124 thoughts on “Contact”

      2. Dear Martng,

        I was reading some of the comments and someone mentioned Radio Lorenz on Park Avenue. Can you tell me if they are still there? I tried looking them up on the internet but couldn’t find anything for them. Thanks.

  2. Hi, I am wondering if you still have the French magazines from 1950s and early 1960s. I am looking for some magazines with Belinda Lee . I have some of the magazines,but still there are some I am still looking for.

  4. Hey I am a Garbage Picker too and really good to been doing it for about 20 years maybe more lol, anyways would love to talk with you Bro.

  5. Hi Martin,
    I’m interested in purchasing the tablet you got the “Legal Tender Post” I would also like to know if the foreign bills are for sale from the same post. I previously purchased a tablet from you and it no longer works. In the past and also got some free art supplies for the 7 kids I help home school. The tablet would help me teach the kids .

    Thanks

    Andrea

    1. Hi Sarah, thanks for message. I tend to work best on my own, so I don’t usually have people along on my garbage trips. You’re welcome to stop by for a chat at any of my yard sales though. I’m having one this Saturday

  12. Hello nice blog thank,s to share. I got cannon ball with the mark twelve, different from the one you found, But i wonder if your,s is just a different model those are british from 1759 worth a good value ( could send you a picture)

    1. I’m pretty sure it’s just a shot put ball, though like I said they’re pretty much the same thing (big hunks of cast iron). I’d appreciate any pictures you might have.

  13. I like your blog and especially the photos that you take of the objects. They are very well lit. I was wondering if you could explain or take a picture of your lighting set up that you use to photograph the objects that you find.

    Thank you for your time.

    1. Glad you like the photos! Honestly most of the white background shots are taken outside on top of a piece of poster paper. I may curve the paper upwards (leaning it against something else) when I want to take a photo of something standing up. This technique is effective but really depends on the time of day and the position of the sun, as too much sun creates shadows and “hot” images and a low sun makes “cold” photos. Low light of course makes blurry photos. I have had a lot of success though fixing minor issues with various photo editing programs.

      I need to figure out something new for the winter, as I’m not going to want to go outside to get these shots very often. It’s also getting harder to get good shots because of the wintery light; I may be the only one who notices, but my photos recently haven’t been quite as good as usual. Perhaps I’ll set up a light box for the winter. It’s probably a good thing to have regardless.

      I was lucky at my old place – I had a skylight and a white table top that provided nice lighting for a large part of the day. My pre-July photos (to around September 2013) were all taken on that table-top.

  14. January 18, 2014, you posted you found a VCR, XR-1000, with Stereo sound. Do you still have this VCR and is it for sale. Thanks.

      1. Was the VCR still working? Just curious. If you ever come across another VCR with Dolby System Stereo sound, please contact me. These VCRs have different sound from the HI FI Stereo sound VCRs, which are so easy to find. Thank you.

        1. I have no idea to be honest, though I kind of doubt it. Most old VCRs have some issues, including eating tape and all that, and I think that one was no exception. I’ll keep an eye out, but to be honest there’s about a 50% chance I’ll totally forget. I have a lot of things to look out for. You’ll probably find one quicker if you regularly check second hand stores, especially big ones like the Sally Ann on Notre Dame near Guy.

  15. Hello, I just found your website.

    Do you still have the book “Konec civilizace” from Aldous Huxley (1970, SNTL) and the book “Obrazy z ciziny” from Jan Neruda (1893, Topič) which you were mentioning in your post from 23. 12. 2014 (http://garbagefinds.com/2014/12/23/konec-civilizace/)?
    They are not particularly expensive. The reason why I am asking and why they can be valuable for me is because I speak the language in which they are written – I am form Czech Republic.

    Thank you for any answer

    1. I may have some in my yard sale stuff, but I have it packed away and won’t be accessing it until the spring. I prefer to sell that stuff locally regardless. I have my Etsy store, but I don’t think there’s any beaded stuff in there at the moment.

        1. I’ve had a few inquiries about the beads. I’m pretty behind on my emails, so I haven’t gotten to them. Maybe send me an email, and if the earlier people don’t want them anymore (quite possible) then maybe we can work something out. Just don’t expect a response quickly, I have a hard time staying on top of my messages. thingsifindinthegarbage@gmail.com

  18. That old medical device with the glass jar from a long time ago – I’m certain that I remember that – the very rural hospital I got caught at used it when my lung collapsed – something about equalizing the pressure in my lung so it could seal again.

