Messages

1

Antique Questions Forum / Re: Need help identifying this urn

« on: May 18, 2012, 05:24:45 pm »

I'm no expert on Porcelain, but it has the look of one of the Worcester factories to me.
The artwork judging by the last image appears to be hand painted as opposed to transfer printed, which is always a good sign of being better quality than mass produced.

If you get no joy here, it won't hurt to ping an email at these chaps.
http://www.worcesterporcelainmuseum.org.uk/

Dam, I should have emailed them your images and then made you an offer on it based on what they said.

2

Antique Questions Forum / Re: Trading from London UK.

« on: May 18, 2012, 05:10:08 pm »

Hi Fancypants,

By Tiff do you mean Tiffany, and what Deco Tiffany lamps or silver? Or is Tiff slang for something completely different (to accidentaly quote monty Python).


Had an odd conversation this afternnon. Some guy had a stall in my local market selling old furniture (the market usually does foodstuffs) and he had a Davenport that caught my eye. On closer inspection, it was repro and younger than me so not interested. In passing I mentioned my idea about shipping antiques to the US. Apparantly his 2 aunts have been doing it for years, and doing "very very nicely, they practically have dealers waiting at the docks". He must have been in his late 60's so gawd knows how old his aunts were, I can't believe dealers were hanging around the docks for his aunts. 
Apparantly they live in the US though and make full use of the big antique fairs.
Maybe I won't write off this idea just yet.

3

Antique Questions Forum / Re: Trading from London UK.

« on: May 17, 2012, 03:34:31 pm »

No need to apologise, it wasn't so much a bursting of my bubble but a reality check. Thank you, it probably saved me money and a load of effort.
There is still a perception over here that an American will look at something over 100 yrs old, say "Wow" and open up a wallet bulging with Dollars.
I'll have to think of something else to crate up and ship over to make my fortune. Anything spring to mind?

4

Antique Questions Forum / Re: Antique (?) Chair

« on: May 16, 2012, 06:26:12 pm »

The wide back and comparatively short legs makes it look like a nursing chair to me.
IE for a mother (or even a wet-nurse) to sit down and breast feed a baby.
They usually have casters though, and yours doesn't. Maybe someone just cut the bottom of the legs off !!

It's been re-upholstered, not by a professional (sorry to be blunt), but I think it has a bit of age to it.
If pushed, I'd guess Edwardian.

5

Antique Questions Forum / Trading from London UK.

« on: May 16, 2012, 08:51:49 am »

Hello All,

If this is the wrong forum, I apologise I'm brand new on this site.

Having dabbled for a few years in antiques in the UK and after visiting family in New Hampshire recently, I've decided I really like the idea of buying antiques (furniture probably) at auction over here and shipping them to the US (probably to NH). Antique furniture is really out of fashion over here currently and is called "Brown Wood".
I suppose the first question is; Is this a good idea or foolhardy and a quick way to go broke?
What are the pitfalls and things to watch out for?
Any ideas on the best way to sell the items once on your side of the pond.

My interest was sparked because while in NH I saw a leather top, twin pedestal desk C1900 for sale for $2000+.
I know I can pick those up over here for $300 - $450 and about $450 to ship them to the US, say $900 in total. I rather like the idea of doubling my money, or did I just happen to see an incredibly expensive desk?

Last question, what other forms of European antiques sell well in the US?


Many thanks for any help or pointers you can offer.

Regards

Mark