40th

April 30, 2015 marks the 40th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam war.  Having had family members who served the U.S. during that era continually reminds me of how fortunate we are to live as we do and how Thankful I am to those who've helped serve and protect our great nation past, present, and future.  I've always been fascinated with Militaria, from apparel to equipment used and everything inbetween.

Following are some of my faved picking finds of vintage drawings from the Vietnam era.  I've held on to these for some time now and hope to frame and display soon.  I've "blanked" out some of the wording as they are very inappropriate in nature, but you have to remember, these were difficult times, a different era.

In the drawing above the artist shares a little of what one may have experienced in the jungles of Vietnam.  Quite graphic in nature, it truly lends to this soldiers inner most feelings.

The Vietnam War began in the decade before, but the conflict, and especially U.S. involvement, escalated in the 1960s. For the first time, Americans witnessed the horrors of war, played out on television screens in their living rooms.

In the drawing to the right, the artist shares with us a little intimacy.  An intimacy with what would become the Vietnam soldiers "Best Friend" a fully automatic rifle known as the M16.

Above is the artists rendition of a grenade similar to the Mk2 "Pineapple".

Here the artist must have been thinking of Home Sweet Home having incorporated the Pineapple grenade as the tires to his 3-wheeled ATV.

Terrifying in just the thought, the artist lends to us how the detonation of a major bomb could potentially pose the depicted horrific effect on a being.  Leaving only the skeletal figure and the caption "?".

  I only wish I knew who the artist was so that I could express my gratitude for these awesome drawings, but moreso, for his great service and sacrifice.

F-111 Aardvark by
G. Ingram 1989

North American P-51 Mustang by
Doug Kinsley 1991

"Phantom"


"19 years, 5 months, 4 weeks, and 1 day"

April 30, 1975

I'll See You In Awhile

Just a Dream

nevertooold

Vintastic Finds!

With all the nice weather we've been having here in the Pacific Northwest, I'm temped to have a yard sale, need to have a yard sale, lol!  Unfortunately, my schedule doesn't allow for me to plan accordingly and I just know this gorgeous weather is about to end and will as usual, take pictures and start some listings.  Here are a few on my finds from hunts past that I hope will soon make it to my NeverTooOld shop on Etsy...

It's just amazing how much stuff I'd pack in a box, but more so, how much stuff I accumulate!

Here's a cute little battery operated lantern from the 50's that until now, I couldn't let go of.  The old man who was having a sale told me it was a prize from an old carnival.  I love to hear the stories of where these treasures came.  A decent chrome base, cap, and handle with a clear globe.  The lantern stands about 4 inches tall.

How bout' some spurs?  Here's a vintage pair with their original leather's.  They aren't that old, but I'd bet to say they are from the 60's or 70's.  I keep all my finds in a climate controlled storage.

Tea for two?  Here are a couple tea bag holders from the 50's.  One's from Japan, the other is not marked.  Both are about 2 inches with the other slightly larger.  Pretty little things!

Direct from Switzerland, this lovely little music box plays 4 different tunes, one of which is one of my favorites "Ave Maria"  The music box needs a little cleaning.  I have it on my desk, winding and rewinding so the tune is coming up to speed.

Clocks, there's no telling how many clocks I've purchased and sold over the years.  These two cames from an estate sale.   Most I'll keep for a month or two, some I've not yet been able to let go of.  This is a lovely wood encased "Teletron" from the 1940's.  It still works great and is just a simple beautiful piece.

Did I mention clocks? lol.  Here's another, this is a General Electric fitted into a lovely piece of alabaster.  It measures about 6 inches wide by 4" tall by 2 inches thick.  I date it to the 50's as the style of clock is indicative to that period.  It works great and soon to appear in NTO.

These cast iron Frog and Turtle bells come from Japan.  Pre pre-occupied.  1950's or so.  They are tiny.  Both measuring about 1.5 inches in diameter and 2 inches tall.  They both offer a truly lovely chime.

Picture frames.  I try to stay away from large ornate frames anymore due to the cost of packaging and shipping, which is a shame.  This little jewel measures about 4 inches tall by 3 inches wide, but, but, it has a bubbled glazing.  Great for that special vintage photograph.

Does anyone remember these?  These cute little "Mini" forks where available as souvenirs from Disneyland from the 50's to 70's.  I believe these are from the 70's.  A great set in original box.  The gal that had these at her sale said... "Take 'em for a dollar"  Who was I to argue? 

 I remember finding this Hershey's cookbook at a yard sale around the corner from my house.  I bought it not only for it being a Hershey's book, but because of it's condition.  Yeah, there are a couple "Chocolate" stains in it, but that lends character to the book and in that it was loved and used.

The Mrs. wants to keep these.  A set of six vintage Peeredge Steak Knifes in the original box and include the original card.  I just wonder if these were like a wedding gift that was just put away and never used.  They look new.  Nice serrated stainless blades and beautiful yellow and cream colored  Bakelite handles.

Below is a bottle I found rolling around in an empty box.  I suppose I should have it's contents checked out by a Geologist or Gemologist as I've no idea what type of stones they are.  Any guesses?

Coming soon!.....

Just wanted to share a few of some finds and it's gonna take me a year to photograph the rest, so I better get started as Christmas is just around the corner!!

Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to visit the shops featured in my "SideShow" featurette and tell 'em NTO sent ya!

Those Marvelous Men....

and their....

They're....

Flying Machines!


OUCH!  That's gotta hurt!

Full Throttle Rush

My pulse peaks and my thoughts erased, I strain for a breath.  My muscles tighten and everything around me turns to white.  My physical being is in that of a paralyzed state, transfixed.  I grip tighter and pulled harder.  I've no fear and feel a sense of calm, peace.  I hear no sound.  I feel my head bow, not by choice, by force.  I've not left the ground...

but I'm flying.

A Great Scott!

A sad day in the world of sports came yesterday with the news of the passing of my most fave sportscaster.  

Forever to be remembered

Stuart Scott

R.I.P

1965-2015

One last...

BOOYAH!

for the trip home.