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Olde Good Things

Architectural and Altered Antiques

Legendary Plaza Hotel Reclaimed

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When the new owners of the luxury Plaza Hotel in New York City, decided to renovate and transform its interior in 2005, Olde Good Things found a plethora of beautiful architectural salvage items perfect for re-use.

This world-famous hotel is a landmark 20-story Manhattan structure overlooking Central Park originally opened in 1907.  It is the legendary home to “Eloise” as well as many real life famous performers and guests.  It has also been the meeting place for important political meetings over the years, if the walls could speak, what history (and secrets) we would hear!

Prior to its renovation, at a tag sale by the new owners, we acquired over 100 marble mantels, as well as over-mantel mirrors, doorknobs and decorative iron grills.  Many other admirers attended this sale and took away souvenirs such as bathrobes and slippers.

This world famous architectural salvage took place in June – July of 2005. The following gallery is just a sample of some of the breathless architectural pieces we purchased from this legendary landmark.

As time went by, we acquired original lighting from the Plaza Hotel to add to our inventory of architectural pieces from this historic landmark.  You may be wondering, well are there any pieces left?  The answer is yes, we still have a limited supply of Plaza hardware, doors, lighting and marble mantels….  Below see pictures of a basket chandelier, which once graced the hallways of each hotel floor, being carefully dressed and rewired to be sent into our Bowery location in NYC for resale.

See below available emblematic knobs, matching plates, door plates, interior doors, sconces, pendants, chandeliers as well as several styles of marble mantels all reclaimed from these luxury suites.

View all the Plaza inventory online now

Read about other historic salvage job

How To Prepare and Paint or Stain Old Doors

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They say that first impressions are the ones that last, whether you want them to or not. This can be just as true for your home as it is of your personality. If you’ve found that the front door to your home needs some updating, or if you’ve found the perfect door in our online selection or at one of our Olde Good Things locations, taking the time to stain or paint it can make all the difference. Having a front or interior door that doesn’t match your personal style can really throw off your decorating scheme. This article will serve as a step-by-step guide to making that old door look new and beautiful again.


In order to ensure that you don’t cause any damage to the doorframe while preparing and painting or staining your door, it’s best to remove the door from the hinges. This can be accomplished by unscrewing the door from the hinge. No need to remove the pin. Place a protective drop cloth over two sawhorses or on the floor, and lay the door on it. Be sure that it’s quite sturdy – you don’t want the door falling off and getting damaged! If you are working on the entry door to your home, you can leave it on the hinges, but you’ll want to be especially careful when sanding to ensure that you don’t damage the paint on the door frame, and when staining to ensure you don’t get any on your house!

To begin, lightly sand all of the surfaces down to remove any chipped paint as well as rough areas or edges around the door. When sanding, it’s very important that you remember to always sand with the grain of the wood so that you don’t cause any damage to the door. Once you’ve sanded down all of the door’s surfaces, wipe down the door with a cloth to remove any dust that has built up while sanding. Once the door has been completely prepped for painting or staining, you’ll want to wear protective gloves to ensure none of the dirt or oil from your hands is trapped in the stain or paint.

Now you’re ready to begin applying the stain or paint that you’ve chosen. Using vertical strokes, apply the stain or paint generously to one side of the door. If you’ve chosen a stain, use a clean rag or cloth to immediately wipe any excess stain from the door. Repeat this process on all six sides of the door. Let the stain or paint dry for 24 hours. If applying stain instead of paint, you will need to apply a coat of varnish or urethane between each coat of stain, and also let dry for 24 hours. Then, lightly scuff the surfaces of the door with 180-220 grit sandpaper to achieve a smooth finish before applying the next coat. Be gentle! You don’t want to remove all of the stain and varnish you’ve just applied! You’ll need to repeat this process for the second coat of stain, and then apply a third and final coat to achieve the best look. For paint, apply as many coats as you need to reach your desired color.

