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Your Trusted Source for Estate Sales in The Villages, FL

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 22:36:04 GMT

Eagle Estate Sales: Your Trusted Source for Estate Sales in The Villages, FL Family and Veteran Owned

Are you looking for a reliable and experienced estate sale company in The Villages, FL? Look no further than Eagle Estate Sales.

We are a family and veteran-owned company that specializes in providing high-quality estate sale services to our clients. We are bonded and insured, and we offer a free consultation to help you get started.

What We Specialize In

We specialize in selling a wide variety of items, including:

Furniture
Electronics
Jewelry
Collectibles
Antiques
Clothing
Household goods
And more!

Our Process

We work with you to determine the best way to sell your estate. We will then create a marketing plan to get your items in front of potential buyers. We will also handle all of the logistics of the sale, including setting up and staffing the event.

Our Services

We offer a variety of services to meet your needs, including:

Free consultations
Appraisals
Marketing
Staging
Sale management
Post-sale clean-up

Why Choose Eagle Estate Sales

There are many reasons to choose Eagle Estate Sales for your estate sale needs. We are:

Experienced
Reliable
Professional
Affordable
We offer a wide range of services
We are family and veteran owned

Contact Us Today

If you are looking for a trusted and experienced estate sale company in The Villages, FL, contact Eagle Estate Sales today. We are happy to answer any questions you may have and provide you with a free consultation.

We look forward to working with you!

Eagle Estate Sales (352) 436-8828

(contact@eagleestatesales.com)

Estate Sale Ephemera: 20th Century Headlines

Sat, 18 Feb 2023 08:04:25 GMT

A few important headlines from history

Estate sales are neat because they give us the chance to learn (or relive) history. For example, once upon a time, long ago, people relied on the newspaper to get their news. (Doesn’t that sound quaint?) And if something especially newsworthy happened, some people would save the newspaper to pass along to future generations. While we might think it’s silly now in our digital age, estate sale ephemera certainly makes for interesting browsing! Part of the fun of shopping estate sales is getting to dig through all those yellowed, tattered pages torn from history – a thrill you just won’t get from trawling Wikipedia.

Below are a few important headlines from history somebody thought to save. Do you remember where you were during these historical events?

1. World War II

British Carry Out Plans

As the last of the World War II soldiers pass on, these old newspaper clippings are more important than ever to let us know what the US was like then, according to the media.

2. Franklin D. Roosevelt Dies

Newspaper Headline: Roosevelt is Dead

FDR was the only U.S. President to serve three consecutive terms, and by the time he died, he’d been President for many Americans’ entire lives.

3. Engel v. Vitale Rules Against Public School Prayer

Newspaper headline: Prayer in Public Schools Ruled Unconstitutional

This controversial court decision ruled prayer in public schools unconstitutional in an attempt to keep the separation between church and state.

4. JFK is Assassinated

Newspaper headline: Kennedy Assassination

America has never gotten over the day JFK was shot in Dallas, as all the movies, books, and conspiracy theories surrounding the mysterious murder prove.

5. Kennedy is Buried

Newspaper headling: Kennedy is Buried

John F. Kennedy was buried in Arlington Cemetery; an eternal flame burns at his grave site.

6. President Eisenhower Dies

Newspaper headline: Ike's Greatest Battle

The nation’s 34th president, as well as a 5 star general during WW II , died in 1969.

7. The U.S. Lunar Landing

Newspape headline: Astronauts Walk on Moon

The first moon landing secured the U.S.’s lead in the Space Race and promised a new frontier.

8. Nixon Resigns

Newspaper headline: Nixon Resigns 2

Watergate marked the end of America’s faith in politics, and it definitely had an effect on the American psyche: this event was the most saved from estate sale newspapers.

9. John Lennon Is Killed

Newspaper headline: John Lennon is Slain

John Lennon was shot in front of his apartment building in New York at the end of 1980.

10. The Gulf War

Gulf War newspapers

Print media still thrived in the 90s, as these newspapers reporting on the Iraqi War prove.

Which important newspapers have you held onto? Share your photos or comments below!

