About
AuntieNen's Collectible Vintage Treasures from Art Deco to Mid Century
ABOUT AUNTIE NEN'S STUFF:
AuntieNensStuff started as a desire to lighten my load before an upcoming move- but it was so enthusiastically welcomed by the collector community that I've decided to make it full-time, and supplement her stuff with treasures I find at estates and auctions. Many of the original offerings were family items that I held on to for far too long- not because they meant anything to me (I'm keeping those) but because I felt I should. When I groaned at the idea of moving them all again, I started to realize- "Aunt Nen and the family wouldn't want me to feel burdened by these items, they'd want me to get them into the hands of someone who can appreciate them!"
When we were young boys, Momma and Daddy would pack the 5 of us into the station wagon for a weekend afternoon visit to Aunt Nen's place. Aunt Nen was actually Momma's Aunt, making her our Great Aunt. Her huge yard was filled with squirrels and birds; Uncle George's old workshop, though missing its power tools, was full of curiosities and cubbyholes that we could explore while our parents visited. Anything to keep us out of the house, which was filled with fascinating, often delicate objects that Aunt Nen and Uncle George has collected from their trips around the world in the the 30's and 40's, as the new oil industry needed Uncle George's expertise to figure out how to get that valuable stuff out of the ground!
They never had kids (not sure why) so they doted on Momma and Daddy, and us as well! Aunt Nen called us her "5 Little Indians" and the memories of the fun times we had with her will always be with me!
ABOUT ME:
My 30-year career in department store management taught me a thing or two about making customers happy. In addition to an innate feel for the things people want to buy (a big miss by today's modern retailers) I learned that retail was easiest when you give consumers what they want! Today, I work full-time as a real estate agent in Houston, TX. Since many of my clients are my contemporaries, and "of a certain age," I have the opportunity to see many estates early on in the process, and can acquire items I know my customers will appreciate. I work to carefully edit my offering, curating a reliable source of items for collectors and enthusiasts who are looking for specific items to add to their collections. I try to include giftable items whenever possible, for those who appreciate giving treasures of lasting quality and value.
ABOUT THE ITEMS:
Some items are from my family's collection, but many are items that I curate from estate sales and other sources of quality previously-owned items. I keep an eye out for items of craftsmanship and unique design, with lasting value and nostalgic charm. While the more recent acquisitions may not have come from Aunt Nen's house, they certainly look as though they could have! In all cases, I thoroughly clean, diligently research, specifically describe, and carefully pack every item I sell. I avoid items with obvious repairs, and provide detailed descriptions of any repairs or damage, with pictures, if I determine the item is worth reselling. Most items are polished or restored, unless I think that their patina and wear are part of their charm.
I END WITH A NOTE ABOUT PRICING:
I'm aware that the pricing of many of my items is somewhat higher than what you would pay for a similar item at a garage sale or flea market- and I don't apologize for that. Here's why. First, flea market or garage sales are hit-or-miss. If you have time for that, you're rewarded with a bargain. Not everyone has that kind of time, but many still want quality items instead of tacky modern imports. Through my site, you can order confidently from the comfort of your home. Secondly, my items are on-hand and ready to ship. If you need a specific piece to complete a collection, or have a certain item in mind that would be the perfect gift, you don't to hate time trying your luck at flea markets and garage sales. I have invested the time and money to gather these items, photograph them, describe them, pack them, store them, and deliver them when you need them. You're getting quality items at a clearly communicated price with no "gotcha" fees, and I'm able to earn some supplemental income doing something I love. I'd say that's a win-win! Finally, even with exhaustive research, I sometimes get it wrong. If you find an item that I have mis-identified, or priced inconsistently, I'd love for your to use the "contact the seller" or "make an offer" button to set me straight! My goal is to be your reliable source for quality items that you count on time and again!
AuntieNensStuff started as a desire to lighten my load before an upcoming move- but it was so enthusiastically welcomed by the collector community that I've decided to make it full-time, and supplement her stuff with treasures I find at estates and auctions. Many of the original offerings were family items that I held on to for far too long- not because they meant anything to me (I'm keeping those) but because I felt I should. When I groaned at the idea of moving them all again, I started to realize- "Aunt Nen and the family wouldn't want me to feel burdened by these items, they'd want me to get them into the hands of someone who can appreciate them!"
When we were young boys, Momma and Daddy would pack the 5 of us into the station wagon for a weekend afternoon visit to Aunt Nen's place. Aunt Nen was actually Momma's Aunt, making her our Great Aunt. Her huge yard was filled with squirrels and birds; Uncle George's old workshop, though missing its power tools, was full of curiosities and cubbyholes that we could explore while our parents visited. Anything to keep us out of the house, which was filled with fascinating, often delicate objects that Aunt Nen and Uncle George has collected from their trips around the world in the the 30's and 40's, as the new oil industry needed Uncle George's expertise to figure out how to get that valuable stuff out of the ground!
They never had kids (not sure why) so they doted on Momma and Daddy, and us as well! Aunt Nen called us her "5 Little Indians" and the memories of the fun times we had with her will always be with me!
ABOUT ME:
My 30-year career in department store management taught me a thing or two about making customers happy. In addition to an innate feel for the things people want to buy (a big miss by today's modern retailers) I learned that retail was easiest when you give consumers what they want! Today, I work full-time as a real estate agent in Houston, TX. Since many of my clients are my contemporaries, and "of a certain age," I have the opportunity to see many estates early on in the process, and can acquire items I know my customers will appreciate. I work to carefully edit my offering, curating a reliable source of items for collectors and enthusiasts who are looking for specific items to add to their collections. I try to include giftable items whenever possible, for those who appreciate giving treasures of lasting quality and value.
ABOUT THE ITEMS:
Some items are from my family's collection, but many are items that I curate from estate sales and other sources of quality previously-owned items. I keep an eye out for items of craftsmanship and unique design, with lasting value and nostalgic charm. While the more recent acquisitions may not have come from Aunt Nen's house, they certainly look as though they could have! In all cases, I thoroughly clean, diligently research, specifically describe, and carefully pack every item I sell. I avoid items with obvious repairs, and provide detailed descriptions of any repairs or damage, with pictures, if I determine the item is worth reselling. Most items are polished or restored, unless I think that their patina and wear are part of their charm.
I END WITH A NOTE ABOUT PRICING:
I'm aware that the pricing of many of my items is somewhat higher than what you would pay for a similar item at a garage sale or flea market- and I don't apologize for that. Here's why. First, flea market or garage sales are hit-or-miss. If you have time for that, you're rewarded with a bargain. Not everyone has that kind of time, but many still want quality items instead of tacky modern imports. Through my site, you can order confidently from the comfort of your home. Secondly, my items are on-hand and ready to ship. If you need a specific piece to complete a collection, or have a certain item in mind that would be the perfect gift, you don't to hate time trying your luck at flea markets and garage sales. I have invested the time and money to gather these items, photograph them, describe them, pack them, store them, and deliver them when you need them. You're getting quality items at a clearly communicated price with no "gotcha" fees, and I'm able to earn some supplemental income doing something I love. I'd say that's a win-win! Finally, even with exhaustive research, I sometimes get it wrong. If you find an item that I have mis-identified, or priced inconsistently, I'd love for your to use the "contact the seller" or "make an offer" button to set me straight! My goal is to be your reliable source for quality items that you count on time and again!