Why Purchase antiques vs. buying from Bernie & Phyl's?

If you're in a rush to furnish your home, then by all means, run out to Jordans or Bernies, throw down plastic and wait six weeks for a truck to pull up and off load furniture that instantly loses value. And if you pay the balance over time, likely you will have gotten rid of it before you pay the final installment. It's like buying a new car and driving it off the lot; as soon as your tires hit the road its lost much of it's financial value. 

"But" you exclaim, "I need an automobile and furniture." I understand, but there are better ways, more interesting avenues to pursue these items. 

Let me be clear though. (I know, this sounds like another insincere, self absorbed politician.) I'm not talking about all of your furniture, I'm talking about signature pieces, those that define your room, or for that matter you. The pieces that will stand out and make a statement. Jordan's is the place to purchase a box spring and mattress, a sleep sofa or everyday chairs, but for the pieces that make a statement you might consider an antique.

Research by a previous owner (Elna Howard, who lived in our home from 1902 until 1985) indicates that our home was built circa 1790, (1780 if you believe the town records) but this room was added in 2010 to connect the ell (early 1800's) off the cape to the garage. An essential room in northern New England when the snow is up to the bottom of the windows. 

See what I mean!
Front of the new addition.

Our goal when we designed and added this room, was to make it look as though it had always been here. I think that we succeeded and here's how we did. First, and most importantly, we contracted with Paul Flahive who enjoys an excellent reputation in the antique home restoration business. He was highly recommended by our neighbor Terry Mayo (who once owned our home) and had Paul restore his connected barn into living space.

Our new floor is constructed of wide pine, old growth boards, some as wide as 20 inches. The walls are plastered and we insured that the woodwork that defines the doors and windows was prominent and matched the woodwork in the cape. But what grabs your attention as you enter the room? Yes, the early 1800's New England secretary and drop leaf table. Even in a new room they do much to "antiquate" it. The wood is inviting and the colors are warm and rich.

To carry the look even further, when you open the doors and drawers old New England artifacts (maps, books, brochures, tin-types, etc..) will greet you and further grab your attention. Rather than displaying a static piece, it's staged with years worths of collected treasures. We purchased this piece from Jason Hackler at the New Hampshire Antique COOP some time ago. It's a great place to go, immerse yourself in the "antique culture" and learn. Even with free coffee and cookies, you'll never look at Jordan's Furniture quite the same way again.

Rather than looking at a highly polished, glistening piece of furniture with no personality, or blemishes, this secretary has lovely wood, pegged and paneled doors, beautiful dovetailing and a distinct patina. The drawers require a little effort to open, squeak just a bit, there are dings and scratches applied carefully by generations of families who have gone before and it has felt the touch of a thousand hands prior to mine. All of this only piques my curiosity concerning whose homes it has graced before. In 1800, John Adams, who lived only 60 miles south of here was our 2nd president when we think that this piece was built by a craftsman using hand tools in his barn. Just imagine, no assembly line and no power tools.

The bow back Windsor armchair is made of oak and came out Harvard's "Widener Library" some 60 years ago. Built as a memorial to her son who died aboard the Titanic, Widener is the nations oldest library and the worlds largest private library. Presidents, Senators or other Statesman may have relaxed in it during their undergraduate days at Harvard.

This circa 1810, birch and maple, New Hampshire Tall Clock defines the room. Everything else was collected to support it. The clock was purchased from Delaney's Antique Clocks in West Townsend, Massachusetts. Open the "coffin" door and you'll find rough, crude, iron weights that power the beat and strike. The "beat" is distinctive and the "strike" is a simple bell that pleasantly sounds throughout our home. The cabinet was likely constructed by a local Concord cabinet maker of a simple, functional design. New "grandfather" clocks are obtrusively large and ornate, have shiny, brass weights, prominently displayed through glass doors. Their beat is faint and the melodious strike sounds like Westminster Abby in London. You might expect to see the Queen waltzing through the door. They posses neither patina nor provenance but require no effort to seek out and purchase. Craigslist is full of them.

