Spring Cleaning, Reframed: The Value Sitting in Your Drawers, Garage and Attic
Spring has a way of exposing what we’ve been ignoring. Not just clutter—but the things we’ve kept, carefully, and then stopped using.
Are Your Antiques a Blessing or a Burden?
If you care about your legacy — not just the objects, but the emotional impact you leave behind — this is a conversation worth having now.
When the Things We Love Start to Weigh Us Down
I recently had an appointment on the North Shore of Long Island with a gentleman and his wife who owned one of the most beautiful collections I’ve seen in a while — art glass, porcelain, bronzes, jewelry, silver. Walking into their home felt like stepping into a private museum. Every shelf glimmered with pieces that had clearly been chosen with care.
To Melt or Not to Melt? A Guide to Navigating Today’s Silver Market
If you are looking through your own silver collection or an inheritance, here is a guide to understanding which pieces are likely headed for the melt and which ones are worth saving.
Thanksgiving…When Families Reveal the Truth About Their Heirlooms
Thanksgiving does something funny: it exposes which heirlooms people actually care about — and which ones they absolutely don’t.
The Strangest Thing We Ever Found — and Why Oddities Can Be Worth a Fortune
Every antique dealer has a story that makes even seasoned collectors stop and stare. For us, it was the day we opened a dusty cabinet and found… a human brain in a jar of formaldehyde.
The Hidden Value in “Junk Silver”: More Than Just Pocket Change
Most of us have stumbled upon an old coin in a jar or piece of furniture and wondered if it was worth anything. While most are just pocket change, some coins, often dismissed by their common name, hold surprising value.
How Selling at an Auction Really Works
Thinking of selling your fine art, antiques, collectibles, or jewelry at auction? Before you dive in, it’s essential to understand precisely how the process works—the costs, the risks, and the outcomes you might face.
Should You Use AI to Help You Price Your Antiques?
Whether you’re curious about the history of a family heirloom or trying to figure out what that market stall “treasure” might be worth, AI tools can give you fast, detailed answers. But like with any tool, it’s important to understand both the pros and the cons before relying on them.
Are Your Old Coins Silver? Here’s How to Tell (and Why It Matters)
Every week, we meet people who uncover a jar, bag, or box of old coins. Most of the time, the coins aren’t neatly displayed or in pristine condition. And yet, some of them could be worth far more than face value.
Thinking of Selling Art? Here’s What’s Worth Something and What’s Not
You’re on a cruise, you’ve had a few cocktails, the sun is shining. You wander into one of those onboard art auctions and suddenly you’re raising your paddle for a Picasso. It’s got a certificate! It must be worth something, right?
Burden or Blessing? The Truth About Being an Executor
Being named the executor of an estate sounds like an honor — a sign of trust from a loved one. But for many people, especially during emotional times, it becomes a complicated, time-consuming responsibility.
Why Gold Prices Rise When Stocks Fall: A Safe Haven in Uncertain Time
When the stock market takes a hit or inflation eats away at the value of the dollar, gold prices often surge. But why does this happen?
Turn Hidden Treasures into Opportunity by Selling Antiques for Cash and Peace of Mind
Finding creative ways to access additional funds can provide much-needed relief and even open doors to new opportunities.
Unlock the Secrets of Your Antiques: A Must-Have Guide for Every Executor and Downsizer
The Antique Help book is should be your go-to resource for navigating the often-confusing world of antique resale with confidence.
NOW is the Best Time to Sell Sterling Silver
If you have sterling silver antiques that you've been holding on to—whether for perceived future value or sentimental reasons—NOW might be the perfect time to consider selling them.
Our latest venture! A new Mid-Century Modern gallery space at 315 E. 91st. in Manhattan.
Stepping into the new gallery, visitors will be greeted by a curated collection that celebrates the timelessness of Mid-Century Modern design. Each piece embodies the spirit of a bygone era while seamlessly integrating into modern spaces.
The Surprising Benefits of Downsizing with Unwanted Antiques
When it comes to downsizing most people envision having to make difficult decisions about what to keep. But what if those belongings could help transition to a new chapter in your life?
Unlocking Resale Potential: Antiques & Artifacts from the Revolutionary War Era
Memorabilia and artifacts from the Revolutionary War era provide tangible connections to the past.
Using Unwanted Antiques and Heirlooms to Fund Meaningful Memories
Creating lifelong memories can seem like a dream yet for a number of our clients they have been able to do just that.
Selling Your Art
People sell their art for many different reasons. They no longer like the piece(s), they don’t fit into their new home or their aesthetic has changed.
Selling a Diamond: Not as “Clear-cut” as it Might Seem
Diamonds are always valuable in the resale market, but you should keep some things in mind if you want to try to sell diamonds that you have.
Beware of “Buyer’s Remorse”
Purchasing something on a whim or with great deliberation can make us feel happy and content, at least for a short time. But that happiness may soon dissipate, and in its place, you may experience “buyer’s remorse.”
