We enjoying talking to people who collect vintage treasures. In this interview, we find out more about Tomáš, the owner of the vintage shop AnAntiqueStore on Etsy.
Why and when did you start collecting?
I have always been fan of history and old world, mostly architecture and all those fine arts in museums. When I was about 16 years I visited my first antique market. I can still remember that I bought two alarm clocks for about 3 dollars (originally was in our slovak currency) and then tried to sell them for a bit more. Funny thing for me – it worked. At that moment I realized I can turn my little passion into my work. And so I did. Soon after I started to buy a lot of alarm clocks. That was my start, but that was many years ago. Now, I am selling even my long built collection of alarm clocks…one has to move on 🙂
Who or what was your influence for collecting?
I would say my mother, perhaps? She always decorated our home with new items but in style of the older ones. I always liked them but something about them didn’t fit me that much… It surprised me that when I started dealing in antiques, she did not quite enjoy my work.
What is one of your favorite pieces and why?
It would be really hard to pin point one like this. Maybe the cane with a hidden blade inside that I have next to my door for “protection” hehe.
What tips can you give us about collecting?
Never trust anyone, trust only items. Everyone tells you stories, but they are not always true. False dates, bad identifications…and if someone does not tell you anything, check what he is offering – a lot of fine stuff? Than he knows exactly what he is selling to you.
Another tip I can give is to not be afraid to buy other items than you know about and it is always good to buy some higher priced item from auction house or known dealer to inspect it closely, after that you can start collecting items from this area. No books can give you experience.
Where do you look for new items to add to your shop/collection?
For my shop? I just go to my storage… Photos and putting listings on takes quite some time, I have many items that are still to be listed.
And for collections, I mostly visit people at their houses, fresh from the barns 🙂 Antiques markets, different markets for charity, pawn shops and so on are also very good places to buy. But nothing can compare to walking into that house, when you know they want to sell everything.
How has collecting changed or affected your life?
Probably a lot. As I said, it is my work. I even started to do it with my wife, so we can spend more time together. I do what I love and that is the most important thing…
Additional info:
Next to antiques, but above them, is my wife whom I love deepest from my heart : ) I also like to write poems, I live in a small village, have 5 chickens, and my dream is once to buy a great historic mansion…
Etsy Shop: AnAntiqueStore
This is a very sweet story with some good humor thrown in!
I think your wife and chickens are very lucky to have you! 🙂
Great interview! So nice to meet you…
Your taste in antiques is amazing, Tomas, and the merchandise you are offering for sale on Etsy is beautiful.
I enjoyed reading your story. As you said, doing what you love with someone you love is ideal.
Your taste in antiques is amazing, Tomas, and the merchandise you are offering for sale on Etsy is just beautiful.
I enjoyed reading your story. As you said, doing what you love with someone you love is ideal.
A lovely interview, Tomas! You certainly have a beautiful shop. I adore your green Art Nouveau decanter!