Antiques aficionados and rummagers of every stripe: call to mind dimly lit attics, trunks smelling of old leather, dusty cartons, and that indescribable tingle of suspense aroused by the idea of a hidden prize which has been lying there, biding its time, waiting for you to find it. If you follow the instructions we have mapped out for you, you might discover almost anything. . . Armed with this list of Paris addresses, carefully selected to fulfill all your desires, you’ll be equipped with what you need to search for the unknown, unexpected surprise, be it large or small. Paris still contains many mysterious secrets and magical places, which you’ll discover, to your wonderment, as you explore its secondhand stores that are brimming with all sorts of decorative curiosities. At the rear of a courtyard or sheltered by a nineteenth-century arcade, in a Gothic stone basement or in an ordinary-looking shop, you will find a cornucopia of delights at a variety of prices, always with charm. Fifty-eight antique, vintage, and curiosity shops–as well as the Saint-Ouen flea market–are profiled and photographed in this lavish guide to all things collectible in Paris.

Among the countless flea markets in America, there are those that deserve to be called legendary. Scattered around the country, these are the markets with hundreds—sometimes thousands—of dealers and whose spectacular settings, covetable offerings, and colorful histories make each an unforgettable experience and a unique adventure. Pamela Keech—a museum curator who shops professionally at flea markets—profiles her top twenty choices, the flea markets that can be counted on to surprise and delight at every turn. Tackling these mammoth events, however, is not for the faint of heart. For starters, the size and scope of each market can be overwhelming—no, are overwhelming. They cover acres and acres and miles and miles. (To give you an idea of their scope, there is one that stretches from Maryland to Missouri and another from Michigan to Alabama.) The Best Flea, Antique, Vintage, and New-Style Markets in America is an essential guide for shoppers who want to get the most out of each venue. All the practical details are covered: how far ahead of time to make reservations, how to avoid wasting precious time in traffic jams, how to navigate the miles of aisles, how to determine the best paths through the markets, how much territory can be covered in a day, how to find out where the must-see dealers set up their tables, what to take to be comfortable, and more. Other essential information includes smart negotiating, shipping options, and—because the thrill of the chase can be utterly exhausting—great local places to eat and where to find a soft bed at the end of the day. One of the many charms of the book is its focus on regional style. Each of the markets profiled has an unmistakable sense of place, evident in the merchandise that fills the booths. Canton, Texas started 150 years ago as a trading market for cattle and livestock; this is where you’ll find vintage cowboy boots, railroad and ranch memorabilia, and primitives. At the Rose Bowl Flea Market, the proximity to Hollywood casts a sparkle over everything; don’t be surprised to find yourself browsing elbow to elbow with movie stars at tables filled with memorabilia from the silver screen and glamorous costume jewelry. At Shipshewana, in the heartland of the Indiana Amish, you’ll find more than the usual number of pie safes, kitchen implements, and quilts. Keech highlights these differences with bits of cultural and decorative history and lots and lots of photographs that will make even armchair travelers feel like part of the action.

Jean-Louis Gaillemin recounts the fascinating history of antique dealing. He provides a tantalizing account of how, when and, why, over the past two centuries, Paris -- the world capital of the antiques market -- attributed, or denied, certain antiques and antique dealers their popularity and reputation. To complement this historical account, the book includes a practical guide which lists addresses of dealers, organized by district and speciality, as well as key museums.

Written for both beginners and experienced collectors, this antiques guide provides descriptions of some of the more prized antiques and collectibles, and explains how to find them and how to resell them. How can you recognize depression glass? How do you find valuable antiques at garage sales? And how can you get into the antiques business yourself? Buying & Selling Antiques is the perfect resource for the antiques dabbler, the garage-sale lover, the knick-knack admirer. Written for both beginners and experienced collectors, this guide provides descriptions of some of the more prized antiques and collectibles, and explains how to find them an how to resell them. The authors offer insiders' tips on cleaning and repair, auction strategies, how to set up displays and how to find the best markets for your wares. Buying & Selling Antiques and Collectibles is the indispensable guide for those who plan to start their own antiques business or who hope to make a little money from their hobby.

Master Antique Styles Painlessly &break;&break;Not sure how to tell Chippendale from Queen Anne, or Art Deco from Art Nouveau? Learn the easy way with the author's entertaining style. Frank Farmer Loomis IV is an expert communicator who knows how to engage students with anecdotes and humor. If you're looking for clear, simple explanations rather than unpronounceable terms like corbeille a fleurs (flower basket) or sang de boeuf (red glaze), you've come to the right place, as he will "demystify all the perplexing twaddle" for you. And while you're learning, discover your antiquing personality and how antiquing can reduce stress. &break;&break;A User-Friendly Reference for Antiquers &break;&break;Master 16 major antique furniture styles and the six main woods &break;&break;Use furniture styles to identify and date other antiques &break;&break;Learn the various types of china, silver, pewter, and their marks