The nuts and bolts

We are often asked, “Just how do you know exactly where to go in England to buy antiques?” And we always reply, “Trial and Error!” The hunt always begins with some rumor of a great little shop in some quiet corner of the countryside. We head out on what often becomes a wild goose chase or it could be that perfect little shop that has wonderful things with great prices. You have to check out every tip you get. And another way is to go to the large fairs where a lot of dealers show at the same time. This information is found online under Antique Fairs in the UK. But first and foremost you have to have an adventurous spirit ready for anything that may happen.

The years of spontaneous buying trips to England and France have resulted in a collection that blends English Georgian furniture and French country antiques. Over the years we’ve learned a lot from talking to dealers and learned a lot from touching, feeling and examining every piece of furniture we buy. Yes, we’ve had some lemons and we always say we must have had too much wine to let that piece slip through. This doesn’t happen often. Most of the time we end up with gorgeous pieces that are right at home in Southern homes.

Here are some example, soon to be seen and touched in our store:

French two-door server c. 1870

Enfalide (3 door French buffet)

Carved Oak French Buffet

Shell covered dome shaped box.

Early oak chest on stand. circa: 1790

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Two true Beatles Fans

You can never tell a book by its cover. Who would ever guess that these two old antiques are huge and we mean serious Beatles fans. And how lucky we were our hotel in Liverpool was right across the street from the “Beatles’ Story.” What a thrilling experience. We’re still humming “Yesterday,” Kitty’s favorite, and “Hey Jude,” Jenny’s favorite.

at The Beatles Story

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Sale Sale Sale

The shop is chocker block full so we have to clear out to make room for all of our new (old) antiques purchased in England. We have a big problem: we like to buy, and buy we did!

That’s good for you because you can now buy that chest or side board you’ve always wanted at rock bottom prices… and we mean best price ever!

Just come in and say like they do in the UK, “Mate, what’s your best price?” And the price will be right. We’re ready to deal… Come on in! We guarantee you’ll be pleased.

We just went through the store and picked out a few of our favorite things to show you!

Victorian Sheffield Silver Bacon Server c. 1880. Was $975, now is $495.

Isn’t that gorgeous?

Bowfronted mahogany sideboard standing on tapered spade feet. Circa 1880. Was $2800, now $1800.

What a bargain!

Painted two door French bookcase.Were $2500 each, now $1250 each.

And see it a little closer…

Detail of bookcase. Each now $1250.

Beautiful!

French blue "Augustin" lamp. Was $575. Now $285.

 

French pot cupboard with marble top. Circa 1890. Was $395. Now $250.

Early 19th century French cherry wood two over two drawer commode. Original handles and locks. Circa 1820. Was $3500. Now $2400.

Come on in and see all this and more! Hurry, things are going quickly!

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Home again home again!

Home again! Home again! After 12 busy days of shopping in England until we dropped in the nearest pub every night. The weather was in the low 40s to 50s so we had to buy fast and furious to keep warm.

No stone was left unturned (even riding in the back of an 18-wheeler with two Frenchmen–ooo la la!) to bring our dear customers the very best antiques we could find (more about the Lorry (truck) ride later).

We’ll keep you posted on an arrival date for our container–stay tuned–more to come on the trials and tribulations of buying antiques in England.

Check out a few photos from our trip:

French two door walnut server straight off the truck from France.

Big fans of the Beatles visited the museum and loved every minute.

Two BBC stars talk with another at his shop: Below the Stairs.
 

Took a short cut through the cemetery with Martin Johnson.

We got a big welcome from the proprietor of The Pheasant Inn where we stayed.

What happens in England stays in England.

 

Drove a Peugot this year. Quite a let down for Jenny from her BMW X3.

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