A Time For Collectors and Dealers
First, my apologies to dealers with old (as in purchased years ago) inventory and collectors who are downsizing. In many cases, prices today aren’t what they are used to be. We’ve speculated about the reason a number of times – from student debt, to a more mobile society, to over-scheduled youngsters who never started a collection of anything. The supply and demand factor, along with years of tame inflation and an “iffy” economy, has diminished the argument for antiques as an investment. So, while it’s a tough time for sellers, it’s a good time for collectors who collect for enjoyment.
Regular readers may remember my interests, other than furniture, have been redware, early lighting, pewter and early clear glass. A combination of higher prices and limited disposable income kept my purchases under control years back. I was happy to add a marked piece of pewter to the collection from time to time. The early marks were generally out of reach for me.
Over the last several months I’ve been lucky to make some good purchases at auctions. Those who have attended antiques auctions over the years probably have noticed that some items that were once offered one at a time are now sold in multiples. I’ve been able to buy a number of early marked American (early 1800s and earlier) pieces for what used to be the price of a good plate. Even at co-ops the prices have been right. Recently in Vermont I came across a piece of Samuel Ellis English export pewter. This mid-1700s plate was reasonably priced to start with, but it was in a co-op booth marked half off.
As I said, it has been a good time for collectors who collect for enjoyment, rather than speculation.\r\n\r\nNow, an idea for dealers. While there may be fewer people building extensive collections, there are many people who decorate their homes. Just drop in a store like HomeGoods or Target and you’ll see plenty of “decor,” and it’s not necessarily inexpensive. And some of it is made to look “old.”
Perhaps it’s time to stop selling antiques and start selling “decor with a history.” If the idea of an antiques store isn’t grabbing the attention of younger buyers, perhaps it’s time to re-brand the business. Pick a trendy name for a shop and pay special attention to display. Motivate the buyer with the “look,” then use the history as an added attraction. Add a detailed card with information such as “Pewter was a prized possession in American households through the early 1800s. This piece is from the Boardman shop and is marked with the eagle hallmark which dates it to circa 1825.” Who knows, maybe it will be a single plate sale, or maybe the start of a collection.
In general we like antiques and we can’t fathom the idea that someone has to be motivated to consider buying one. We ran across this online from a gift store: “A carefully curated collection of gifts $250 and under.” Why not “A carefully curated collection of home décor with a history”?
