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Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Grete Jalk...just for me

I almost never look at Craigslist anymore, but I am a member of a local group on Facebook that buys, sells and trades mid-century pieces...and also posts when a great Craigslist bargain is spotted.

Imagine my surprise this afternoon when I logged on to find that someone had posted to let the group know about this Grete Jalk bar cart/table she had seen on CL. When I texted the owner to see if it was still available, I fully expected to be too late, but she still had it. Picking it up required a three-hour round trip drive, but the seller was offering it at such a steal of a price that it was worth every mile.

The seller was a woman about my age who said she chats up prospective buyers, and if they say they're going to paint a piece, she won't sell it to them. Now that's real dedication to the restoration process!

This one isn't going to the store. I bought it just for me. Thanks again for the tip, Sarah!


Grete Jalk bar cart

Grete Jalk bar cart top rotated and opening

Grete Jalk bar cart open to use as a table

12 comments:

  1. Nice! does it need a little English oil?

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    1. This was one of those Craigslist purchases where everything fell into place perfectly. I really love the piece and can't wait to see it restored.

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  3. What a gorgeous and versatile piece of furniture! What a great gal, saving lovely wooden furniture from the paint brush!

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    1. She is a feisty gal who cares more about the furniture than about making money from selling it. I loved her! I can't wait to show you my bar cart when it's refinished.

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  4. Whoa! Can't believe it was still there. Love her attitude about the "painting". There is plenty of newer crappy furniture out there to choose from if you want to paint, lol. Good for you Dana, it looks wonderful to me as is.

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    1. It photographs better than it really is. The piece of wood that forms the top of the bar cart has really been mistreated. It has deep scratches and gouges, and there are some ink stains on the bottom tray. She may never be back to her original glory, but the guy who does refinishing for us works magic with wood, so I know he'll send her home looking great. He may not be able to take a full 50 years off her appearance, but I bet he'll at least make her look 40 years younger. Most women I know would settle for that. :)

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  5. How completely cool! What a great little piece!

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    1. It's just the perfect size for me to use as a laptop table but open up to use as a tiny dining table when the grandsons eat at my house.

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