Finding treasures at fall flea market sales

Flea market browsing is a nice way to spend an autumn day. Shoppers never quite know what they'll find at garage sales, tag sales and estate auctions. But they're sure to find some treasures that nudge their memories.

If you're a browser, no doubt you'll see old objects that can be used in new ways. If you're on a mission to add to a particular collection, such as World War II-era linens or McCoy pottery, you know how to scope out the scene in a hurry.

The trick is in giving treasures from the past a hope at new life. See large and small nail barrels as side tables or a wire basket as a magazine holder.

Envision intricate frames as pieces of found sculpture on a mantel. Don't worry about putting a picture inside. Or put an interesting piece of architectural salvage to work as a sculpture on a coffee table.

Sometimes, of course, you need to work on some of your purchases to make them work in your home. Here are some guidelines to decide if a piece is worth the investment:

Upholstered pieces

If the piece is heavy, it's likely hardwood and probably well-constructed. If it has distinctive lines, it might be an interesting mix with your other furniture pieces.

As for condition, you can have springs retied and webbing replaced, but missing veneer can be a serious flaw. Broken legs, too, might not be worth the repair price. Chairs, tables, dressers

Check for broken parts, split wood and insect holes. You might need to have an exterminator fumigate the piece for you, to protect your other furniture.

Stained woodCheck with an antiques dealer before you refinish a piece, which can slash the value dramatically. Sometimes simple cleaning and waxing is the best way to retain patina and charm.

Painted furniture

Paint manufactured before 1978 might contain lead. If the paint is in good condition and not flaking or cracking, it's not a health hazard, unless you have small children. Clean the piece with a sudsy solution of oil soap and water. Rinse, dry, and then apply clean paste wax. If you decide to remove the paint, check with a hardware store about your state's requirements on disposing of lead paint.

Vintage linensOld laces and fabrics might tear if washed. Generally, you can machine wash embroidered dresser scarves, pillowcases, and towels and tablecloths from the 1930s and '40s if the fabric is still sturdy. Press them while they're still damp. For fine linen or lace pieces, presoak them for about 15 minutes in clear water to loosen dirt. Gently swish the linens in warm water with a mild, nonabrasive, phosphate-free soap. Do not use bleach. Rinse at least twice in clear water to remove the soap.

Old stains might be impossible to remove, but you can try soaking the textile in an enzyme cleaner such as Biz or Axion, diluted with water, before laundering. You may use non-chlorine bleach in the wash water. Wash chenille in a washing machine and dry it in a dryer.

GlasswareWash glassware in warm, soapy water. Remove whitish film at the water line with vinegar. Wash china and ceramics in warm, soapy water and dry with a soft linen towel. Don't use abrasives.

Silver and silverplate

Use commercial silver polish. Note that too much polishing eventually ruins silver and can remove silverplate completely. Wear cotton gloves when cleaning or handling silver, because the acid in your skin can tarnish the metal. Antique silver should be cleaned professionally.

Brass

Use commercial brass polish, and don't polish lacquered brass. Simply wash it occasionally in soapy water.