Featured So what got you started ?

Inherited trait with me. My grandmothers had an appreciation and love for china, jewelery and things to set a nice table (silver, sterling flatware, etc.). Then my mother in law entered my life and she, my mother and myself would have some fun times perusing antique stores and going to antique fairs that were popular back then. Porcelain seemed to be my thing and I have loved learning about it and collecting a bit and selling a wee bit when ebay was fun. Now, I'm de-accessioning some stuff as my kids don't want it and feel I have WAY too much stuff. I consign mostly rather than sell because it's easier and so far, I've done OK. And if anyone is interested, I'm happy to give pieces away knowing that someone values them like I do. My main interest is in having beautiful stuff around me. But, I love looking at what other people love and collect and hearing the stories and learning about other stuff, too!

 

Will be on the lookout for you Aj

 

I think that is what still keeps me ticking

Definitely all about cool stuff

 

Glad I asked the question, so interesting

A star you are on this forum sis

 

Good buy ? Profit ?

 

https://www.google.com/search?gs_ss...mRnwPe49pvgAIE8L:~:text=Oh, that's the,Videos

 

I can't get the song out of my mind............fun fun fun!

 

But, what got me started?

A neighbor friend who was buying at yard sales, and selling to shops. I was so impressed with a Heisey piece that they purchased for maybe $3, and sold it at a great profit...forget exactly, but somehere around $15.00. It was how I first learned about Heisey, and how it's marked.

A short time later, I was buying and selling at flea markets, then a local antique shop was offering rental space, which I took. I eventually took over the shop when she, owner, moved to Maine. From there I went to a co-op where I rented two rooms (formerly an old Victorian house), and stayed with the owners for 40 years.

 

Vintage clothing was the first step for me.
Greatest thing I ever found was a 60s granny takes a trip velvet jacket, sold for over £500, but would give that and more to have it back again, it was unbelievably awesome, ouch

 

Thanks for sharing brad, can only repeat myself as to how interesting it is reading about people's stories

Your one of the members here that everyone totally respects as gospel

 

Hubba hubba, she was so sexy

 

Judy Judy, the absolute heart of this forum

Have loved hearing your story

 

My parents took us to antique stores, swap meets and flea markets every weekend. They collected all sorts of things. I always enjoyed searching for "treasures". My first real buy was a 1950s dress with a stand up "Snow White" collar in a beautiful teal satin with a inverted triangular black velvet insert in the front set with rhinestones. The skirt had cording sewn to the back of the satin in a spider web pattern. It was complete with crinoline. I wore it for my high school graduation and for many years thereafter. It was a homemade dress, not a store bought one.

It was 1980. I found it at a clothing warehouse in downtown Washington DC. It was filled with piles and piles of clothes 15-20 feet high. You went in and were given a paper shopping bag for $10. Whatever you could fit in the bag was yours. People tried on clothes standing on the piles, so everyone was I different stages of undress. The friend who took me there knew this and so we arrived in leotards and baggy jeans, which made it very easy to try clothes on.

Now I collect primarily antique jewelry, specifically cameos. Here is a little bit of my collection.

 

Yes, she is, the warm beating heart. And a great story.

 

Wow !!! How lovely is that !

 

I think what started peaking my interest in old things was hearing my grandma talk about the fine things she had in Cuba and had to leave behind when Castro took over. My grandpa was an electrician on the base and would often buy things from ship captains at the ports. My mom said there house was very full (Im my grandmas child for sure!) of very nice things. Her talking about that got me curious,and reading fanned the flames. Gone Away Lake series especially. My 1st buy that I can remember was an occupied Japan figurine for .25 cents. I was hooked from then on.I was 11 I think. I just did the math and realized its been a hobby for 48 years !!! Yikes !!! How'd that happen ???

 

What a hobby to have though mate
You've got the buy, the research, the sale

Even owning something special for a while is nice

I very rarely buy anything for myself anymore, because buying antiques is kinda like buying for yourself but with a profit at the end of it (hopefully anyway)

 

Yes, Judy is the best. I am glad she offers her help here in such a kind way.

@johnnycb09 my grandfather was an electrician too and he loved his gadgets.

My dad collected stamps and I guess you could say my mother collected books as she was an avid reader of all the best sellers and novels.

So interesting to hear all the stories.

 

Been quite fun and interesting hasn't it pearls