Hey there auction fans! Spring is finally starting to show its face….honest….and we couldn't be more excited to share some of our favorite "heart of the home" treasures with you today!
When you think of a cozy, warm kitchen, what comes to mind? For us at Team Funky, it’s all about those beautiful, rugged, and totally unique primitive antiques that tell a story of a simpler time. We absolutely love finding these "goodies" because they aren't just for looking at: they were built to work hard and last forever!
Whether you are a seasoned pro at online collectible auctions or you're just starting to dip your toes into the world of antique auctions, there are a few must-have items that every primitive kitchen needs to feel complete….
In our latest hunts, we've come across some truly AWESOME finds like….heavy stoneware crocks, weathered wooden rolling pins, hand-carved butter molds, deep dough bowls, rusty iron trivets, farmhouse scales, old egg baskets, glass canning jars, wooden spoons, and so much more!
The Mighty Stoneware Crock
If there is one item that screams "primitive kitchen," it has to be the stoneware crock. These heavy hitters were the refrigerators of the 19th century….used for everything from pickling veggies to storing lard or keeping the butter cool.
We see a lot of these come through our online auctions, and they always get people talking! When you’re looking for a special piece for your collection, you want to keep your eyes peeled for those wonderful blue cobalt decorations. Those little hand-painted flowers, birds, or numbers aren't just pretty: they can really boost the value of a piece!
Even a plain, "naked" crock has so much character. We love using them to hold big bundles of dried flowers or even as a sturdy holder for all your modern kitchen utensils. Just a heads up for our bidding friends….these guys are heavy! (Remember, you pay the shipping and packing fee if you aren't local, but they are worth every penny!)
Rolling Pins with a Past
There is something so special about holding a wooden rolling pin that has helped bake hundreds of pies over the last century….it’s like holding a little piece of history in your hands!
Wooden rolling pins are a staple of any primitive collection because they come in so many "fun" varieties. You’ve got the classic ones with the red or green handles, the sleek French style without handles, and those chunky "one-piece" pins that were carved from a single limb of a tree.
We often find these in big lots at our auctions, and they look absolutely "awesome" when you display several of them together in an old stoneware pitcher or a wooden crate. Look for different wood types like maple, cherry, or even bird's-eye maple if you want something really "special." The darker the patina, the more stories it probably has to tell!
The Artistry of Butter Molds
Before everything was wrapped in plastic at the grocery store, farm families took a lot of pride in how their food looked on the table. That’s where the humble butter mold comes in….it’s basically a tiny, hand-carved work of art!
These little wooden treats were used to press a design: like a wheat sheaf, a cow, or a pretty flower: into a block of fresh butter. When we find these at online collectible auctions, we always check the inside of the mold to see how detailed the carving is. The deeper and crisper the design, the more "fun" it is to display on a shelf!
Collectors love these because they don't take up much room, but they add a huge amount of "eclectic" charm to a kitchen display. Plus, they are a great conversation starter when friends come over for a visit!
The Versatile Dough Bowl
Last but certainly not least, let's talk about the dough bowl, or "trencher" as some folks call them. These are big, beautiful, hand-carved bowls that were used for: you guessed it: kneading bread dough every single day!
A good dough bowl has a "great" feel to it. You can see the marks from the adze or the knife used to hollow it out, and the wood usually has a soft, glowing finish from years of flour and oil. These are the ultimate primitive "goodies" because they are so versatile. You can fill them with seasonal fruit, stack them with old linens, or just let them sit empty as a stunning centerpiece on your farmhouse table.
Why We Love the Auction Process
We know that hunting for these "treats" is half the fun! There is nothing quite like the thrill of seeing that clock count down on Hibid and knowing you've snagged a piece of history for a "great" price.
At Funky Junk Auctions, we try to make things as easy and "fun" as possible for you. We provide lots of photos (and we promise, no red boxes here!) and honest descriptions so you know exactly what you’re bidding on. Whether you are looking for that one "special" piece to finish a shelf or you're a reseller looking for the next "awesome" find, we’ve got you covered.
Our auctions feature a huge variety of items including….vintage comics, toys, sports cards, fine china, art glass, books, memorabilia, and of course, our favorite primitive antiques!
Come Join the Fun!
Ready to start your own collection or add to the one you already have? We would love to have you join our community of bargain hunters and treasure seekers!
Be sure to check out our current and upcoming online auctions on Hibid. We offer scheduled curbside pickup if you’re in the neighborhood, and for our friends further away, we provide nationwide shipping (you pay shipping and packing fee). It’s super easy to get started, and you never know what kind of "fun stuff" you might find!
Happy bidding, everyone!
Team Funky
