Time Capsule Photo

[Steven Hockstein]

I inspected a house last week that had an old electric range that looked like it was never used. It prompted me to start this thread and invite you to post photos of old items in houses that you were surprised to find in perfect condition. (Unfortunately I found termites up to the roof of the same house).

Click to Enlarge

39.06 KB

[AHI in AR]

Unexpectedly spry elderly inhabitants don't count, right?

[Welmoed]

Holy cow, that's the exact one that was in the kitchen in my childhood home!!

[Steven Hockstein]

Unexpectedly spry elderly inhabitants don't count, right?

That is funny. I almost added that people are excluded. With the miracles of plastic surgery some people don't seem to age. On second thought, go ahead and post one if you found one. Nothing wrong with a flattering cougar photo.

[John Kogel]

I'll contribute this fuse panel, still providing dependable power after about 60 years.

Click to Enlarge

35.91 KB

[Inspectorjoe]

This past summer, I did a house that was itself a time capsule. The 3,000 sf 1920 craftsman bungalow was nearly entirely original, including the finishes on the built-in cabinets and every bit of wood trim. It was actually pretty jaw-dropping. The buyers put their accounting practice into it. Luckily they were very aware of what a unique treasure they were becoming the stewards of.

The built in icebox with exterior ice delivery door isn't completely original. It was converted to a refrigerator, with the fan/coil/compressor unit put in the basement.

Click to Enlarge

31.18 KB[/size=1

Click to Enlarge

40.99 KB

Click to Enlarge

61.09 KB

The tub was a bit stained, but otherwise, was pretty flawless. The 93 year old faucets had a most unusual feel to them - almost sensuous. I know that sounds strange, but don't know how else to describe it.

Click to Enlarge

25.51 KB

Click to Enlarge

28.42 KB

Click to Enlarge

45.46 KB

Click to Enlarge

38.55 KB

[John Dirks Jr]

From todays inspection. Rheem gas water heater still in service after 51 years, but not in perfect condition.

Click to Enlarge

44.51 KB

Click to Enlarge

46.97 KB

[Rob Amaral]

Click to Enlarge

44.34 KB

[Tom Raymond]

From todays inspection. Rheem gas water heater still in service after 51 years, but not in perfect condition.

They don't build em like they used to. Literally. I installed the third Rheem water heater in my house the night before Thanksgiving. One 12 years ago, one 14 months ago, one last week. I would have switched makers but the last one was free under warranty.