Enjoy the look of your new door and entryway. Changing the look of even something simple like a door can really enhance the look of your entire home. If you’re looking for hardware to match your newly stained or painted door, try checking out our selection of knobs and hinges online, or pay us a visit. If you have any questions about refinishing your antique or salvaged pieces, one of our knowledgeable staff can help with any question you might have.

Over a Century of History with Industrial Holophane Light Fixtures

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Original factory Holophanes grace this dining room table

Vintage industrial light fixtures are a sleek lighting accessory for any contemporary home or office. Durable Holophane lighting, in particular, carries with it a powerful history of scientific innovation and industrial applications. “Holophane” comes from the Greek words Holos and Phainein, translated “to appear completely luminous”.

The Holophane Glass story begins in the 1890s when French electric scientist Andre Blondel and Greek engineer Spiridion Psaroudaki covered a glass globe in the laboratory with horizontal prisms positioned to manipulate light. They were awarded a U.S. patent in 1893, when Holophane fixtures were already being manufactured in France and exported across Europe and the U.S.

Otis A. Mygatt acquired the rights for the illumination technology in 1896 and founded the Holophane Company in London. Holophane Glass Company was incorporated in America in 1898, with its first headquarters on Broadway in New York.

Huge strides were made in illumination technology during the Progressive Era of the early 1900s. Holophane Glass Company employed specialized engineers to study the distribution of light. The result was an innovative line of globes and reflectors made of clear crystal glass with prisms constructed to direct rays of light both downward and outward. When General Electric partnered with Holophane in 1911, they combined the classic products with a frosted line of Fostoria glassware.

The company began providing “scientific illumination” to industrial facilities. During the 1920s, Holophane Glass developed “hibay” lighting for the economical illumination of large factories, including the Chevrolet Motor Co. stockroom in Tarrytown, NY, and Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing in East Pittsburgh.

 

Careful removal of factory Holophane lights

Careful removal of factory Holophane lights

Holophane’s influence continued through 1930s, lighting industrial areas and famous spots like Radio City Studios, NY, The House of Lords in England, and Westminster Abbey during the coronation of King George VI. During WWII, Holophane lit war plants and airplane hangars around the world. By 1945, Holophane lighting had penetrated into the Senate, the House of Representatives, and the Library of Congress.

Holophane Glass Company coined the term “illumineering” based on the visual and physiological needs of the human eye, a concept that is still pervasive in lighting technology. Through the present day, Holophane continues to research and develop street lighting, fluorescent commercial lighting, contemporary outdoor illumination, and lighting for emergency applications.

Vintage Holophane light fixtures are very popular in upscale auction houses and industrial reclamation circles. The trademark of these “luminaires” is a borosilicate glass refractor or reflector. The prisms direct light both up and down, which is perfect for illuminating a space without glare or dark spots.

Olde Good Things has acquired many of these lights over the years and many commercial and retail customers have purchased these reclaimed lights and put them to use in new applications.  Here you see one customer

 

Olde Good Things was fortunate to retrieve a collection of Holophane pendant lighting from a century-old plant in New Jersey. These industrial beauties range in size from 15” to 21” in diameter.

 

Holophane Lighting evenly throws light for maximum illumination

Visit Olde Good Things to discover more architectural treasures.

Inquire about other sizes available at [email protected].  888-233-9678.

Credits:
http://www.holophane.com/company/history/index.asp
https://www.justcollecting.com/miscellania/antique-holophane-lighting

From Ruins to Reuse: Find Your Fireplace at Olde Good Things

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This shabby looking dilapidated mansion recently was slated for demolition.  Of course, the salvage team at Olde Good Things was on the scene to see what treasures they could uncover prior to its demise.

Pictured prior to demolition, this was once a beautiful mansion.

Once a beautiful mansion, here seen prior to demolition

Well they didn’t have to look far, as almost every major room in this once stately home revealed carved Federal and French style mantels from a well-known American mantel company built at the turn of the century.

These mantels were fabricated by the E. Bradley Currier Co. in the early 1900’s.  Each one has a label with the date of manufacture, hand-crafted in the U.S.A.   These can be purchased online, just in time for mantel season.

