Getting My Feet Wet At The Second - Hand Shop

I have to say, I do not often take the opportunity to go nosing about second hand shops, which is odd because it is something that I really like to do.
A couple of days ago there were some old clothes that needed to be dropped off at one of the second hand places. While there one may as well have a little look-see, right? Well, about ten steps from the drop-off desk I came across this little thing:


It was not price-marked, so I asked what they wanted for it--4 euro's. That was too much, and as I was walking away, the man suggested 3. I took it.

It is a nice little "rug", and it goes on a small end table between two chairs in the multi-media room. I was well chuffed....but I am now entering into the realm of the professional junque recyclers, such as Toni and a couple of others. Well seriously, these guys really are pros at finding, acquiring and fixing-up items found. Truth be told, I actually feel out of my depth in their company; but having said that, I do have a little something that I found that day that I am extremely proud of.
Ok, it isn't really cool, but it is something that I like a lot. I like it a lot, but my partner LURVES it.
"Well then man, go on then--TELL US WHAT IT IS, for heaven's sake... Stop faffing about!", I hear you saying. Oké then-what I have to show is this:


---A garden bench. A wooden garden bench. The "brass tag on the back says "Oxford Collection".


The price was 20 euro's. I looked at the condition. I could not tell how old it was... 5-10 years perhaps, but that is just a guess. A sort of coating (varnish or something) once covered this bench and you can see the sort of reddish colour of the protected wood on the back where the tab is.

I suppose that this bench has not been on offer for too very long because I can see that there was algae colonies on the seat and trails made clean by slugs and snails...in fact I spotted a soft and cold little slug, looking contracted and pitiful on the arm.
Whilst looking it over, a man came by and looked at the bench...he looked interested. I could not stop myself from speaking with my partner about the bench measurements and appearance...and how it was going to look up against the front of the new little shed at the allotments.

What is that! Why does someone else showing interest in something that you have interest in make you become almost compulsive to buy that thing. I mean the feeling to have it was almost overwhelming. Well, actually I was already pretty sure that I was going to buy this bench, but had there been an inkling of doubt, that was swept away simply by the presence of a strange man. hahaha. Oh dear, the psychology of the mind really is an interesting thing.

The main thing was the bench's length--would it fit into the little yellow VW Caddy? Tja!...it would just fit, or just not. I couldn't eyeball it. Once bought, and while lugging it out to the auto, I began to have doubts that it would fit.
Doors open, back seats folded away and in it went, transversely... and there had to be some jiggling and a few harsh words uttered, but at last it did fit.
Then of course, plastic bags and such had to be stuffed-in here and there at the various pressure points to prevent dents and scratches to the auto's interior. This all taking place in the hard, cold wind with the intermittent misting of rain. I had a bit of haste, because I didn't want the dry bench to become wet.

Well, once at the lottie parking lot, the struggling could begin all over again. It had become wedged. Just as desperation began to set in, I made a little adjustment and, voilà! It was free and could be worked out of its cocoon.
Now it had to be carried some 200 yards to the garden. 200 meters of mostly straight sidewalk. It was just those two tight corners and of course it had to be lifted over the fence of the garden.

The weight of that bench brings me to the next aspect of this "find"-- what kind of wood was it? I believe that it is teak. I believe that, because of its weight, the fact that it was not painted with paint and based upon what I could find on the internet.
I could not find the exact bench on the search, but I did find things about the "Oxford Collection".
So what I am hoping is that it is a hardwood of some sort and that it still has some life left in it. Naturally with this new addition to the lottie, the question of preservation comes into consideration. --Should it be cleaned, sanded and painted with something, or simply just left to age. At this point, I do not know.

Well have a look at the bench from the side:


At any rate, I have the bench inside the shed. It can be separated into two pieces, with the seat lifting out. Handy. There is still the whole winter to consider preservation possibilities, meanwhile it can remain dry.

I noticed flowers and plants bulbs sending up stems and leaves. Here is an Astrantia. Too bizarre.