7 Midcentury Modern Brands to Find at Estate Sales

Sat, 18 Feb 2023 08:00:00 GMT

Top MCM Brands at Estate Sales

It’s official: we’re in love with midcentury modern, and it doesn’t look like the affair is fizzling out any time soon. Coined by Cara Greenberg in her 1984 book, Midcentury Modern: Furniture of the 1950s, this style spans the mid 1930s to mid 1960s. While the phrase “midcentury modern” stuck, the style had taken off long before there was a name for the simple streamlined look. Post-war America fell in love with the new “mod” style that would come to define modern suburban life, and with it, the promise of the American dream.

MCM, as it’s also called, later found a resurgence in popularity during the early 90s and has continued to flourish today, thanks to period shows like Mad Men and The Astronaut’s Wives Club that keep the style trendy.

The real question is: how can you get your hands on some of these iconic pieces? Well, you could pay thousands of dollars for a reproduction from one of those swanky furniture stores or design websites.

Or you can get creative and find original MCM furniture at estate sales. Estate sales (also called “tag sales”) are great places to snatch up some fine midcentury pieces for your home or office. (Keep in mind you won’t find cast-offs sold for the cheapest price. Instead, you’re likely to find furniture that has been well cared for, and as such, priced accordingly.) However, you’ll avoid the markup you’re likely to run into at antique stores, so it’s worth the time spent scouring the sales in your area.

We’ve singled out just a few famous midcentury brands to keep your eyes peeled for at estate sales. With a little knowledge about what to buy, it’s still possible to find a good deal. And remember, part of the fun is the search — so happy hunting !

1. Adrian Pearsall

When you think of that midcentury “Space Age” look, American architect and designer Adrian Pearsall is probably responsible for some of what you’re picturing. Known for incorporating geometric shapes, swooping lines and sharp angles into his work, as well as the use of warm-colored woods, Pearsall designs are easy to recognize. (Pro-tip: examine furniture bases for that signature walnut wood).

Some backstory: According to his son, dad Pearsall was a pretty unassuming and humble guy, which is, let’s be frank, pretty unusual with these artsy types. He founded Craft Associates with his brother back in 1952, and the story goes, was such a practical businessman that he gave his company a generic name. In case designing furniture didn’t work out, he could use the name to sell something else! Luckily, the furniture did take off, and pieces from that time period are still in high demand today. If you’re trying to discern an original from back then, look for tags that read: Craft Associates, Wilkes-Barre Pennsylvania.

In the 60s Pearsall formed Davidson-Pearsall, and later, in 1968, he sold the Craft Associates label to the Lane Company. In the 70s, Pearsall formed Comfort Design, and stayed there until his retirement in the 80s.

Adrian Pearsall Sofa: Photo Credit

Some designs Pearsall is known for include the iconic long and low gondola sofa, like the one pictured above. The gondola sofa was so named for its resemblance to a gondola seat, with its curved seat and concave back. Like much of the furniture designed in the 1960s, the Adrian Pearsall gondola sofa was low to the ground.

Other Adrian Pearsall-inspired designs to be on the lookout for: armchairs with high backs flanked with angular armrests or chairs that incorporate neck rests into the design. Like most midcentury modern furniture, Pearsall pieces make great focal points in an otherwise simple space. Fun fact: You can also thank Pearsall for designing the famous Beanbag Chair that got you through all those all-nighters in college. Who knew back then that you had an eye for American modern art?

2. Knoll

Founded by a man, but grown to empire status by a woman, Knoll is a name you need to know if you’re into midcentury modern. Hans Knoll founded the company in 1938 but after his sudden death, his wife Florence took over and grew Knoll into the international company it is today.

Design nerds will recognize a number of American and European artists who worked under the Knoll label, including Niels Diffrient, Maya Lin, Carl Magnussen, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Max Pearson, Jens Risom, and Eero Saarinen — to name a few. Chances are you’ve sat in a Knoll designed chair: the Tulip, the Barcelona, and the Hardoy chairs are all popular models that are still manufactured today.

