Yesterday, I went to visit an antique dealer’s attic. It was a dream come true. Attics are usually dark, this one was no exception. In my excitement to get there, I parked my car in a haste and ran to her door. When we went into the attic I realized I had my prescription sunglasses on, and that I had left my glasses in the car…several thousand blocks away. Never mind I can see I said, even if it is darker than usual.
First lesson when buying antiques: See with your heart. Because at the end of the day the piece you buy helps create the ambiance in your home.
Boxes upon boxes, stacks of stuff, cramped everywhere. I nearly peed my pants I was that giddy. "Is this the stairway to heaven?" I asked. The dealer was very kind she said, "Take your time, open any box you want. I’ll be downstairs."
I pinched myself…really hard…to make sure I wasn’t dreaming. Then I said to her that I that I might end up living in her attic. She said in that case she would make some tea.
Lesson number two: Most people will tell you to hide your feelings. To stay neutral so that you can have more leverage in negotiating a better price. Most people will tell you to point out the flaws in the object, to act like it is too expensive, to pretend you are not that interested. Obviously I blew these lessons out the non existing attic window.
The cardboard treasure boxes held many styles, most of the pieces dated around 1880-1930s. The craftsmanship of many creative hands, that had labored lovingly at their art, started to form mountains around me. Baptismal gowns, table clothes, lace panel curtains, mixed match napkins with monograms, bundles of lace….
Lesson number three: Take a big bag. Wear comfortable shoes, and pray that a money tree sprouts up in the garden. Can I come to your garden?
…Then in the bottom of one of the boxes I saw two brown paper parcels. I asked the antique dealer what was inside of them. She said they were books. "Do you like old books?"
I told her I Liked everything except anchovies, and oysters.
Lesson number four: Ask questions. Look inside boxes, under the table, and up above. Most of the best finds are waiting for you to notice them.
Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want, and when it comes to you embrace it with open arms.
Photos: Bits and pieces that I saw in the attic. Yes, I bought some, but I learned more, and found a new friend. The tea was wonderful.
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