Enamelware vs Graniteware

Enamelware vs Graniteware! What is the difference?  Enamelware is a solid color (most often white) and usually has a colored trim.  Graniteware has a pattern.  There are several names for this stuff; agateware, speckled ware, etc., but I know it most commonly as enamelware or graniteware.  I think graniteware has more interest and texture with speckles, swirls, mottled, and marbled patterns.  The colors seem to blend into swirls and patterns that give it interest.   Graniteware was much lighter and easier to handle and clean than cast iron which made it very popular! It was popular from the 1870’s till the end of WWII. It was made in both the U.S. and abroad. It usually came in blue, red, purple, brown, greens, pink, grey and white.  Orange can be found but it is very rare!  Enamelware is still being produced today so how do you know if you have an old piece vs a new one?  The first indicator is it is heavier.  The next is if you tap the bottom, a newer piece will have a “tinny” sound to it.  Older pieces have a smooth surface finish and have riveted handles.  Today, they are used as decorative accents or continued to be used as they were initially intended.  Old bundt cake pans, pie pans, and serving platters are great pieces that can still be used in your kitchen today!  A wonderful collectible that can be found at South End Antique Mall just about any time of the year.

This pattern is called "Snow on the Mountain"

This is a great example of white enamelware and grey graniteware

An Old Chapter Ends and a New One Begins

 

We here at South End Antique Mall can’t thank you enough for your wonderful support this last year.  It has been a tough year for all of us and we have been truly blessed to have all of you as our friends and customers.  We will never forget those of you who “made appointments” to shop during the lockdown! Regardless of whether you come by just to browse or to shop, we value all of you and are thankful for you.  We are excited to begin a new year with you and “spoil” you with even more interesting and irresistible inventory. Make it a point to stop by and visit in 2021!

Fashionably Festive in Aurora

Saturday, December 5^th is the day for “strutting your stuff” in your best vintage clothing in Aurora!  There will even be a contest for the best dressed.  Vintage clothing is always appropriate!  I see some of the most beautiful clothing worn by shoppers who visit our mall while hunting down more and more vintage pieces.  We try not to disappoint!  We have vendors with beautiful vintage pieces for you to choose from.  Accessories, clothing, and vintage jewelry; we have it all!  Don’t waste a minute before you come down to South End Mall and find the next stunning addition to your collection.  Do take time to wander the streets of downtown Aurora and show off your finds!

Get Ready for the Holidays!

It is time to mark your calendars for the last sale of the year!  Our Holiday Sale is November 27^th – 29^th. Everything in the store is at least 10% off with many vendors offering even deeper discounts.  This is a great time to start working on your holiday decorating and gift ideas.  Try new china settings for your holiday table, vintage and contemporary mercury glass ornaments and great gift ideas!  The vendors have been bringing Christmas in for the past few weeks and it is already flying out the door so make sure you don’t miss this sale!  Aside from South End Antique Mall, Aurora Colony Visitors Association is having their “Aurora Christmas Kick Off” on November 14^th!  Many of the stores are ready with their seasonal gifts and decor.  Stop by and check them out this weekend as well as visit us here at South End Antique Mall and check out
Santa and his buckboard!

The Best of the Best!

 

Does your “heart of hearts” want true antiques?  You need to stop by South End Antique Mall!   We try to find the best of the best out there to provide you with authentic, quality antiques.  There is nothing like those sturdy, solid wood pieces that last for generations but still retain such beautiful style and functionality.  They range from dressers to antique trunks for decorating and storage ideas.  Take time to stop by and enjoy a spacious and comfortable shopping experience!

Old trunks make great coffee tables!

A beautiful hall tree adds interest to an entry

This beautiful walnut high boy is mid 1800's 

This is a stunning side board!

Take a Deep Breath and Step Into Fall

Can you believe it's already fall!!  We here in the Pacific Northwest have had a traumatic end to our summer and I feel like we missed a nice chunk of it due to smoke from wild fires.  Now, it is time to take a deep breath of our clean fresh air and look at all the fall colors that seem to be appearing everywhere.  It is time to reclaim our decorating spirit for the upcoming holidays.  Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas are coming up fast.  Start bringing those glorious fall colors into your home!  Be sure to stop by South End Antique Mall for a preview of all that is fall.  Make it this weekend as the Aurora Colony Visitors Association is hosting an outdoor Farmers Market and Antique Sale Saturday, September 26^th.  There will be lots of treasures available for your decorating ideas.  South End Antique Mall will have some vendors offering great discounts so be sure to stop by!

Don't Look Now........!!

Can you believe it?  We are heading into fall already!  Where did the summer go?  I think we have been a bit distracted this year and fall is sneaking up on us quickly.  We are slowly transforming into fall décor here at South End Antique Mall.  If you look closely, you will even see a bit of Halloween making its way in.  I love the fall colors and the opportunity to flip around our colors and themes.  Don’t waste time making your way to our antique mall!  The fall décor and Halloween inventory moves out fast! The Aurora Colony Visitors Association will be having another "Autumn Outdoor Antiques & Farmer's Market" on September 26th.  This happens in downtown Aurora.  Don't forget to wander on down to South End Antique Mall and check out or treasures.  We are located just a few blocks south of the downtown core area (heading towards Woodburn).  Our next store wide sale will be in November so watch for the date!