Sometimes you see fabulous things at estate sales.
Sometimes you realize you were fortunate enough that the fabulous thing you found was still there an hour after the estate sale began, and even though it was priced a little higher than you would normally pay and would not be discounted since it was still early in the first day of the 2-day sale, you know it is valued at about four times as much and worth every serendipitous penny.
Not that I will be selling her. Ever.
Here she awaits entrance to her new home.
Come on in, we've been waiting for you!
A little dusty around the shoulders, but she should clean up pretty nicely.
Does the model number mean she was born in 1927? (fun fact: our house was built in 1926). A little further up is the number 14, which I'm guessing is the size. A fourteen. With that waist. Yikes.
I'll have to inspect a little further for a manufacturer or at least a location. Do you think she's French? Or a native New Yorker?
Lovely claw feet.
She looks right at home!
There must have been something in the Jersey air since Jill of Gypsy Brocante found one last month. And, like her, I am also trying to come up with an appropriate name, although I'm thinking something to reflect our Italian heritage would be preferable. Any suggestions? I'm leaning towards Graziella…
Hope everyone is having a glorious Mother's Day!
GASP! GASP! GASP!! She's fabulous! Love her. Oh the possibilities. I've wanted an antique one for so long... glad you found this one to give her a new home. I think she needs a name now!
Posted by: Colleen | 11 May 2011 at 12:51 PM
Dare I say it? Find of a lifetime!
Posted by: Maureen O'G | 10 May 2011 at 10:10 PM
She is GORGEOUS! I'm so happy for you that you found her!
Posted by: HeidiAnn | 09 May 2011 at 12:41 PM
SM...my maiden initials!
She is gorgeous...I say go with the SM and call her Signorina MariaBella. Ciao!
Posted by: Sandi ~ A Cottage Muse | 09 May 2011 at 06:43 AM
Love, love, love her!Great find. I have been looking for one just like that! Hopefully someday I will find one. Enjoy! amy
Posted by: amy boelter | 09 May 2011 at 03:14 AM
Gorgeous!
Posted by: Jackie | 09 May 2011 at 12:39 AM
Well done! Yes that number does mean she was manufactured in 1927. My first instinct was a Wolf Form. But the "S.M." probably means it's from the Superior Model Form Company. It's is probably one of the earliest models they made!
Posted by: monogirl | 08 May 2011 at 08:21 PM
She's FAB! And I found on last weekend too. Mannies coming out of hibernation?
Posted by: Sue | 08 May 2011 at 07:37 PM
YOWSERS Gina....You must be OVER THE MOON HAPPY with your LOVELY lady....CONGRATULATIONS on your MAGNIFICENT find....!!!!!
Cheers from Oz,
Tamarah xxx
Posted by: shabby*vintage*junk | 08 May 2011 at 06:50 PM
She's lovely Gina. Aren't SM her initials though? How about Sophia Margherita?
Happy Mother's Day! :)
Posted by: Laura @ 52 FLEA | 08 May 2011 at 06:46 PM
GREAT find I have been looking for one with the cage bottom but so far NO luck.... so lucky you....
Posted by: Colleen ..gardenbloom | 08 May 2011 at 06:44 PM
Remember, a size 14 many years ago did not mean the same thing as a size 14 today -- originally, women's dress sizes were 12, 14, 16, 18 -- I have a McCall pattern from 1947 and a size 14 was a 34" bust, 26 1/2" waist, and 35" hip (which today would be more like a size 6) Women's sizes have been going down, and it is for pure vanity -- somehow a smaller size (even for the same measurements as the larger size number) seems flattering. It's all just numbers!
Posted by: Carol Wilson | 08 May 2011 at 06:36 PM
Great find. As a knitter I've always wanted one of those. Very cool. And I see her peeking out the window at Halloween already...
Posted by: Kathy | 08 May 2011 at 05:36 PM
OH Gina...she is just beautiful! Wonderful find!!
Posted by: Linda | 08 May 2011 at 04:19 PM
I loved that! Glad you procured her, she looks great in the VJIMT Home.
Posted by: Keirendunfee@comcast.net | 08 May 2011 at 03:55 PM