Frequently Asked Questions
Where is your store located?
Our central offices are in Mendota Heights, Minnesota, where we have our warehouse. Our warehouse is not open to the public. Rather than operate a storefront shop, we market our products Worldwide through our various internet venues. We have customers in all 50 states and in over 135 countries. Rather than you having to pack your items and haul them to us, we will come to your home to evaluate your items.
Do you do consignment?
Consignments are taken on a individual basis and generally are done with items of higher values.
What constitutes an antique?
An antique is any item that is a hundred years old. If an item is less than a hundred years old it is considered old, vintage etc…
My item is very old is it worth a lot?
This depends on scarcity, demand and condition. Your item may be very old, but if no one wants it; it will be of little value. On the flip side, an item can be newer than 100 years old and will be very collectible if it is in high demand. A piece's value is based on demand and condition.
Should I clean my item before selling it?
That depends on the item. Stripping off the original varnish on antique furniture usually lowers its value
Tarnish is sometimes referred to as patina. It is the dark finish that appears on metals after years of exposure to air. This patina is valued by coin collectors and should not be removed.
Serving pieces and jewelry should be gently cleaned with appropriate polishes. Leave some of the oxidation (black areas) in the design or ornamentation where applicable. Consult a reputable dealer or jewelry specialist when cleaning your particular piece.
To clean antique sculptures and objects d’art generally they should only be dusted, not polished with cleaners.
IF IN DOUBT DO NOT CLEAN!
How do you determine if a book is a first edition?
An edition includes all copies printed from the same plates or setting of type without substantial change. The first edition is the first public appearance of the text in that form. Any edition can appear in separate printings: each printing includes all of the copies printed from the same plates or setting of type at a given time.
Publishers may not consistently mark a first edition. This is especially true of books printed before the 20th century.
There are various ways first editions are identified: some publishers print the words "First Edition" or ""First Printing" on the copyright page, or they might use a special symbol, called a colophon, or series of numbers to indicate edition.
With the hundreds of variables it is best to consult an expert to determine if your book is a first edition.
What is an estate sale?
Estate is defined as "all the property, real or personal, owned by one." An estate sale is usually the sale of the contents of a home or property. It can include the home itself and other large property not contained in the home such as vehicles and recreational items. The sale is usually held at the home.