The Economy and the Current State of the Antiques Business
by Mary Dessoie
Dear Editor,
May I add my two cents about the economy and the current state of the antiques business?
There is no question that times are tough! On my peregrinations around town I can’t help but
overhear one heartbreaking story after another. Visits to my favorite antiques shops and consignment stores
undergird the bleak realities. Important antiquities that used to fly off the shelves are now collecting dust.
However, I have found that even when times are harsh Americans still love to collect. Those of us
who collect antiques continue to take pleasure in our collections and friendships made by joining collectors’
clubs, attending auctions and visiting with our shopkeeper neighbors.
From the reports that I have been receiving from around the country, it does appear that people are
being careful about discretionary spending. I personally would rather forgo a manicure or a dinner out that is soon
forgotten and spend my extra pocket money on an exquisite piece of Victorian china. This has become a buyers’
market and sellers are anxious to move their inventories and deal. You may very well continue to toss and turn at
night over the carnage on your 401(k) financial statement, but carefully chosen antiques have proven time and again
to be a sound investment.
Even in this economy serious collectors have not lost their desire to collect. It is true that
collectors like to get their fix, no matter what! With all the dismal news that bombards us on a daily basis, I
have found that collecting is more important to me now than at any other time in my life. It has been comforting to
turn to my collection while attempting to make sense of and negotiate my way through the vicissitudes of daily
life.
As founder of the Butter Pat Patter Association, I have the wonderful opportunity to meet
collectors from around the United States. It would be difficult to imagine nicer or more interesting folks. I have
had the privilege to get to know some inspiring, enthusiastic and delightful collectors. The greatest benefit of
collecting for me has been the opportunity to interact with other collectors. More now than ever, we need to get
back to basics with our friendships and nurture our relationships. Nothing can replace or compare with the basic
need for human interaction.
Friendships and positive diversions help us to forget about the woes of the world – even if for a
short time. Collecting is a worthwhile hobby. There seems to be a collectors’ club for every antiques category
imaginable. Joining a club will provide you with the means to learn more about the antiques and collectibles that
are of interest to you. Many of the collectors’ clubs have newsletters and allow members to place complimentary ads
in order to sell excess items.
If you would like to learn about the Butter Pat Patter Association and the many benefits of
membership, please send me a LSSAE (42 cents). In the meantime, I encourage you to get out to the auctions, shows
and antiques shops. It is important that we all do our part to help keep the economy rolling and to make sure our
beloved antiques industry endures for future generations.
Sincerely,
Mary Dessoie
Founder
Butter Pat Patter Association
265 Eagle Bend Drive
Bigfork, Montana 59911-6235
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