My end 'o the year find.

[Vinca]

Just came back from the dump with a 1935 Mr. Peanut counter display barrel. Great condition, but the lid with the peanut finial is missing. All the same, probably worth a couple of hundred bucks. I assumed it was a repro even though it looked old, but it turns out it's the real jar. I love when this happens!

[grasswire]

1. how big is it?

A lot of people who dig advertising would drool over that!

I learned a new concept last week on American Pickers. Stores bought and displayed games or displays designed to keep the customer at the counter for a while. I've forgotten the term for the said item. But they found a doozie -- a whole showcase that had a miniature carnival inside. Lighted, mechanical, carved figures -- it was essentially a piece of folk art. It was fantastic and I would love to have it.

[Vinca]

2. I saw the pieces on American Pickers . . . and I forget what they were called, too.

Very neat, in any case. The Mr. Peanut thing is actually a large, glass jar, but it seems the collectors call this one a barrel. It's about 10" high and 8" in diameter and has a raised image of Mr. Peanut running around the outside. There is evidence of old silver paint in the grooves. I've decided to hang onto it and see if I can scare up a lid somewhere. I saw another really great item on the "Auction Kings" show this week . . . a "vampire kit." Did you see it?

[grasswire]

3. yes, I did

Wow. Learn something new all the time. It's one piece that I didn't actually covet, though. :-)

[pengillian101]

4. I just happened to see this at ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/MR-PEANUT-Clear-Glass-Planters-Red-Pennant-Bags-/130421987995?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e5dc19a9b

:hi:

[Vinca]

5. That's not the one, but that's the kind of lid I'm looking for.

It occurred to me that if I never find a lid I could use it as a little wastebasket!