Introduction
Who hasn't dreamed of finding a treasure in a Craigslist post that not only meets but exceeds their expectations? From vintage furniture to used vehicles, these finds are not just about the price; they are about the journey of restoration, the joy of discovery, and the sense of accomplishment that comes with a unique piece. In this article, we will explore three memorable purchases that left their marks on our wallets and hearts. Each story is a testament to the power of careful selection and the thrill of the hunt.
1. The Davis-Bradley Hay Rake: A Labor of Love
Description: Found a 92-year-old Davis-Bradley hay rake, originally sold by Sears, in excellent working condition for an amazingly low price of $150. This antique piece required some TLC before it could hit the hay field, including new tires, grease, and a bit of welding. The purchase was a triumph in both affordability and restoration potential.
2. The Art Nouveau Chest of Drawers: A Fairytale Tale
Description: In 2003, while scavenging for interesting finds on Craigslist, I stumbled upon a beautiful American Sycamore chest of drawers dating from the Art Nouveau period (circa 1890–1910). The piece was listed for $600, but a sign on the apartment door drew my immediate attention to a Dr. Dick, a Sex Therapist from San Francisco, residing in Capitol Hill in Seattle.
Upon reaching the apartment, I discovered that the seller, Dr. Dick, had no space for the chest due to its awkward instability. Dr. Dick, a nice and talkative gentleman, marked the chests' instability as a potential flaw. I decided to send a low-resolution phone photo to my friend, who was an expert in antique restoration. His response: 'Buy it; it’s worth about $1200.'
However, with no cash on hand, I managed to withdraw $600 from an ATM, which defied the max limit of $300 per day at the time. After taking the chest of drawers to my friend, detailed restoration and reinforcement took it from $1200 to $2000, then to $3000. What a fantastic bargain, and what a labor of love! The chest is now a cherished treasure in my home.
3. The Father's Work Van: A Chic Contribution to the Fleet
Description: My father was in urgent need of a specific work van, a Chevrolet Astro or GMC Safari, which proved elusive until I found a stunning white 2005 model with only 75,000 miles, listed for an incredible $5,000. The real test came when we arrived at the address, only to find it was a junkyard. But perseverance paid off, and after further negotiations, we managed to secure the van for just $4,200. Now, years later, the van is as reliable as ever, running smoothly and silently like a kitten, and serving as a testament to a successful Craigslist purchase.
The key to finding such treasures on Craigslist is not just about the price and listing details but also about escalating the AD with a phone call and being willing to put in a bit of effort. These stories remind us that sometimes, the best finds come from unexpected places, and the joy of owning a piece that includes the story of its acquisition can be priceless.