  19. Hi there….. I’m responding to your question about the decorative “collar” and the following red piece. I am 99% sure that they are a part of the Masonic Lodge regalia….a number of years ago, I found an “ancient” Masonic Lodge flag with identifying names (towns etc)….unfortunately it was beyond repair but it looked the same in design and from what I can see, the fabric as well.
    I thought I was getting too old to continue “picking” but you have just recharged my batteries:)

    1. I think you’re right. Someone else said the Oldfellows… either way it’s definitely seems “society” related. As for picking, even if you don’t have the time or energy to do it “full-time” like I do you can always pick a favourite neighbourhood (perhaps a rich one, or an old one) and make sure to check it every week. It’s a nice pastime, and when you pick less often you have more time to appreciate the things you find.

  20. hey marty, got some old silver and gold jewelry that i’d like to exchange for cash. any recommended spots? thx!

  21. Hey!
    I like your blog. Love how you find treasures in what other people consider trash. This is the kind of thinking we need to save the environment and stop over-consuming new stuff all the time. Stuff that’s not even built to last.
    I came over your post from March 10. 2013 when searching for parts for my sowing machine. It’s just like the one you found, a Husqvarna 21a. Mine is near mint condition, but unfortunately, the previous owners didn’t take care of all the accessories. So I’m trying to get hold of those black plastic/bachelite sylinders that I could see were included in your box. They are marked with letters, A-C, and I only have B. It works perfectly with just the one, but having the other two makes more decorative stitches possible. It’s like the software of the machine – very clever mechanical engineering.
    If you still have the machine, would you be willing to sell me the ones I’m missing? As I said, the machine works perfectly with just one, but having more opens up the possibility for a wider variety of stitches.
    I happen to live in Norway, so you’d have to pack it real good and ship it.
    Please answer me on e-mail.
    All the best!
    Endre Skandfer

    1. I might still have that sewing machine. I’m not sure. I left it at my last place, and I have no idea if they still have it. Maybe I’ll check next time I’m there and will get back to you.

  22. Hi Martin, my son delivered the old Montreal Canadiens photos on Sunday. I was a little apprehensive about buying them sight unseen, but the ones you pictured looked OK, so I went for it. I was not disappointed. Most are in better shape than those. I can’t say I remember seeing most of those guys play, but there was only one name I didn’t recognize from my childhood, Ross Lowe. He played 2 games for them in the 50-51 playoffs and most of the following season, so that dates the collection pretty well. And I love the scrapbook itself, with the embossed beaver crest. Then there was a surprise bonus of some old baseball pictures taken from newspaper colour supplements. Did you know they were there? I have never been a baseball fan, and these seem to date from 1951, when I was just 5 years old, so I don’t know who most of them are or if they have any value, but it’s fun to try to identify them and maybe I’ll find someone who wants them. So thank you for this and keep on keeping stuff out of landfills.

    1. Cool, I didn’t know it was a reader who got them. I’m glad to liked them! The scrapbook is very nice, true. I knew about the baseball pictures, but since they’re only clippings I decided not to bother trying to sell them as they were. They’re still cool though (I’m a baseball fan myself). Hopefully I find more sports memorabilia in the future.

  23. Hello
    Fellow canadian trash elf here
    Just wondering if you have found an easy way to do your accounting
    I am printing out invoices and deciphering it from there…..very hard
    Any help would be great
    Thanks
    Wes

    1. I keep track of all my sales anyways (for the blog) so I just add it up and submit that total. I claim gas and shipping supplies as a business expense. A friend of mine does my taxes, so I don’t know much about it.

  24. Hi Martng,

    I was reading one of the comments and someone mentioned Radio Lorenz on Park Avenue. Can you tell me if they are still there? I tried to find them on the Internet, but with no luck. I have an old German stereo I’d like to contact them about. Thanks.

    1. I’ve never heard of Radio Lorenz, but Radio Hovsep is around this and I think still operating. It’s on Parc north of Bernard.

      1. Thanks Martng. I’ll check them out. In the future if you are interested I will be getting rid of a lot of old stuff my mom had. She passed away last year. If you are interested send me an email and I will keep you posted.

  25. When will you have another yard sale? My husband and I will be visiting Montreal next week and were wondering if it’d coincide with one of your yard sales!

  26. Martag. will you be selling the bull and matador? for how much? also the collection of ufo info? i am interested in both. please don’t paint the bull. i like his scars. i have been following you for a while and have started emulating you. yay for eco warriors!

    1. I’m not sure, it depends where you live. They are large pieces though and will need to be carefully packed so they shipping cost will be pretty high. I’d guess it would cost at least 35$ and maybe more just to ship them to the US. Maybe a bit less in Canada. If you’re still interested, email me at thingsifindinthegarbage@gmail.com

      As for the UFO stuff, I don’t really know what price to set for that so I plan on just listing them on auction at some point, probably in the fall when people start buying on eBay again. I can post you to the link when it’s done if you’re interested.