The Tulip Chair was designed in 1956 by Eero Saarinen (who also designed the famous St. Louis Arch) as part of the famous Pedestal Series. Saarinen’s mission was to eradicate the “slum of legs” into a cleaner more streamlined look — hence the chairs and tables resting on a single leg. You might have sat in a Tulip at the last hipster restaurant you dined in. Saarinen wanted his chairs to be more than just places to sit; he wanted his furniture to be able to stand on its own — no pun intended — as art. With clean lines and easily replicated materials such as aluminum, plastic, and fiberglass, the Tulip Chair married the best of modernism with post-industrial design.

Barcelona Chair

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe was the designer responsible for concept-ing the famous Barcelona Chair, which he created for Barcelona’s 1929 International Exposition. The Barcelona Chair was originally designed for royalty, but the Spanish King and Queen never actually tested them out — their loss was our gain. Upholstered with deep tufted fine leather over a steel chrome base, the criss-cross chrome base was inspired by the ancient Roman campaign chairs, which were foldable to easily transport on the trail. In 2015, the Barcelona Chair design lives on, thanks to modern design stores — and will only put you out about $5,000.

If you’ve ever tailgated in one of those nifty cloth chairs, you can tip your baseball cap to Knoll. Indeed, your beer-swilling throne, also known as the “Butterfly Chair” or “BKF” (after designers Antonio Bonet, Juan Kurchan, Jorge F. Hardoy) is part of the elite Knoll portfolio. Also inspired by the easily portable campaign chair, the BKF is basically a piece of tough cloth stretched across the highest points of a foldable steel frame. Showcased in 1940, the design officially became part of the Knoll catalogue in 1947 and has remained a midcentury classic and backyard favorite.

3. Broyhill Brasilia

If you’re lucky enough to run across an authentic Broyhill Brasilia piece at an estate sale — buy it now and ask questions later. This delightful furniture line has inspired a cult following among midcentury modern fans, and for good reason. The name isn’t just for international appeal. MCM mainstay manufacturer Broyhill’s Brasilia line was inspired by the architecture of the classic Brazilian capital, also designed midcentury between 1956 and 1960.

Broyhill Brasilia incorporates many of the design elements that make the cosmopolitan city unique. Its signature swooping curves and arches are reminiscent of the Cathedral of Brasilia and other Brasilia architecture. The line was originally introduced in the Seattle World Fair of 1962 and has only gotten more popular with time.

An old Broyhill brochure calls the Brasilia wood “softly shaded walnut” and you’ll want to keep the wood in good condition in if you’re lucky enough to come across any. In any case, messing with the wood by way of painting or staining could affect the resale value of the piece. Be on the lookout for pieces with the original brass Brasilia hardware, like the ones in the highboy pictured below.

Broyhill Brasilia is easily recognizable — and not so easily replicated. Unfortunately, this means getting a good deal on an authentic piece of Broyhill Brasilia is most likely also a thing of the past.

4. Le Corbusier

While Le Corbusier was a French and Swiss guy known mostly for his architecture (and his thick-rimmed circular eyeglasses), like a lot of other designers focused on form and function, he dabbled in furniture. And like a lot of designers who dabbled, his dabblings ended up becoming iconic pieces of art worthy of museum exhibitions. Perhaps more importantly, his pieces also better served the needs of modern society (meaning: his chairs were pretty comfy to sit in).

Like any architect worth his salt, Le Corbusier was into math and fascinated with systems and proportions and the Golden Ratio. This obsession with geometry would largely inform his philosophy of “furniture that felt right” that drove his designs. He also came up with a lot of the modern comforts we take for granted today, like spacious open floor plans and rooftop gardens. A true man of the people, he was interested in making city life more comfortable for urban dwellers. He viewed the house as a “machine for living” and believed furniture should serve as “extensions of our limbs and adapt to human functions.”

In other words, if you’ve ever melted into one of those Sharper Image lounge chairs and felt as if you didn’t know where the chair ended and you began, you can thank Monsieur Le C. for that. A man ahead of his time, he understood the importance of comfort, as well as aesthetics.Perhaps his most famous contributions are the use of glass and steel in his work. His most famous furniture designs are the chaise longue (official name: Chaise Longue LC4) and the grande armchair (Grand Confort), both with tubular chrome bases, leather cushioning, and sleek sophistication — pictured above.

