Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-04-28
FOREIGN ANTIQUES
GETTING READY IN EUROPE FOR
AMERICAN PURCHASERS.

Consul J. c. McNally of Liege reports that
the season for the usual influx of American
tourists into Europe is approaching and
among the others benefting thereby the
dealer in antiques is making extensive
preparations to part with his ancient
creations at the usual sacrifice price. The
consul continues:
In anticipation of good season, the man.
ufacturers of antiques have been kept busy.
The aging season is now on and when the
time comes for placing the articles on sale
the ancient appearance will be perfect. Dur
Ing the winter the dealers from the various
countries of Europe have worked through
the numerous curio shops here and have
bought up at most reasonable prices articles
which they know will appeal to the curlo
seeker. An English dealer has sent off
several hundred Kilograms (kilogram %
pounds) of pewter of modern make to be
put out as of ancient brand. Many old
pieces of furniture of the various epochs-
Renaissance. Louis Quatorze, Quintze.
Seize, Empire. etc. fallen to decay with
but a square foot of the whole in a fair
state of preservation, are rebuilt along old
lines and sold for the genuine old pieces.
To accuse a dealer of false representa-
ton would elicit the reply that the restora-
ton made the piece more valuable than
before, and the fact that some part of the
piece remained intact seems to ease the
conscience OF the NenUOr. Inc 1aet is tn3t
a majority of the dealers in antiques have
in stock supply of cheap imta lions and
counterfeit representations to be unloaded
the ignorant visitor who wishes to carry
home a souvenir of the old world.
The deception of the expert collector is
by no means rare and yet one hears of
Americans returning with antiques repre-
senting considerable money bought solely
upon the lavish representations of the
dealer. 1t should be remembered that the
dealers pick up their stock In the out-of-
the-way places, usually in the interior of
the country. This should be hint to other
purchasers. who in looking for some par
ticular articles should stop off In places
outside of the well-beaten path. The
chances of getting the veritable article are
good. while the price will ordinarily be
the dealers in the large cities is to pay
excessive prices for questionable goods.
The mecca for the curio seeker is Bruges.
the ancient church splendor and architec-
ture of which attracts the European trav-
eler. This city Is noted for itG valuable
finds The buyer does not stop to consider
that dealers for years past have swept
every corner of anything SavOrlnS or an
tiquity, but continues to pick up at cheap
prices whatever is offered. The dealers are
active in putting their wares in the way of
the traveller, and have either established
agencies at a place such as Bruges or send
In goods to the local dealers to be SOLD on
commission. The seaside resorts nave an
unusually large accumulation during the
tributions of several dealers. The prices
are extremely high. Great care must be
exercised in the purchase of these ancient
articles The American traveller always
reputed a mllionaire) is considered the prey
of these designing dealers.
Picking Up Rare Finds.
A visit to the workshops of antique deal
ers will show them pounding modern brass
to represent the old-time article. Worm
eaten and decayed furniture is made over
into pieces representing the old Flemish
| type that would deceive the ordinary col
| lector. The dealers carrying the greatest
assortment of valuable articles and well
| housed on a principal street should be as
| carefully investigated before buying as the
| small dealer in a back street. Even these
small one-room dealers are supplied by the
larger ones with articles that will catch
| the eye. 1t is from just such shops that
| comes the report of some valuable original
| articles purchased for a song, etc. Small
cigar shops, cafes and other unpretentious
| business places are usually provided with
| an old painting (made to order), a copy of
| some well-known work, which will at once
| excite the curiosity of the customer who
| Is particularly Influenced by the surround
| ings A good price is paid and the buyer
writes his friends that he picked up a
! great find