Click on the picture to see this mantel online

Click on this picture to see this online

Olde Good Things has the largest selection of antique marble, stone and wooden mantel pieces.  The cold of winter is coming and we’re sure we can help you warm up your surroundings with a beautiful antique fireplace surround.  Each one of our four Manhattan locations as well as our Scranton, PA warehouse and California location has a vast selection of many styles of wooden and marble mantel pieces.  From heavily carved French mantels to simple Victorian arched Brownstone marble fireplaces, we most likely have the exact piece you’ve been looking for to fit into your decor.  Both of these mantels can be seen at our Bowery location in Manhattan.

Heavily carved French oak mantel

Heavily carved French oak mantel

Simple Victorian arched marble mantel from early 1900's

Simple Victorian arched marble mantel from early 1900’s

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Take a look at our inventory online or visit us today.  Think of the warmth you will enjoy this season in front of your new antique fireplace from Olde Good Things.

A Little Piece of New York City

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The famous Flatiron Building on 23rd and broadway and fifth

Over the years Olde Good Things has done a number of salvage jobs, removing architectural details from famous buildings all over.  Among our many finds are copper clad windows from well-known skyscrapers in New York City.

Among them are the famous Flatiron Building and ‘Toy Building’ at Fifth Avenue and 23rd Street both adjacent to each other.  Pictured here are both  buildings, the Flatiron in the center and 200 Fifth Avenue in the bottom right with arched top windows at the crown of the building.  Below is one of these arches beautifully repurposed and installed at Cata Restaurant in the East Village, 245 Bowery in New York City.

Arched top window frame repurposed as a distressed mirror at Cata Restaurant

Many windows were removed from this location which once housed the International Toy Center and is now home to the largest Italian Marketplace in the world, Eataly.  Many sizes of these window frame mirrors are available, including a vertical version, perfect for a dressing mirror, just inquire.

One of our great finds are the copper clad windows from the Toy Building’s neighbor, the Flatiron Building, one of the world’s most iconic skyscrapers, and a quintessential symbol of New York City.  Own a piece of New York history!  We have a limited supply of these mirrors available, which can be purchased online or at any of our New York stores.

Mirror made from Historic Flat Iron Building window

Mirror made from Historic Flat Iron Building window

People the world over travel to New York City and can always be seen photographing this iconic building and many have purchased these window mirrors to install them in their homes.  This Flatiron window mirror is now the main focal point in a recently renovated apartment in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Another window removal was from a building which is adjacent to the famous original Macy’s Department Store at Herald Square called the Hotel McAlpin.  When opened in 1912 it was the largest hotel in the world.  Of course it has undergone a series of renovations.  In 1989 it underwent a condo conversion during which all the original windows were replaced.

The Hotel McAlpin or McAlpin House at 34th Street Herald Square

The Hotel McAlpin or McAlpin House at 34th Street Herald Square

OGT salvaged over 700 windows in various sizes from this location.

The windows were carefully removed in a renovation done over 10 years ago.

The windows were carefully removed in a renovation done over 10 years ago.

Below you see them repurposed and made into mirrors and installed in a restaurant called “The Pump” in Manhattan.

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Hotel McAlpin window frames now turned into decorative mirrors at “The Pump” restaurant in NYC.

Add a piece of New York history to your home, office, or commercial space decor.  Click here for our web site or inquire at 888-233-9678 about various sizes and availability.

 

 

 

Olde Good Things Accents Rio Apartments

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Casa Vogue cover

Casa Vogue cover

It’s always a great compliment to have your work reviewed in globally renowned publications. Well known designers and architects, Beto Figuiredo and Luiz Eduardo Almeida of Ourico Arquitetura E Design, a Rio de Janeiro design firm, have had their work featured more than once in Casa Vogue, a Brazilian decorators’ favorite.

Not only do these designers have their own natural flair for bringing tropical chic to otherwise simple modern designs, they also have a loyal base of discerning customers who love to shop with them at their favorite New York shops and incorporate the old with the new to spice modern layouts and give them a distinct look.

