Don’t let collecting bug you.

Collecting can be a long-time entertaining hobby. Some folks might call it a passion and others an obsession. Its fun finding all the items that can make up a great collection, but sometimes, if you are not careful it can really bug you. What? Bug me? How can my passion bug me? Let me explain. […]

Sound Choices

At Five Katz antiques, we love music.  Whatever format you choose, compact discs, digital mp3s, reel to reel tape or vinyl, we love it all. Blues, Jazz, Classic Rock, New Wave, Punk, Classical, Folk, it’s all great. Since we sell vintage vinyl at the store, and have recently added new records to our inventory, I […]

Dear Gene,

Gene Rodenberry C/O Heaven or eternity And somewhere in orbit   Dear Gene, I hope this letter finds you well , wherever your soul has chosen to rest. Whatever ethereal plane you are on I hope you are enjoying the future you so eagerly thought of and sought for all of us. Alas, only small […]

12 things antique dealers wished everyone knew

Remember Reader’s Digest? They are still around and have a series of articles called  “What _______ wants you to know.” All manner of categories are used, like pets, flight attendants, doctors, mechanics and more. Well I thought you might like to read, “12 things antique dealers want you to know.” Let’s dig in; 1. Not […]

Marx Battery Operated Trestle Train Set

As a youngster I was always active, as was any kid back in the day. We had great imaginations and never lacked for something to do. I grew up inheriting many great toys from my father and my uncle. One of the reasons for this is my grandmother had once worked for Marx Toys. Marx […]

Vintage Vinyl

Here at Five Katz Antiques we have been selling vintage vinyl for nearly 5 years now. We wanted to add to our selection and service, so we are about to introduce new vinyl records and turntables to our inventory. If you haven’t noticed, vinyl records are making a comeback. Vinyl records been around and popular […]

Home Security

In the past I have written about staying safe while selling items online. For this column I will be talking about home security. Wait, what? Home security? How does this apply to an article about antiques? Well, I will tell you. Folks who collect antiques and other items spend large amounts of money to purchase […]

Antiques and their stories.

I have written several times in this column about why I like antiques. The longevity of items, the craftsmanship, the beauty of them, the stability. The stories they tell. I am reminded every day that there are large groups of people who don’t like antiques. I hear things like “Who wants that old stuff?” “It’s […]

eBay – Easy as one, two, thr…um, wait a minute….

As the owner of an antique store, people often bring me items that they think I would like to purchase for my inventory. I quote the best price I can, based on condition, desirability, what I think I can sell it for, and also my experience. Many times, people will tell me they can sell […]

Choosy mothers choose Jif©

Choosy moms choose Jif© – Remember that commercial? The basic takeaway was that if you didn’t buy your kids Jif Peanut Butter, you were a lousy mom who cared not for their kids. I am sort of like the “Choosy mom” in that I am picky and care about what I put into my antique […]