You know what they say about how one man’s trash is another man’s treasure? And one man’s treasure is another man’s trash?  Well, the truth of that adage is never more evident than at an estate sale. I helped out with one this weekend. Here are some highlights. Treasure, or trash? You decide.

A commemorative plate celebrating Canada’s centennial. It’s like owning a piece of history! I wanted this.

This tea towel celebrates another historical moment, though not one that’s worn as well. I would think this might be a collectible item, but the truth is there was so much Royal Wedding kitsch at the time it probably isn’t worth anything.

At first I thought this was probably just junk, but in fact it was the most expensive item in the entire sale. These classic sewing machines are really highly prized. Even though I don’t think many people know how to use them today. At least I asked everyone I thought might have some familiarity with one if they knew how to operate a sewing machine and only one person said they could. And she’s in her mid-70s. So another bit of history.

More history! We had a bunch of oil lamps around the house when I was a kid. Once when the power went out we actually tried to light one. Just could not get it to work. And I think we were doing everything right. But let’s face it, you don’t keep these things because they’re useful. You keep them because they’re pretty.

Who could resist these adorable salt-and-pepper shakers? Apparently pretty much everyone. They didn’t sell.

Surely the saddest remainder of all, however, was Xmas Teddy. And a bargain at only $2! This made me weep for him, for Christmas, and for all of us.