In a way it is an antidote to some of the self-importance of the antique and art trade. Antique dealers, whether we like it, or not, differ little from any other product merchant, with three exceptions. First, what we sell, however beautiful, is fundamentally unnecessary. Second, we sell almost exclusively to the rich, or near rich. Third, a comprehensive knowledge, built up over a long period, is generally necessary to buy or sell expensive antiques.
Many antique dealers are terrible snobs.
These are people who ultimately confuse themselves with their clients, who believe that by having sold a Georgian silver cup to Princess Diana somehow makes them a member of the Royal Family. Despite all the P.R. that the antiques trade is open to everyone it isn't. Good things are usually expensive, and if you don't have a certain amount of money you aren't going to be able to buy fine antiques, unless you make terrific sacrifices, or buy in an obscure field, or have the time, patience and knowledge to ferret out pieces in remote and undiscovered areas. The problem of money extends to dealers as well. Without a large and high quality stock it is impossible to attract a knowledgeable and well-heeled clientele.