why bizarre? They prolly belonged to some little kids in the late 40's, or even the 30's... and then eventually there were no kids for them to belong to and someone downsized. I used to donate stuffs like this, but I dunno that goodwill wouldn't also just trash them. They're in this weid quasi-world where they aren't too desirable as antiques, and the thrift store crowd might not want them depending on where you are...

I used to pick cool stuff like that, but realized that my little apartment was too small for such oddities.

Why bizarre? Gregg said it when I sent him a photo last night: They look like the lamps that come alive in a horror movie and kill you. Love them.

The girl looks slightly frightened and the boy has a glazed look on his face. Just wonderful!

"They look like the lamps that come alive in a horror movie and kill you."

Heh, my apartment's full of stuff like that...

Great lamps, but check out that PHONE! Is that an original? Does it work? Do you use it?

Nicely done. I've found that apartment complexes are the best place for trash picking -- people move out quickly and discard lots of great stuff near the dumpster.

"Glazed look". Sheesh.

Unique looking little lamps but, yes, reminds me of an old Twilight Zone that did not end well for the adults in the house.

Those are nice. It's not where you got them, but whether you like them.

Terry

PS the vintage lamp shades are always harder to find than the lamps, and can even be worth more than the lamps.

I have a phone like that. It was in the house when we bought it. It works fine, has the old fabric-covered cord and can't be moved very far. Weighs a ton. I think I've heard of old mysteries where a phone like that was the murder weapon. So it goes perfectly with the creepy lamps!

Oh, fabulous! Those staring eyes... and the girl is hiding a machete in her skirt, I think.

By the way... If any minorities are reading this, they need to understand that the emotions & sensibilities of white people childhood depicted in these artifacts are completely typical. Affectionate... Patient... Illuminating.

Then we grow up to have tremendous wealth and great sex.

Awwwww, those are cute! ANd those little candles come in handy for lighting Molotov cocktails!

I'm a dedicated trash picker. Unreal what people toss, esp renters as they move out. We got a kids wagon and cozy coupe car that way. I"m also addicted to freecycle. But, I am a cheapskate. I am physically incapable of paying retail for anything. Ever.

Cute lamps. Love the kitsch factor.

I have more furniture in my place that I picked off the sidewalk than I care to admit...
If it works and is in good condition, then so be it.

I also LOVE the phone!

The things you own end up owning you.

1st step -- Garbage-picking old lamps.
2nd step -- Saving old newspapers.
3rd step -- Spending royalty payments buying out 99 cent stores.
4th step -- A guest appearance on "Hoarding Buried alive"

"The quintessence of art is selection". (Or whatever. I made that up. But you know what I mean, right?)

People who recognize bargains are by definition not hoarding.

"I found two lamps in the trash and now I'm on my way to a psychological disorder?"
Too bad there is not a emoticon for tongue in check/teasing..............

Amy- I was just eluding to one of my fictional favorite characters- I didn't think you were a hoarder or otherwise nutcase! Enjoy your lamps! :-)

If you see one of these, grab it for me.

I saw that ring today- very cool!

"Nicely done. I've found that apartment complexes are the best place for trash picking -- people move out quickly and discard lots of great stuff near the dumpster."

That is the absolute truth. We lived in an apartment for a year and a half while our house was being built, and I was amazed at what people threw out. We still have a laundry basket and a file cabinet that we retrieved while we were living there. And we arranged for some friends to pick up a clothes dryer that was thrown out and take it to a couple who were Katrina refugees; it was a model that was only a few years old. When they got it to the couples' home and plugged it in, it worked perfectly.