And then it was time to turn on the little heater, put on the tea and pick up the newspaper. I had refilled the feeders and saw these two birds immediately arrive on the scene. The one in the upper left is the European Robin and in the lower right hand corner on a fat ball, a little blue tit. Those guys are too cute.


Leeks were also harvested. Don't those things look tasty? Ach, and the smell--they smelled so good.


Well then, there you have it--my garden junque acquisition. I would be interested in hearing any ideas on preservation--whether it is actually necessary, or if it is preferable to clean and paint it...and what with?

It felt good to get my feet wet in the world of second-hand gardening junque.

 

That is a beautiful bench and it fitted perfectly with the little house. Those leeks looks real good, guess who is heading to the supermart for some leeks tomorrow!!

 

A perfect addition for the new shed as it will serve a multitude of functions. Great for sitting and watching birds or placing items down going into or out of the new shed. It looks so inviting. A very good selection for 20 Euros. Congratulations on your new garden junque.

Jerry

 

Second hand junque can be very special and can have very special places in our world. Did you see what I did with my special window?



It was free. Makes it all worth while.

Barb in Pa.

 

What a wonderful bench! I bet it is teak--I have seen several at garden shops that are almost identical (the only thing lacking is the brass tag) and they go for $200 or more here. If you want to put a preservative on it, you could just use a water-seal. Those are clear, non-shiny, and preserve wood from moisture. They are used on patio decks a lot.
Look at the back of your rug. If there are lots of little knots, and no manufacturer's tag or identification, you may have a prayer rug. Islamic prayer rugs are about that size, and the pattern looks like it might be Islamic. Different weavers in different regions have special patterns they use. The patterns identify the region where they were woven. The colors are very bright, so it probably isn't antique, but it sure is lovely!

 

So glad you found a couple of treasures! I know nothing about rugs, but I like the colors of that one.
And that bench! Great find indeed! I would have snagged it up too. I wouldn't paint it... especially if it's teak. The beauty of the wood would be gone.. covered up. And within a year or two, you'd have to scrape it and repaint again... and again. You could stain it and then apply water seal. Or... just water seal by itself would protect it for years to come.

 

dr says, "Those are two very excellent finds. It's hard to tell from the picture of the rug but my question would be is it wool or silk? It looks more like wool but many small rugs were made of silk. We dealt in and collected middle eastern rugs for many years and I think this may be a good one. It is about the size of a prayer rug but it is not quite wide enough and does not look like a prayer rug design. A table top is the best place for it.

I believe the bench might well be teak although it is hard to tell without seeing it in person. Teak is used for boat decks as it is extremely weather resistant. I would be reluctant to put any finish on it if it is teak. Teak weathers out to a beautiful light silver gray color and it will only get better as it ages. Those are just my opinions for what they are worth. Congratulations on two excellent finds."

dooley and dr

 

Great finds Sjoerd!
A light scuff with fine steel wool if necessary and a healthy coat of teak oil is all you need.

 

Hi Sjoerd! I am a bit green with jealousy.
That bench is so perfect in it's new home. No doubt you'll do a lot of relaxing and enjoying the view from there. So, all your work to transport the bench was well worth it.
Every garden needs a place to sit and ponder.

 

great find sjoerd! it looks like it belongs there!

 

It's a great find. I've been wishing for a garden bench. I'd put some more of those square blocks around and under it and make a little patio area with a side table for holding a tea cup when you are sitting outside. Or some nice looking small rocks.
And some flowers around it. So many things to add to the setting. Yep! I wish it were mine, too. You did a great job at second hand shop shopping.
dooley

 

Very nice finds Sjoerd. Both are classic and versatile. After reading all the posts, I was curious about the shorea wood and found a very informative article that may help you decided what to do.

http://www.shorea.org/shorea-outdoor-furniture.html

 

Congrats on your AH-HAA! finds. I just love second hand shops . . . Love your posts also. . .