Spend time at Delaney's with brothers Sean and John (whom I'm sure you've seen on Antique Roadshow) and the thought of purchasing a "new grandfather clock" will fade very quickly. We visited Delaney's several times over a period of years, learning, before we committed to our first purchase. It was time well spent.

The tall clock, candle stand, child's rocker, small upholstered sofa and four drawer pine chest with accoutrements are all antiques in a new room that help age it significantly. On the other hand, the two wooden and upholstered arm chairs are from Jordans Furniture. They are of very nice quality and mix well with the antiques and withstand everyday use.

In the cape.

Another Delaney Clock on the wall. This time a stunning Chelsea Clock Company, Model #1, eight-day, oak Regulator that's not only beautiful, but at nearly 125 years old is never more than one minute off every seven days. This is a "regulator" clock, or to be even more specific it's a "timepiece" so it has no strike. Why no strike you may be wondering? Ask Sean or John, they'll explain this to you as they did to me.

The circa 1790 highboy (George Washington was president) is a piece we waited years to acquire. We needed one on the diminutive side due to the size of the room and would be close in color to the Chelsea Clock. Sam Hackler at New Hampshire Antique CO-OP found this piece for us. A red wall is not easy to decorate around. Patience paid off as we think it's a wonderful combination. An 80 year-old Persian rug with a certain level of wear always lends itself to setting off a room. Think of it as a fabric painting on your floor that's comfortable to walk on.

The tilt top tea table is another antique with a few small repairs, but the two wing backs (brand new) came from the Pottery Barn. Smaller than most chairs of that style, they enhance the room, blend in nicely with the vintage pieces and withstand daily use. 

All of this is fine, but a good deal of enjoyment derives from the hunt and following leads to uncover the exact piece that you're looking for. Weekends in coastal Maine towns, or time spent in northern New Hampshire villages in the White Mountains or Vermont's Green Mountains, poking through dusty, dimly lit (bring a small flashlight) antique shops during foliage season with the scent of woodsmoke in the air is delightful. Talking with shop owners, learning more about their pieces and following their leads down the road and around the bend past where "Smith's barn used to stand," is great fun. Hours spent at a big box store full of humanity simply can't compare to the education and conversation enjoyed at an old antique shop.

Now, which appears more inviting? It's a personal choice.

Marblehead, MA

And don't be afraid to make a mistake and purchase the wrong piece. If it's wrong and no longer fits, take it to your local antique shop and sell it on consignment. Or call us! You'll likely be made whole and re-armed to venture out and replace it. But that imitation, pressed wood bureau or flimsy chair that you purchased just a few years ago at a commercial furniture store and now hate... what do you do with those? They certainly haven't appreciated and will probably end up in the dump because your kids didn't want it, nobody took it off the end of your driveway with the FREE sign taped to it and not a single call from Craigslist. I finally learned the difficult lesson that junk (although it may look nice) doesn't appreciate but quality does. 

Furnishing  your home with antiques is fun, very satisfying and something that I wished I'd started a lot earlier than we did. It's never too late, but be careful... it's addictive. And our antiques you ask? Not to worry, our kids have already earmarked their choices and divided up the cache. We're delighted to know that these cherished items will remain in our family for generations to come.

Fourth of July parade, Amherst, New Hampshire

Each and every piece of early American furniture has a great story to tell. Once you learn the language you're going to love the story, so jump in and enjoy the education.

Our local militia on the march, possibly headed to Lexington and Concord or to Breeds Hill in Charlestown, Ma.

Rand Peck Antiques at the NH Antique CO-OP.

Thanks very much for taking the time to read my thoughts. I look forward to your comments. Also, if you find yourself in the vicinity of Milford, NH stop by the NH ANTIQUE CO-OP and browse through our display. If you're looking for a specific piece let us know, we're always out scouring New England for new and interesting antiques.

Rand