Well, its April 1st – time for our annual round-up of prankish, punny, odd or humorous stuff found at QBO Estate Sales (and no, this did NOT all come from one house!) For whatever reason, a lot of these silly things get made for the kitchen, so this is our “Foodie Edition”.
First, this handy implement for anyone who likes chili – it’s a “Bean Spoon/Fart Ladder”. Stir your beans with it and then lean it against the side of the pot while they cook and the farts climb right up and jump right out, leaving your beans gas-free. Does it work? Of course not. Neither does this rattan teapot that can’t hold a drop of liquid. This little “camera” holds liquid, though, it’s a flask! The knob on the left is actually a cork. I’d say it was perfect for sneaking booze into stadiums, but as a piece of 1950s glazed ceramic, it’s a bit fragile for the job.
Next is this elegant violin-shaped (and sized) tray from our Beehive. Maybe for serving slices of Opera Cake? Coincidentally an “Appalachian Fiddle Knife” from a different estate showed up at our boutique at the same time. Also known as a Bread Bow Knife, these are made in the Blue Ridge Mountains. They look odd, but unlike many things here, these knives are actually practical: the offset between the blade and the handle gives you a consistent slice every time.
How about this souvenir mug from fishing and country music vacation destination Branson MO, if you just want “Half a cup of coffee” (although who has EVER just wanted half a cup of coffee?!) Or maybe you’re ready to summon the barkeep for another round? This tankard with a whistle conveniently built right in will get you some attention.
Are you a gentleman with a fine, bushy moustache perched over your lip? Then you’re gonna need this handy 1970’s vintage “Moustache Mug” to keep your hairy facial adornment dry while you drink your whole cup of coffee. AND, this silver-plated “Moustache Spoon” by the venerable and perfectly respectable silverplate manufacturer Reed and Barton will help you sip your soup tidily.
Next, some low-brow word play: Are your buns chilly? Need some wooly underwear? No, not those buns – dinner rolls or biscuits or nice toasty croissants will all retain their heat if you warm this ceramic disc up in the oven and put it in a basket with a tea towel draped over your starchy goods. (Practical!) And yes, this hunting-and-venison-themed pepper shaker cut from a tree branch (it even has bark left on it) is admonishing you not to “pass the buck”. And this cute little Mid-Century Danish Viking (who could definitely use a moustache spoon of his own) proclaims “NUTS to you” while himself being a screw-type nutcracker. That missile-looking thing he’s brandishing is probably meant to be a sword. Or a spear? Uh, moving on…
Last, we all know that rubber vomit and plastic dog-doos have long been staples of the novelty industry, but who says Mother Nature can’t get in on the act? This classy item is exactly what it looks like – a poop. But (as decayable as poo usually is) over millions of years this lucky animal dropping underwent just the right conditions to fossilize, becoming solid stone, which surprisingly happens often enough that there is even a scientific term for it: “Coprolite”. Maybe prank a Paleontologist you know. Until next year, Happy April Fools from QBO!
Tuesday Treasures was started by our staff member, Jeanne Lusignan. Each week she will be featuring items that have been found at our estate sales. If you would like to submit a treasure for Jeanne to feature in a future installment of “Tuesday’s Treasures”, please follow the button below and send us an email! Please attach a few photos of your treasure in a beautiful setting as well as any details you have about your item such as manufacturer, use, age, region of origin. If you don’t know about the piece, that’s okay! We still might be able to research it for you! Don’t forget to tell us what makes this item such a treasure to you!