While out thrifting, sometimes the barn (or garage) out back harbors the best finds. In my case, that couldn't be more true. Shopping with my daughter on a "shop crawl" of local vintage, thrift stores and consignment stores, we came across what's become one of my favorite barn sale finds of all times.

 

What could make the find even sweeter? All items in the barn were 50% off that day! And I truly hit the jackpot: a vintage Pennsylvania House Queen Anne cherry flip top buffet. For $49! 

I wasn't looking for a piece of furniture that day. But isn't that how it always happens? I was totally surprised by the find. But when you know, you know -- right?

While I didn't know its actual value, I had a feeling that $49 was a great deal. I mean, what was not to like? The cherry buffet had a maker's mark (Pennsylvania House), dovetail joints, its original brass hardware, original key and a pristine formica black tabletop (when fully opened) for serving. While it had a few scratches on its lower front, it was in overall good condition. 

After doing some online research, it appears that it was likely made in the 1990s, which is when Pennsylvania House primarily operated out of their Lewisburg, PA location. One description of the buffet I found read as follows:

Vintage Pennsylvania House flip top cherry buffet or server. Features 18th century design made of solid cherry construction with traditional Queen Anne styling, raised panel cabinet doors with dovetailed drawers, brass hardware, and felt lined drawer over slipper feet. The top opens to a formica surface, great for serving or displaying your bar ware. Shaped like a lowboy.

I saw sale prices between $200 and $400. Turns out I did get a bargain!

I absolutely fell in love with the brass drop ring pulls.

 And key hole escutcheons.

Both drawers and cabinets locked with the included vintage-inspired key with its attached tassel.   

The flip top opens up and reveals a pristine, black tabletop (sorry no photo) which looks like new. (You can see the dividing line down the middle of the top of the buffet which provides the opening point.) While I don't see us using it to serve hot dishes, I do see us perhaps using it as a mini bar. When opened fully the top stretches out from 40 inches to 70 inches!

Apparently, the two drawers are supposed to be used as silverware drawers. The original buffet came with its own velvet inserts for holding sterling silver flatware. While the velvet inserts were gone from my vintage find, I was at least lucky enough to get the key. 

I do have my own silverware inserts that I can always add later if I so choose. 

Each side of the buffet has a liquor cabinet section which, understandably, locks. And if you don't drink alcohol, the cabinets can be used for storing a plethora of other things like glassware and various home decor items.

The Queen Anne buffet is currently displayed in the living room where it showcases my DIY chinoiserie cordless lamp as well as my DIY chinoiserie plate wreath. As a true mirror lover, I was thrilled to be able to display my Anthropologie Gleaming Primrose Mirror Dupe on the newly scored vintage buffet. 

While I've definitely flip-flopped over the years as far as my decor aesthetic goes, I truly believe I've found my true north: traditional. It's ironic that I began as a traditionalist, but felt that it was way too "fussy" and, well, maybe -- old. As in for old people. Boy was I wrong!

Today I'd say that whatever your age, if traditional style speaks to you, then go for it! Truly, it NEVER goes out of style! 

Well, that's it for today, friends!

I hope you've enjoyed reading about my

  Queen Anne Buffet: Thrifted vs Styled  

and that I've inspired you in some way. 

    

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