Beto has shopped Olde Good Things for quite a few years and has purchased all the right finishing touches to make his apartment redos have this standalone style.  Here you’ll see two of his and Luiz’ renovations, both incorporating Olde Good Things accents, photographs used courtesy of Casa Vogue and taken by photographer, Cristiano Mascaro.

Mirror made from the historic Flatiron Building window

Mirror made from the historic Flatiron Building window

Old factory Holophane lights make great pendants

A second renovation was also featured in Casa Vogue. Beto accented this apartment with 1930s industrial and school house lighting purchased from Olde Good Things. Also from us, some seating, incidental lighting, and altered antiques including a huge horizontally hung window mirror from the International Toy Center building which now features Eataly, one of the favorite Italian eateries in New York City.

One of the articles in Casa Vogue featuring Ourico Arquitetura

One of the articles in Casa Vogue featuring Ourico Arquitetura

Olde Good Things is a great source for designers the world over to find many types of incidental accents for any decorative renovation.

We also ship anywhere.  So come, design, and build with Olde Good Things!

Nomad Mexicue: Tin Roofing Reuse

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With an abundance of places to dine out in New York,  you can only assume that as new restaurants crop up, they are always looking for a unique strategy to attract clientele.  Well Mexicue Kitchen and Bar is no exception, first they arrived at an exclusive menu inspired by two of America’s favorite comfort foods: Mexican & BBQ.  They took the flavorful tastes of Mexico and blended them with smoky bbq flavors to create a mouthwatering union.  Although the food is most important at any dining establishment, the atmosphere and decor has to be top notch to spark the interest of the hungry public who have the choice of 24,000 restaurants at which to dine in New York City alone.

Restaurant designers often shop Olde Good Things looking for the unique unconventional items that will make their restaurant just a little different than the next establishment.  Mexicue designers opted to go with a warm, rustic look with an industrial flair and went shopping to find just the look they wanted to accent the reclaimed wooden planks and copper window mirrors used for decorating their Nomad location.

Galvanized roofing

They made a call to Olde Good Things and shopped no further, expected in:  corrugated roofing tin from atop a Manhattan building with that rusty look warm enough to complement the pine plank wall covering.

Galvanized tin sheet metal once protected this small mechanical shack a top a Mid-town skyscraper.  Now showing weathered wear from years of exposure to the elements, it was time to make way for the new and dispose of the old, rusty metal that once protected the small structure.

Hearing of the salvage opportunity, Olde Good Things was on the scene to remove the sheet metal and give it a chance for re-use.

 

OGT in the process of salvaging roofing tin

Mexicue was on the hunt for this very look and when they called OGT they hoped to locate the materials.  Well fortunately for them the materials were just in – and the same day it came off, it was delivered to their new 25th and 5th Nomad location just in time to complete the look they wanted.

Reclaimed galvanized tin now reused to cover the facade of the bar

Reclaimed galvanized tin now reused to cover the facade of the bar

Come dine and enjoy the comfort food, atmosphere and design of the Nomad Mexicue location.  And when you’re looking for just the right look for your next restaurant project, shop Olde Good Things, we just may have what you’re looking for!

Mexicue Kitchen & Bar

 

 

A Piece of Paris History: Repurposing Vintage Street Lights

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Paris Holophane Globe StreetlightAn ancient and historic city, Paris is the sparkling central gem in the crown of Europe. Known to all as the City of Lights, Paris is a criss-crossing capitol comprised of smaller cities joined together by their love of fine food, joy, and the passion one finds around every corner.

For many years, along the winding footpaths and cobblestone alleyways and narrow paved streets, Parisians and tourists could see the sights and explore the intimate nooks and crannies of the city; their way lit by large globe street lights.

Today, with the crucial need for bright lights and cost-effective infrastructure, Paris has replaced many of their antique and vintage street lights with new LED bulbs.

Though need has outweighed history, Paris knew it couldn’t just dispose of their old lights —no, they knew these beautiful, classic holophane lamps could be owned and loved by those who adore the city as much as they do.