  28. Any thought on shipping cost to Cambridge ON for the box of photos? I would be interested in making you a decent offer. I am hoping to use them in art that I want to start trying and am hoping it is cheaper to buy a lot rather than individually.

  29. Hi I like your blog. I also found an old Munro hockey game I the trash. I haven’t sold it yet, but hopefully I’ll figure it out soon. Do you want a tv? It’s an old one but maybe you can get something for it. I’m sure I have other items I can give you once I look around. I live in the Montréal area.
    Take care

  33. Hi – I saw your posting from 2013 about the Bobby Atkinson painting you found – I know… I’m kinda late to the party here, but I had to write. she is my husbands Aunt, and we love her work – she painted it as a gift for his other Aunt of a place they stayed. Where exactly did you find it?

    1. Hi, I remember that. It was a nice painting. I think I sold it for 40$ or something around there. If I remember right I found it in the alley behind Parc Avenue in the Mile End of Montreal.

  34. Hi Martin – A few months ago you mentioned the light box you had purchased on eBay which enables you to take better pictures of your finds. Could you please tell me which one you had bought? Believe you had paid about $100. Good luck in 2017!

  35. Hi Martin,
    Would you be willing to mail the Farrah Fawcett Playboy issue to London, Ontario? If so, what would you ask for purchase + shipping?
    Thanks very much. LOVE your blog <3
    Erin

    1. Sorry, I already promised it to my collage friend. There’s plenty of other online though so it shouldn’t be hard to find another. Glad you like the blog!

  36. Hey there. I’m looking for some small, colorful, kitschy broken floral jewelry for a small project … seeing some of your posts I thought you may have something like that. I understand this is a bit of a tall order and strange request but thought I’d put it out there

  37. Hi,

    I would be interested in buying the MSR camping stove. What is the best way to get in touch?

    Thanks,

    Agathe

  38. Do you still have the 3 gold stack rings for sale? Let me know if you get anything nice that’s poodle dog related too.

  39. Hi there. I’m curious about your painting you speak of with the artists name “duveyre” I also have one of his paintings. It was the only thing my father insured as contents in our home. My parents has since passed and in looking for more info on the artist as well as a value to place on the painting.
    My father told me the painter was disabled and used his toes to paint the picture. He told me he was very famous but I can’t seem to find any information.

    1. I still have mine, it’s quite nice. It’s a vintage Quebec art piece, which holds a bit of value, but not that much. I don’t think he’s very famous, if you Google his name some of his art appears but he’s definitely not well known. I’ve never heard about him being a toe painter. I expect that the piece is worth between 50-250$ depending, with 100$ being a reasonable outcome. I’m not an expert on the matter though so it’s probably a good idea to ask around.

  40. Allo,

    how are you! Once again, two years after I first ran into you, I find the same fascinating and respectful dedication in your work, on your WordPress. Congrats!

    These days, I do a lot of biking, inspecting every garbage lump hoping to find serious photographie equipment… Darkroom equipment (enlarger, filters, tanks), a loader that receive a bulk film rool to reel it onto cartridge, apart from reflex camera themselves.

    Therefore I thought of sharing this wish with you, if you ever happened to find such thing, especially darkroom stuff, or medium format cameras. Could you give me a call or an emai if coincidence met what I had in mind l?

    Thanks, so much! And please be well.

    Louis
    (514) 291-9808
    louibourque@gmail.com

  41. I recognize some of the mice you have in your latest blog. The two ceramic mice (one has a pumpkin one is on skis) are Wee Forest Folk. If they have a WP on the bottom that is for William Petersen. They are pretty collectible. The fur mouse with the pink tutu looks like a Real Fur Toy from Germany to me. All these are pretty collectible. I have a blog too and have found some of these mice. My blog is called Newenglandfindsandfancies on WordPress in case you are interested.

  42. I forgot to mention that some of the ceramic figurines like the cat, dog and the two dragons I believe are Hagen Renaker figures which usually sell best in a lot.

    1. Honestly as much as I like vintage TVs I don’t have the space to store them, and there isn’t much of a market for them currently. Hopefully someone else takes it though.

  50. I’m coming to Montreal for a week (Nov 2017) and I was wondering what thrift stores you would recommend? Thanks so much!

    1. I don’t go to thrift stores too often. I like Chainon on St Laurent, but if you’re looking to do some “flipping” it’s not the best option. I hear good things about The Little Shop in Park Ex though I have never been. I prefer going to moving and estate sales myself.

    1. Yes please do. If there are eBay items you want please let me know, and I can offer them to you at a somewhat cheaper price, assuming you can pick them up.

  52. I noticed the st john ambulance medallions – you were wondering about a service medal. Black and white stripes with the Queen on the medal – that’s a 12 year service medal.and if you found it in the garbage then someone was either really p.o.’d or passed away. It’s a lot of hard work for 12 yrs – I put 15 years in myself.
    If you have any with bars then that’s 5 yrs extra.

