best places to look

bixchix26

Registered Guest
OK, I'm a newbie here, and although I've been collecting '20s stuff for years, it's getting harder and harder to find.

For those of you who collect from this era, where do you go to find good stuff? Garage sales, estate sales, where?

thanks...

LauraMT
 
Just follow your instincts and trust your guts.

Let people in your network know what you like and do (contacts from your non vintage business, neighbors of your parents or siblings that you are familar with, people that you meet for coffee or are in the same circles as you). In otherwords, small talk. Soon enough, when someone's family is settling an estate or someone has been hanging onto something interesting that they picked up or were given years ago, they will get on the subject with you or they will say "we should have so and so ask their ___" fill in the blank with yoru relationship to the person.

You wouldn't believe the things my dad's cousins said "if we only knew you were into that sort of thing...the things we could have given you....but we got rid of it"

Everyone has their own secret like the old Calgon commercial, but the above, that is certain, but the above is something that is more than just knowing where to go, it is being yourself and letting it come to you.

Antique clothing is more scarce to find in some respects, but once the word spreads, it will find you

Chris
 
Live auctions seem to be a good place for finding clothing of that era. Not eBay type auctions but estate type auctions. Do an Internet search of auction companies and get on their mailing lists. I'd say if you are a serious collector (which I know you are!) then you should be willing to travel to your surrounding states as well. I know quite a few folks here do the auction routes and seem to find some nice items.

I also find that church rummage sales are fabulous places for finding great vintage!!

~Maureen
 
And bookmark and visit regularly at BabylonMall, as a few of us do list 20s stuff (and earlier!). :USETHUMBUP:
 
Yes, that is a definite. look at other sellers.

I guess the bottom line is everyone makes their own luck and creates opportunities for themselves. You can't ask a seller for their contacts and leads because they won't tell you...those are trade secrets...but one's sources don't always work for another due to interests, personality and timing.
 
Hi Laura, I know most people don't want to hear this, but I suggest seeking out vintage clothing stores localy and on the internet. Brick and Mortar shops, with their store front and internet presence, yellow pages listings, local advertising and the power of their dollar by buying in larger lots, usually gives them the in with the lawyers, bankers and executors handling estate settlements.
Establish a rapport with those shop owners by letting them know your era of interest, size and a price range that's comfortable for you. Most shop owners are more than happy to let you know as great 20s items arrive in the store. Yes, prices will be higher, but you get a hands on inspection of the item for condition and size, unlike online auctions and most websites.
I suggest you buy the best you can afford. It's very easy to end up with a trunk full of tattered flea market finds and Ebay deals that don't fit or will never ascend the repair pile.
 
I quite agree with Jim.

And watch especially for those shops that don't specialize in your era, or might turn away era because they don't consider them "hip wearables".

The shop owner may know their stuff, just not have a customer base for it

CHris
 
Yes, if you can find a vintage clothing shop owner who knows you and what you need for your collection, this person can become your best friend! This includes internet "shop" owners and real stores.

I collect from the 1910s through the present day. Most of the best things I have, I've gotten from vintage shops or from vintage specialists at antiques fairs and markets.

Happy hunting!

Lizzie
 
I agree that B&M shops are a good place to look, but I wouldn't dismiss webshops as a good reliable source. There are many very reputable sellers of early vintage out there that are able to sell at lower prices simply because they don't have to add in the overhead cost of a B&M store - many of our seller members for example.

Like everything else, there are good and bad sellers anywhere you go - whether it be the internet or a B&M shop. A B&M shop doesn't guarantee quality any more than positive feedback on eBay will. There is always the odd chance that whatever you buy from whomever will literally fall apart when you get it home. Quality, reputation and a lot of luck all go hand in hand!! :USETHUMBUP:

By the way Laura, I live near Placerville, CA - home of the California gold rush. Placerville has great antique shops and they always have an assortment of early vintage. If you want to tell me what you are looking for, I will keep my eyes open for you. They are good about putting things on hold, so I could always take a photo for you and email them to you if I see something that fits your ideal! Just let me know. You can u2u or email me. [email protected]

~Maureen
 
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