Monday, April 4, 2011

Teak Ice Bucket with Brass Handles

Before the weekend starts, I sometimes catch myself drifting off and thinking about what goodies I would like to find while thrifting.  On Friday evening, I started absent-mindedly jotting down some wishlist items...


Since summer is just around the corner, a teak ice bucket was on my list. The very next day, I found one in great condition, with a set of teak tongs! I paid a grand total of $4 for the lot.


It was my first visit to a monthly thrift sale held by a local seniors home. I actually never knew about this great volunteer-run shop, even though my dear Gramps spent his final years at this care facility. The team of men and women running the cash and stocking the shelves were seniors, and I loved their gusto and friendly banter.


The piece is solid teak on the exterior, with an aluminum insert to hold the ice. A plastic rim keeps the lid nice and dry, safe from condensation and moisture. The handles and knobs were a brass colour, but the teak tongs were held together with a silver coloured band. The tongs even have some silver teeth to grip onto the ice cubes. The tongs were probably not original to the set, but I think it still pairs well with the bucket.


Thrifting often represents so much more to me than just the material items. Yes, I definitely love finding good quality items at bargain prices. I enjoy the thrill of the hunt, the researching and learning about new things, and of course writing and sharing my experiences. However, there is a definite sentimental value to many of my favourite finds. This one has given me a real appreciation for these seniors who are staying active, working at the shop and building their community.

Linking up to ATG's Thrift Share Monday!

11 comments:

  1. I am definitely going to put pen to paper! Or at least type a list. Maybe something to do with the conscious mind guiding your eyes once it knows what it's looking for? Or just coincidence? Either way, that's a great looking ice-bucket.

    Dear Gods of Charity Shopping, I would like a peacock wicker chair, a vintage bar, some more homemaker china and a silver tray please...

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  2. That ice bucket is beautiful there is no other word for it...so simple and stylish. The tongs on their own are lovely.

    I like the stories behind the treasures I find too.

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  3. Loving the ice bucket, ive always got my wish list, by may to have to start writing it down! Scarlett x

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  4. How very vintage! It looks like it belongs on the set of Bewitched, ready for Samantha to grab some ice from it to make a cocktail!

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  5. That is a fantastic find! I have a vintage ice bucket that I just love. They're the best.

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  6. Love your ice bucket, I've never seen one made of Teak before! Love the 'matching' tongs too, I actually have 3 vintage ice buckets but no ice tongs.

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  7. Very cool that you went to Grampa's former home to find this interesting item. I would also have sentimental feelings going there and taking a walk through memory lane.

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  8. Isn't it sometimes eerie when you've been wishing for an item, and then it suddenly pops up where you'd least expect it! What an awesome find, theres something so timeless about anything teak!

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  9. The positivity and thoughtful connections you make in your posts are a pleasure to read! This one was no exception! Thanks!

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  10. Thanks for all the comments! I'm thrilled with the ice bucket. The wood is amazing! There isn't even a scratch on there. Funny thing - I almost missed the thing - it was sitting on top of a pile of stuff in the middle of the table, and my heart leaped when I saw it! I had already made a loop around the store, so I wonder if it had JUST been set out when I happened to walk by. :)

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