5. Finn Juhl

A Danish designer, Finn Juhl was more interested in form than he was in function, which is to say he had a flair for the dramatic. It shows in his designs. A pioneer of that illustrious school “Danish Design” that hit it big mid-century and has been popular ever since, we can thank Juhl for bringing what’s officially known as Danish Modern to America.

Like many Danish artists, he worked primarily in teak, a favorite of furniture-makers because it’s one of the softer and more pliable woods. He too was obsessed with clean lines and curves which helped to define the Danish Modern style.

Perhaps his most recognizable chair design is the Pelican Chair, pictured above. Designed in 1940, it’s still manufactured today with its “wing-like” arm rests that almost resemble an embrace and overall avant-garde look. What else would you expect from a guy who was inspired by cubism and surrealist art? While Juhl understood that a chair exists to serve a function, like most of the modern designers, he believed a piece of furniture should have the same artistic value as a sculpture.He’s also responsible for the floating back design featured in many of his sofa and chair designs and which is still a popular design in modern furniture today.

6. Milo Baughman

Another American designer on our list Milo Baughman (pronouned “Boff-man”) was born in Kansas and raised in California. He would later go on to create the “California Modern” look : relaxed and unpretentious, yet classic and able to withstand the test of time. (You won’t see Baughman designing anything like the Pelican chair; he preferred to adhere to simpler forms). He also understood that comfort should take precedence in furniture design. After all, he believed furniture was designed to be used — not isolated within the white walls of a museum.

Baughman was influential in bringing a lot of modern furniture into the everyday home, thanks to his partnership with manufacturer Thayer Coggin in the later half of the 20th century. Together, they incorporated a variety of materials into his furniture, making use of warm woods like walnut, metals, and fine upholstery which lent his pieces a sleek sturdiness.No doubt you’ve seen some of his famous chrome and glass or brass and glass sculptural coffee tables, like the one pictured above, or sat in a Baughman-inspired chrome base chair while waiting for a doctor’s appointment. The chrome and glass etagere (or what Americans call a “knick-knack shelf”) and the semi-circle shaped sofa, are more of the famous designer’s iconic modern designs.

7. Heywood Wakefield

While IKEA furniture may be all the rage (at least for more mobile Millennials), solid wood furniture can last a lifetime. Heywood Wakefield was an American furniture company that’s been around since the mid 20th century and helped pioneer the process of wood bending to make furniture.

But let’s back up to the beginning. The company’s roots are with the 5 Heywood brothers in 1826 who began fashioning chairs out of wood in their father’s old barn. Later, they joined up with the Wakefield Rattan Company which specialized in — you guessed it — rattan and wicker furniture.

The first order of business for the newly merged company was to breathe life into some of their stale designs that were threatening to keep them stuck in the past. This need for innovation created the “Modern” series that includes the “Sculptura,” “Crescendo,” and “Kohinoor” lines that are so coveted by MCM fans and collectors today.

Heywood Wakefield began taking inspiration from French Art Deco for their 1930s through 1940s designs If you’ve ever traveled by train, chances are you were whisked from point A to point B in a Heywood Wakefield designed seat: the Sleepy Hollow chair. And since blondes have more fun, Heywood Wakefield used a bright blonde birch wood that adds a sunny element and soon became their signature look.

Throughout the years, Heywood Wakefield brought several soon-to-be known artists under its label including renowned midcentury favorites: Gilbert Rohde and Russell Wright. Indeed Heywood Wakefield was ahead of its time, and its designs precede the popular streamlined look that would come to dominate MCM style.

What are your Midcentury Modern styles have you found at estate sales? Let us know in the comments!

The Ultimate Estate Sale Gift Guide

Sat, 18 Feb 2023 07:54:05 GMT

Estate sales are the world’s best kept secret

Estate sales are the world’s best kept secret when it comes to gift shopping – and we’ll tell you why. First off, estate sales are different from garage sales or yard sales because the things on sale aren’t someone’s old and worn-out cast-offs. The items on sale at estate sales are often things people just couldn’t keep, due to circumstances or downsizing.