Original street lamp pictured here in Paris

Original street lamp pictured here in Paris

Olde Good Things has just acquired a limited supply of these fantastic holophane globes, ready to be transformed into great contemporary lighting for either a residential or commercial application. These globe lamps are available with a steel pole or with a chain for use as a large pendant light.

Holophane Paris street lamp pictured with a chainHolophane Paris street lamp pictured with a steel pole

These globes can be simply repurposed as light fixtures and glimmering conversation pieces, in your kitchen over your central island, or in your dining room over your table. Imagine enjoying a meal with those you love while the light of Paris shines down upon you. Not only that, these antique lamps would be spectacular lighting pieces for screened-in porches, outdoor entertainment spaces, or shining, shimmering ballrooms! With these genuine architectural historical pieces, the sky’s the limit!

These are wonderful for adding flair to residential homes or businesses

Bring a piece of the City of Lights into your home or office, and create an atmosphere of Parisian charm with the flick of a switch.

To own your very own piece of Parisian history, contact the customer service professionals at Olde Good Things, and be sure to peruse our online inventory for other gorgeous light fixtures.

 

Strength and Beauty: Reclaimed Iron

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In the mid to late 1800s, Scranton, Pennsylvania was known the world over as an industrial hub; home to coal mining, innovations in electric power, and iron works. Since then, Scranton has moved away from its industrial roots, and many of the old buildings, factories, and railroads are left to molder and rust beneath the ever-changing NEPA weather.

If you’ve ever visited our Scranton, Pennsylvania location, you’ve probably been awed by our vast yard filled to exploding with iron fencing and railing. OGT has spent many hundreds of hours salvaging wrought iron, hand-hammered iron, and industrial iron from buildings across the country—so much so that many of our customers are overwhelmed by the vastness and the variety of styles available.

Our vast iron yard in Scranton Pennsylvania is filled with many varieties of architectural iron

Our vast iron yard in Scranton Pennsylvania is filled with many varieties of architectural iron

Reusing Reclaimed Iron

At OGT we know that just because something looks old or broken it doesn’t mean it can’t come to life again. Old rusty iron gates or railings don’t have to stay rusty, and they don’t have to just be gates or railings! You can repurpose exterior railings or gates for interior redesign projects. A section of old railing can be sandblasted and painted and installed as the railing for a balcony. Or a pair of old iron gates can be cleaned, welded together, and reused as a partition to break up a large space.

Here you see just one of those varieties – some very simple hoop and loop style fencing.

Hoop and loop style fencing is just one of the many varieties of antique fencing we have salvaged

Hoop and loop style fencing is just one of the many varieties of antique fencing we have salvaged

One of our customers knew this was the look they wanted for their outside terrace and garden of their home.  Once it was simply a section of salvaged fencing in our vast yard and now sandblasted and refinished – it is set up and installed at their home. Take a look for yourself.

A customer's home with their newly repurposed gate

 

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Updating Your Outdoor Spaces

Iron has strength, and once heated and crafted by master iron workers, it can become something beautiful. If your garden is a whitewashed ‘blah’ of stone, why not add an iron trellis; leafy vines and vining flowers weaving with your reclaimed iron to create a breathtaking conversation piece. A reclaimed and cleaned iron gate can be the perfect addition to your outdoor entryways and walkways—secure, strong, and stylish.

Not convinced? Visit our online inventory of iron fencing and railings here. Or take a tour of our Scranton, Pennsylvania warehouse location and see for yourself. Beneath the rust and years, these reclaimed iron pieces have a strength and beauty just waiting for you to uncover.

Top 20 Most Popular Farm Tables & Benches Video

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Top 20 Handmade Farm Tables Designs from Olde Good Things on Vimeo.

Tables come in many different shapes and sizes, and can be made from many different materials. At Olde Good Things, we like to keep things simple; we make our tables from only the finest salvaged wood and create masterpieces for our clients by incorporating other salvaged materials we find in our warehouses.

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