by Ken Yenke/Sun News — kenyenke@aol.com

Allow me to go on record for the 100th time: One of the greatest bargains available today is vintage furniture. Just last weekend Brenda and I went to a local flea market, where we found our bargain.

Nearly done shopping, I looked for a place to sit for a moment while Brenda finished at another booth. I sat in an old oak swivel desk chair that was so comfortable I could not get up.

It was carved and turned so smoothly that I had to stand up and examine this thick manly oak chair. Although there was 75 or more years worth of dust and grease on the swivel underneath, the natural finish on the oak was perfect.

Brenda liked it so I looked at the price tag and it said $27. Needing a better desk chair for home, I asked if he would accept $20. We took it home, looked underneath and found it was made in 1916 by the Johnson Chair Co. of Chicago, noted for making some of the fines chairs of that day.

I am writing the Yenke Peddler from my Johnson Chair right now. Would you believe a replica of this chair from a good maker would cost almost $2,000 today?

This was no fluke. You, too, can find good items everywhere you shop from garage sales to high end antique shows, but you must get up and out.

Good things come to both the early birds and those who stand and wait in the right places.

Dear Yenke Peddler:

I enjoy your column, and thought you might be able to tell me a bit about my childhood teddy bear. When you turn a knob on his back, his mouth opens, and there is a zipper in the back that allows you to remove whatever you drop into his mouth. He’s been my companion since 1939. What do you think of him?

John Awarski, Cleveland

John, you are the owner of an original “Feed Me” bear made by the Commonwealth Toy Company in the 1930s. His mouth opens so you can drop cookies, candies and various treats into it. Conveniently located on the back is a zipper that allows you (or your mom) to remove crumbs.

Hard to find today, in great condition they sell for up to $500. A boyhood photo of you with the bear would make it worth even more.

If you have an item for evaluation, send a clear picture with history to Yenke Peddler, c/o Sun News, 5510 Cloverleaf Parkway, Valley View, OH 44125-4887.

Source : www.cleveland.com