Go Green!

Estate sales provide opportunities to breathe new life into old items – which cuts down on waste and makes the world a better place! Some estate sale finds need to be fixed up or refurbished, so if you’re into DIY, getting your hands dirty is half the fun! (Not into DIY? That’s okay, too! Many items at estate sales have rarely or never been used, or else they’ve been treated with love). Either way you’re helping to reuse and recycle!

You Want It? You’ll Find It

Another reason to shop estate sales is that you can find just about anything if you look hard enough: power tools, decorative glass, books, Pyrex, every kind of collectible, vintage fashion, retro appliances, toys, post cards, photographs, video games, perfume bottles, lamps, furniture, fine art – you name it, the list goes on. Just about everything can be sold at an estate sale – including planes, cars, farm equipment, and even land!

The Price is Right

Of course a huge reason to shop estate sales is for the bargains alone. Since you’re not getting items brand new, you’re often able to find pretty good deals (Pro-tip: hit up the estate sales on a Sunday when prices are likely to be lowered). This way, you’ll have more money to spend on more people. If you’re from a big family or have lots of friends, this is important!

Something for Everyone

Probably what we love most about shopping estate sales is being able to find something special and personalized for every single person on your list – as opposed to something that’s mass manufactured at a big box store (although you can find that stuff at estate sales, too!)

We’ve put together this list of estate sales gift ideas for every special someone in your life. All photos are from actual previous estate sales on EstateSales.org! Happy gifting!

For Mom

Jewelry

Porcelain

Fenton glass

For Dad

Antique appliances

Power tools

Vintage beer taps

For your hard-to-read father-in-law

Coca Cola collectibles

Antique apothecary bottles

Vintage World War II posters

For your hard-to please mother in law:

Designer purse

Vintage perfume

For Grandma:

Vintage Christmas decor

Handmade quilt

For Grandpa:

Political keepsakes

Bald Eagle statue

For your nerdy brother:

Coins for his coin collection

Baseball cards for his baseball card collection

Trekkibilia for his Trekkie collection

Star Trek Collectibles

For your stylish sister:

Vintage clothing

Midcentury modern furniture

Silk scarf by Chanel

Chanel Scarf

For the black sheep:

Ouija board

Ouija Board

For your quirky aunt:

A statement hat

Pet carrier

Spiritual garden statue

Garden Buddha Statue

For your even quirkier aunt:

Collectible dolls

Energy pack of healing crystals

Anything shaped like a cat

Healing Crystals

For your uncle’s man cave:

Neon beer ad

Taxidermy

2 life-sized cardboard cutouts of John Wayne

For the cousin who’s a little too excited about The Force Awakens:

Star Wars collectibles

Vintage Star Wars Dolls

For the career college student:

Artsy coffee table book

Vintage Parisian poster

Olympia typewriter

Vintage Olympia Typewriter

For the hipster:

Nothing (Explain the gift’s ironic)

Warhol’s Mao

Warhol's Mao

For the corporate climber:

How to Win Friends & Influence People

The Art of War

Vintage Monopoly board game

Vintage Monopoly Board Games

For your kids:

Bicycle

Video game console and/or video games

Retro Barbie bus

Vintage Barbie Bus

For their kids:

Musical instrument (better theirs than yours!)

Accordian

For the jet-setter:

Framable vintage maps

Anything French

Vintage Maps

For the musician:

Crosley turntable

Something classic on vinyl

Crosley Record Player

For the foodie:

Vintage cookbooks

Wooden dough bowl

Antique pie safe

Primitive Pie Safe

For the entertainer:

Vintage tea set

Pyrex

Chinaware

Pink Porcelain Dishes with Green Flowers

For the arts & crafter:

Old Scrabble board games

Wine bottle cork collection (a great excuse to start collecting!)

Vintage greeting cards

Vintage Greeting Cards

For the conspiracy theorist:

Stealth cam

Stealth Cam

For the teacher:

Decorative globe

Vintage signs for classroom decor

Early book edition

Classic Books

What estate sale finds will you be gifting people? Share with us your best estate sale gift ideas – past or present – in the comments below!