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Local Voices

"Help! The Kids Don't Want It." or, Learning About Antiques Before You Sell Them

Are you moving, down-sizing? Or perhaps moving Aunt Winifred into assisted living? Maybe you've been named Executor of an estate. Anyway, you’ve got stuff to sell.

What are you going to do about it? Take the easy road and call your old neighbor’s friend, Miss Irma La Fleecer, the dealer who is so sweet and so eager to get her hands on your stuff? Maybe you should learn a few things about antiques before you get started, so you know what you’re doing.

"But why learn from you, Ms Uppity?" you ask. "Are you on the Antiques Road Show?"

Well, they wanted me, but I couldn’t leave Cleveland on account of my business.

OK. That’s a lie. No I'm no TV star. I'm a local antiques dealer. (Please don't say 'antique dealer,' although I'm getting there.)

When it comes to antiques, I know a thing or two. I’ve been buying and selling antiques and collectibles for a lot of years. That’s why I get a little cranky sometimes. I get tired of hearing: “Oh look Gladys! There’s a table just like Grandma's. If only we’d kept it.” (I’ve heard enough of that.)

Why am I writing this blog? I see people selling stuff at auctions, flea markets, estate sales, and garage sales and a lot of them get taken. They don't know what they’re doing. They leave money on the table.

So I'm here to help you. Decide what you want—sweet talk, or the truth? This blog will show you how to sell you stuff right, find out what you have and what it's worth. First up, read about those thrilling days of yesteryear when furniture was made from--wait for it--real wood.

Kaye Spector

11:19 pm on Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Sounds interesting! Can't wait to read more!

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louislinus

11:51 pm on Wednesday, November 14, 2012

How about doing a reader submitted appraisal a week? Sounds fun!

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Lynda Zielinski

8:39 am on Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Good idea. I'll throw it out there.

James Thomas

9:04 am on Saturday, November 17, 2012

How about a local "Road Show"? Maybe in conjunction with the Farmers Market?

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Lynda Zielinski

8:43 am on Wednesday, November 21, 2012

It would have to be someone younger. I don't have the energy for it. We used to do antiques shows, but now have cut back to just a couple local ones. We will be at the Bay High School in February. Thanks for comment.

sunshine

7:21 am on Friday, December 14, 2012

I really want to try it . But I have to go to school .
What a pity .

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Patch reader

10:21 pm on Sunday, December 30, 2012

Have anyone been to the Brimfield Outdoor Antique Show in Brimfield, MA?

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Lynda Zielinski

10:29 am on Monday, December 31, 2012

We used to go but it's been years. Literally miles of antique dealers, a great variety of merchandise there.

Carol Murphy

9:47 am on Wednesday, January 2, 2013

There are many senior citizens that have beautiful antique items and are staying in their "homes" just to keep from selling the items they value. The owners have a value they feel items are worth, their children think "old clutter" but someone like you has much to offer in knowledge and advice. Thanks for sharing any information possible in the near future.

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