  53. Hello! Thanks for all the info and tips you are sharing in this blog, it’s a great resource for figuring out where to get started with my own dumpster diving.

    I’m also interested in buying a pair of glasses you have listed on eBay and was wondering if you ever off collection or if you only ship items?

    All the best

  54. Hello,
    I am curious to know if you ever found out the value of the tall green bottles. I have the exact same one. Its still sealed. I am unable to read the article In the journal as I’m in the US and can’t read French at all. Theses photos are the only thing I have been able to find since I bought it at a yard sale a few yrs ago. I just liked it and thought it looked like it may possibly be worth significantly more than what I spent. Any additional info you can provide me will be greatly appreciated.

    1. I can’t remember what happened to those now. I do know that I didn’t know much about selling at that point, and I didn’t get much for them. I think they could be worth around 50-100$ each, but you’d have to empty them as the contents are definitely no longer good and they don’t add to the value at all (as far as I understand, at least). There’s a few that recently sold on eBay at that range – https://www.ebay.ca/sch/i.html?_odkw=chianti+bottle&_ftrt=901&_sop=3&_sadis=15&_dmd=1&LH_Complete=1&LH_Sold=1&_osacat=0&_stpos=H2T2P7&_ipg=50&_ftrv=1&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR4.TRC0.A0.H0.Xchianti+bottle+tall.TRS1&_nkw=chianti+bottle+tall&_sacat=0

      Shipping them would be a real hassle, though!

  55. Hi there,

    I’m the Community  Manager with Anagram Interactive, where we specialize in connecting  established brands with prominent bloggers. We are currently running a campaign for one of the top online stationery brands that you and your readers might find very interesting.
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  56. For those N64 games you posted, they have some initials on them. I use Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to get stuff like that off easily. One eraser lasts me a while and people seem happier with marker off. Love the blog!

  57. Hello Marty,

    A commun friend led me to your blog. I’m a artisan/designer of light fixtures made with reclaimed materials.
    I also go about the streets and collect things that others consider useless, then transform them and make a living giving them a second long lasting value. Please contact me @ studiobotte@gmail.com . I think we could find a way to work together.

    Thanks for your time.

    1. Interesting, I’ve struggled with internet communication lately (I find staying on top of it all overwhelming) so your best bet is to come to one of my sales and propose something there. I may do a vintage fair in the winter, otherwise I do yard sales in the spring.

  58. Hello,

    My name is Nathan Hoffman and I’m the Partnerships-Manager at FindMediaPartners.com.

    We would like to advertise some of our clients on your blog.

    Can you please let me know which Advertising options you offer ?

    Thanks in advance for the Details !

    kindest regards,

    Nathan Hoffman
    Partnerships Manager
    FindMediaPartners.com

  59. Hi, would you consider selling your two portrait miniature, unless they are already sold? thank you!

  61. Hey there ! Did you think about donating the old Montreal map to Archives de Montréal ? They probably have a copy already but who knows ! Great find, as always.

  62. Hi Martin, this is Vladimir Valiente, remember me? The Latino artist! Lol….I am 300% interested on the Atari baseball hat, can I pick it up at one of your “ bat caves”? Let me know! Cheers!

  63. Hello, love your work! Do you have the earrings as shown with the calculator radio from your Sept 2020 post? Interested in buying.

    Thank you

  64. Hello, this is Jan, a Native American culture enthusiast and illustrator from Europe. I am writing to give my response to your coat. From the detailed picture of the decoration it seems the coat is rooted in the Huron tradition (the application is moosehair not porcupine quill) rather than in the Métis-Cree tradition. Also, the style of epaulets is typical of Huron. The color scheme using artificial dyes dates this coat back to late 19th or early 20th cent. If you look for someone to buy this coat from you, I am interested, if it´s for a reasonable price. Let me know, Jan

  65. Hi, do you still have the “Zacuto USA” from your April 26th post? I would be willing to buy it from you! If so you can send me an email, thanks!

  72. Hey Martin, it’s blue haired @gabriellemarinart (I’m at the public library so I can’t DM you on insta directly)

    I just found this and I thought it would be interesting for you to know this is a ressource that you could probably provide for with your numerous archives if you’re interested:

    https://www.banq.qc.ca/notre-institution/banq/donner-des-archives-ou-des-documents-publies/

    I hope this is interesting to you!

    Cheers and I hope you’re well <3
    Gabu

  73. Do you still have the Seattle Sourdough Club photo from your blog post in 2013? I found a reference to the formation of this club in 1933. It was formed by pioneers of the northland mining industry. My great-great-grandfather Thomas Henry White was one of the founding members.

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