Since their service time is as long as the warranty, today’s generation has become accustomed to buying new products. Our parents and grandparents are used to the idea that something can last a very long time and still help their future offspring. In Now I’ve Seen Everything, we often throw out burnt kettles, leaky shoes, and pans with leftover food. We therefore appreciate those who have used the same items for decades without breaking down with envy.
1. Here are some samples of the images this 1960s film camera is capable of capturing.
2. Shoes in mint condition from 1952 or 1962
3. “Teapot, age unknown, at least 75 years old — still used every day.”
I know the flames won’t destroy it, but I didn’t even think of that – it seems like a curse.
4. An Oxford satchel from around 1880. Used and cherished by my mum, uncle, aunt, grandad, and myself, it’s still going strong.’
5. “A waffle maker from the 1920s that still works flawlessly”
6. “The best sharpener in the world, around 1920°
7. “A flask that dates back to 1884 – the inside appears to be in perfect condition.”
8. “This is more than 117-year-old coffee grinder from Peugeot (yes, the car manufacturer)”
9. “About 80 years old – hand-used cast iron pan, used daily”
10. “The train my grandfather bought in 1952 – I’m the third generation to ride it during the Christmas season.”
11. “Here’s my Swingline stapler from 1962 that I still use.”
12. “I write with a Waterman 52 pen that is 97 years old.”
13. “I paid $5 for this old KitchenAid mixer at a thrift store. After 7 years I’ve been using it 3-4 times a week.
Plus, the bowl never even cracked when I dropped it from counter height twice.”
14. Buying a Le Creuset set in 1977
15. “My Emerson desk fan has been going strong for over 70 years.”
16. “Here’s my 1939 German hair dryer that still works”
17. “Linen pants my mom bought in 1978—I still wear them every week!”
18. “Almost 25 years and countless miles, worn in aggressive environments (sea water and sand)”
19. “35 years ago my parents got married and got matching North Face down jackets. They’re still in use today.”
20. “My great-great-grandfather’s wallet, my dad also wore it and I still use it”
21. “My Gillette Everyday Razor, Circa 1920”
22. “Our Singer sewing machine is 100 years old and works perfectly.”
23. “They work better than any stove I’ve ever owned and I use them every day. Reliability was a fitting moniker for the organization considering its age of only ninety years.
24. “My toaster, circa 19305”
In a world where consumerism often dictates the pace of our lives, where the appeal of the latest gadgets and trends can overshadow the value of longevity and durability, the anecdotes shared above serve as poignant reminders of another time. They offer glimpses into a time when products were not disposable goods, but rather valuable possessions meant to last a lifetime and beyond.
The pictures painted by these stories evoke a sense of admiration and perhaps a touch of envy for those fortunate enough to inherit or stumble upon such enduring treasures. From century-old sewing machines to decades-old kitchen appliances, each item carries with it a rich history and a testament to the craftsmanship of past eras.
But beyond mere nostalgia, these anecdotes also encourage reflection on our own consumer habits and the choices we make as individuals and as a society. In a culture driven by instant gratification and constant consumption, there is a certain appeal to the idea of investing in quality over quantity, prioritizing longevity and sustainability over passing trends.
So perhaps the real value of these relics lies not only in their age or functionality but also in the lessons they convey about conscious consumption and the importance of appreciating what we have. They remind us that true wealth is not measured in accumulated possessions but in the memories and connections made over time.
As we move through an increasingly disposable culture, let us heed the wisdom of past generations and try to cultivate a way of thinking and respecting the things we own. For in doing so, we not only honor the legacy of those who came before us but also pave the way for a more sustainable and fulfilling future for generations to come.