Estate Sale Haul: Hidden Merry Mushroom and Aladdin Lamp Score

It seemed as though no one around here was interested in starting up estate sales for a long time; however, it was only a week into the new year when two popped up. What follows is one really good and one disappointing estate sale haul.

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One sale was about 45 miles from me and was conducted by two guys who buy estates and, I believe, combine what they didn’t put in their shop, for a whopping big sale. Unfortunately, I have never had any luck with their sales, even though others have. Since it started earlier in the day, that’s naturally where I headed first.

Looks exciting, but this was a disappointing start

That picture is only about a fourth of the massive amount that was there. Nice and organized and clean-ish. I was about 15 minutes late, and as I always say, around here, “If ye ain’t first yer last.” (A Talladega Nights reference.) Out of all that, here is this first estate sale haul:

Actually, that’s not quite true. I did get a piece of vintage double-knit fabric for my stash and a Florentine tray I forgot to put in the photo that I might or might not keep. They charged me $40 for that little pile because “That’s a really good quilt.” Huh. No, it’s not a really good quilt. I mean, it’s okay, but nothing special. AND it has a toe hole in the middle!!

Someone made the little pitcher in their ceramics class back in 1962. Because it was so pretty, I put it in my pile. Unfortunately, I did NOT notice a crack at the top and when I picked it up by the lip at home, a chunk broke off. I bought the beads for crafting. I have no idea why I bought the picture frame with the photocopied picture of the men, and the little picture behind the quilt has a rusty frame. The lady picture is the only redeeming item and it’s common enough that it probably won’t sell for very much.

Now, contrast that sale to this hoarder house sale closer to home. It was advertised as lots of tools and some misc. There were several outbuildings full of tools that I never even looked at.

next stop: A nasty, stinky, hoarder house

I took more pictures, but decided not to bore you with them. Let me say that a Hazmat suit would have been appropriate here. It was nasty and stinky. VERY nasty and stinky. And damp. One of the absolute worst houses I’ve been in in all my years of shopping estate sales. Still, for over 2 hours, I climbed towers of who knows what, pulled from under piles, relocated icky stuff, stuck my fingers in… motor oil? … and melted hard candy. I hope that’s what it was, anyway. Thankfully, there were no animal carcasses and no live animals or bugs. Here’s what I found there:

treasures are to be found if you’re willing to get dirty!

Arthur Singer bird prints
Three Arthur Singer bird prints in surprisingly good condition.

merry mushroom find of the day!

Merry Mushroom casseroles found at an estate sale
These are typically attributed to the Sears Merry Mushroom line.
See Current Prices Of Merry Mushroom casseroles on Etsy
eBay’s Current Merry Mushroom Casserole Prices
3 lamps found at an estate sale
Three lamps. One brass, converted kerosene lamp, one mod, yellow glass lamp with a chain – that is rarely found – and one Aladdin, beehive lamp with the original fittings and globe.
Check eBay’s Current List of Aladdin Beehive Lamps
See Aladdin Behive Lamps on Etsy
1930s State Farm Auto tag badge, Fire King mug and a small, metal tool box, all found at an estate sale.
1930s State Farm Auto tag badge, yellow, Fire King mug and a small, metal tool box. No great value here, but fun.
Hand painted bull and matador on velvet found at an estate sale.
Hand painted on velvet, matador and bull.
See Matador Velvet Paintings On Etsy Check For Matador Velvet Paintings On eBay
Vintage Auburn University ashtray found at an estate sale.
We live in War Eagle Country and do find vintage Auburn items occasionally. Also, the students buy a lot of ashtrays.
Rolls Razor with case found at an estate sale
I thought the Rolls Razor, especially with the original case, would have more value than it does, but it’s pretty low value.
Gold Florentine wall hangings found at an estate sale
These gold, Florentine wall hangings had gotten damp and are warped a little. I’ve been able to flatten them some by washing them. There’s more work to be done here. Also, one is missing some of its gold.
Vintage lalmps and a vase found at a yard sale
More lamps. A converted kerosene lamp base, a yellow tole lamp, and can you see the cypress knee lamp in the back left? Also a pair of pottery vases and a sweet, little silver cherub coil letter holder.
Brass spittoon found at an estate sale.
The brass spittoon was trying to hide in the other picture.

Two other things I found, I’m keeping for myself. A chandelier and a lamp I can use as a vase. More on those at a later date.

Want to see how this compares to the first estate sale haul of last year? Go here to check it out!

These items will be in our booths at Angel’s Antique and Flea Mall in Opelika, Alabama. Vendor OREO. Click here to follow us on Facebook to see weekly updates to the booths and other fun things we have going on daily!

Love these vintage finds? Pin this image so you don’t forget to check back for more treasure hunts!

Vintage estate sale haul from a hoarder house featuring Sears Merry Mushroom canisters, an Aladdin beehive lamp, and mid-century modern treasures.

Published on: January 15, 2026

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