Antique Ads

This was the first private ad, taken out in the Canadian Gazette, ca. 1799.

"Evean Eveans, Taylor and Habit maker from London, having taken a room in a small building belonging to Mr. Willocks for the purpose of prosecuting the duties of his trade, begs leave to inform the ladies and gentlemen of York, that he has commenced the above business, and to those who may honor him with their commands, he flatters himself from his experience, to afford satisfaction."

If it's not too clear, this gentleman is a tailor. Never mind trying to get all that into an ad in today's paper with the 3 line limit we generally have. Not only would that ad be hugely expensive, no one would understand it.

It's a guy that makes duds.

Yea verily, chums of the SLV blog, we invite you thusly, or to whom it may appease, to read on and rejoice in all that is familial, antiquated and merry.

Enough awready. Enjoy some stunning antique items from some of my favorite shops.

 Satin Damask Bustle Gown, c, 1876 from Vintage Textile

 Water Silk Faille Shoes, mid 1700s from Antique Dress

Stunning two toned coat, c. Edwardian Era, from The Frock

Edwardian 2 piece dress from Davenport & Co.

Fraudsters & Tricksters

My friend Jody over at Couture Allure Vintage clothing has a stellar blog post from the other day. Visit her blog, Couture Allure.

Unfortunately, the vintage business is not immune to fraudsters and tricksters. Within our circles, lie the fraudulent labelers...those who sew high end labels in clothes and sell them as originals. There are some great tips in Jody's article about what to look for and I highly suggest reading it if you are thinking of purchasing that Dior piece you can't live without!

For fans of the Antiques Roadshow, some of you may recall the case of the Watermelon Sword. Two of the appraisers were fired and later charged with fraud in regards to an antique military sword.

The popular appeal of Antiques Roadshow relies on those magic moments when someone learns that a relic found at a garage sale or in an attic is valued at tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. Gasps and surprise with great glee accompany their discovery!

The watermelon sword appraisal was a highlight of the first season of Antiques Roadshow. An Alaska man showed a rare Confederate sword whereupon he told the appraiser that he found the sword in his attic and had used it to cut a watermelon. It was appraised at $35,000. Unnamed appraisers who were in attendance immediately reported that the incident appeared to have been staged, and that the man's story was false.

And on public television no less! Buyer beware.

The appraiser who was fired (on the left), Russ Pritchard III, staged the whole forgery.

The Art Of Haggling

In the antique world, the art of haggling comes with the territory. "Is that the best you can do?" is often the first question that begins the gentle duel.

In many parts of the world, haggling is expected no matter what the purchase. In North America, it is often limited to big-ticket items such as jewelry and automobiles. However, it has quickly become the norm during our recession and is likely to remain a permanent part of the landscape even after sales recover. As a commenter on the Fashionista.com blog put it, “Haggling is the new black.”

America’s Research Group found in a survey taken earlier this year that 72% of consumers tried to better the price tag in the past year—historically, less than a third had done so. What’s more remarkable is that 80% of the time, they succeeded in paying less than the ticketed amount.

This is an advantage for the smaller or specialty store businesses. Wal-Mart and other big-box retailers do not have the leverage to offer on-the-spot pricing. It's David vs Goliath and we're doing very well thank you.

So next time you think you can not afford that item in the shop window you are drooling over, think again and polish your haggling skills.

Vintage Tuxedo Tails

Helen Yoffe Pillbox Hat, c. 1950s

Black Faux Fur Cape w/ Faux Monkey Fur Trim

Hand Beaded Black Wool Shell, c. 1960s