But after bringing it home and having a good look at it, I’m pretty sure it’ll be staying just the way I found it in all its golden beauty.

I think it’s already pretty funky just the way it is.

What do you think?

Thanks so much for reading, and until next time…

keep on keepin’ on!

XOX

I sometimes share my projects and posts at these fabulous parties.

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22 Comments

  1. ColleenB.~ Tx. says:

    What a beautiful mid 20th century giltwood carved Italian barometer and thermometer combination piece.
    Congratulations on your great find

    1. Tuula McPhee says:

      Thanks Colleen! I’m pretty happy with it. I’ve never seen one in person before.

    2. LOVE IT….a terrific find.
      Enjoyed the letter and hope your are back 100% .

      1. Tuula McPhee says:

        Thanks very much Pam! I’m feeling much better. 🙂

  2. That is amazing and will look great in that room and leave the barometer, they are fun to follow in weather changes. Good score!

    1. Tuula McPhee says:

      Thanks Valerie! I think the barometer is working. I’ll have to do some research and see how to read one.

  3. Very awesome find, I had to take time out also from my local resale shop and good will witch we call GW boutique. The weather here in Valparaiso, Indiana was horrible and the flu hit, first thing I did when I was able to get out was to shop at my favorite shop, Bethesda resale. I love your posts and look forward to seeing what project you are working on, keep them coming, thanks.

    1. Tuula McPhee says:

      Thanks so much Gloria! So sorry about the bad weather and the flu. Glad you were able to get back out there. Hope you find some treasures! 🙂

  4. Love it! It’s unusual looking & I like the gold. Glad you’re going to leave it. What a find!

    1. Tuula McPhee says:

      Thanks Florence! Me too. I think it’s meant to stay the way it is.

  5. That is so cool! Can you imagine the work that went into it? So glad it found a new home with you! Dona

    1. Tuula McPhee says:

      I know, it’s pretty incredible. Not sure I’d have the patience. 🙂

  6. Well, that’s a cool piece! So much fun to find things that are unique.
    ?Cecilia

    1. Tuula McPhee says:

      Thanks Cecilia! I’ve never seen one before so it’s a keeper.

  7. CLINITA KOLESAR says:

    I LOVE IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    1. Tuula McPhee says:

      Thanks! It was a lucky find.

  8. Laura Crumm says:

    What a great find! I’d leave it as is for sure.

    1. Tuula McPhee says:

      Thanks so much Laura! I totally agree with you on that.

  9. Great purchase….If I could find half of your great finds I would be a very happy thrift store customer!

    1. Tuula McPhee says:

      Thanks Bonnie! I have to say that the pickins around here are getting slimmer because prices seem to be going up. But every once in a while I get luck and find a treasure.

  10. Tuula, what a great find!! It’s so unique and the fact that it was made in Italy makes it an even more special “piece of art”!! It’ll look great in your home!

    1. Tuula McPhee says:

      Thanks Karolyn! Who would have thought that I would find such a thing in rural Ontario. You just never know what you’ll discover at the thrift stores.