Beware of “Seller’s Remorse”
When you've made big or small decisions, remorse can creep in and undermine your satisfaction with your action. For instance, in our business, some sellers will regret that they sold an antique almost immediately after the sale has been completed.
It’s Summer and Time for Your Tag Sale or Yard Sale
Before you fill your leisure time with sun and surf, let’s not forget about yard sales and tag sales.
Finding Valuables in the Most Unusual Places
After more than 40 years in business, we can still be surprised at how and where we find antiques and other items of value.
Real Estate is HOT!
It’s not surprising that the real estate market in New York and Long Island is very hot. Correspondingly, the antiques market is also hot…
What To Do When You Inherit Family Heirlooms
The following steps can help you save time and money if you’ve been left potentially valuable antiques or heirlooms, as well as assist in avoiding disputes that can undermine your family bond forever.
Saying Thank You At This Time Of Year
I know I might be repeating myself, but I practically gasp each time I see that we are on the cusp of 2022, not that it’s a moment too soon, of course. I’m always excited and optimistic about the year ahead and this year, even more so.
Your Item Didn’t Sell at Auction. Now What?
What happens if you’ve put items up for auction and they didn’t sell? There can be several reasons that items you’ve put up for auction didn’t sell. It might be that the item was priced too high, the item was repaired, or in some situations, the item is a copy.
The Real Estate Rush Hasn’t Let Up
Are you planning a move? Here are some of the questions you should be asking yourself.
I Just Know It’s Worth A Lot of Money
What’s important is knowing the “provenance” or the background of an item. Has the item been passed down by a relative? Do you know the “history” of the item and is it verifiable?
Do It Yourself? Maybe, Not So Fast
While perhaps not as physically taxing as building a firepit, I can tell you many stories about the perils and pitfalls of DIY antique sales, because, in all honesty, it’s difficult to assess value by yourself and without training or experience.
Spring Cleaning (and Relocating) Can Reveal a Treasure Trove of Items to be Sold
It’s that time of year again when people’s thoughts turn to Spring cleaning, and while it might not be enjoyable when it is going on, the end results certainly bring pleasure.
Spring Cleaning
At Syl-Lee we also know that at the start of Spring, people begin to think seriously about organizing, donating or selling items they no longer need or want.
Is Moving on Your Mind?
Are you thinking about moving? People start to contemplate the thought of moving when the end of Winter is in their sightlines, and even though the flowers aren’t blooming yet in the Northeast, we hope that Spring will be here soon.
Antique and Collectibles — What’s Happening Now?
A New Year is here and many of us are evaluating the objects in our homes, the things we have collected over the years or were handed down by our parents and grandparents and asking ourselves what do I wish to keep and what do I wish to sell.
If You Don’t Feel Comfortable, Don’t Do It
For many of our customers, connecting with us is the very first time that they find themselves buying or selling an antique or collectible. There’s a bit of intimidation stepping into the unknown and, of course, they are concerned about money, as in spending too much or getting too little.
Things to Do Prior to Your Move
Anticipating a move often prompts stress and anxiety. Did I make the right decision, will I like my new place, or can I get everything organized in time for the big day are just some of the things that can make you feel uneasy.
It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas
I know, I know, I’m pushing the season way too soon, BUT, I must tell you that it’s time (or maybe “almost” time) to start thinking about holiday shopping. Sure, the holidays are going to be a lot different this year. Families and friends have to figure out how to gather safely and will probably have to curtail the number of people that are invited to any get-togethers.
Timing is Everything, Even in Selling Antiques
We all know the cliché “timing is everything” and it’s true even when you’re thinking about selling your antiques. Just because you’ve cleared out a closet, basement, drawer, or an entire room and have accumulated what you hope is a treasure trove of items to sell, doesn’t mean that you would want to do so all at once.
Help, My Kids Don’t Want My “Stuff”!
It’s a sensitive subject, isn’t it? You have “stuff” that you purchased with love and good intentions, or perhaps your “stuff” was handed down from beloved family members. In either case, there is significant sentimental value.
The COVID-19 Pandemic and the Antiques Market
Right now, yes, right now, we are starting to see some relief and positive changes as we continue to navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic that pretty much changed everything in our personal and professional lives.
If There’s One Thing For Certain, It’s That the Antiques Market Always Keeps Changing…
We’d be lying if I didn’t make it clear that what was once considered to be a “hot” item might no longer be of any interest. The antique and collectibles markets continually fluctuate and last year’s must have objects might now be gathering dust.
Thinking About the Valuables You Own?
Life as we formerly knew it just mere weeks ago has radically changed and a timeline for a return to “normal” is pretty much unknown. I’ve been receiving many calls and texts from people that are taking this time at home to take a better look at “what they have” with the thought that some of the items might be of value.
Answers to Questions I Get Asked ALL of the Time
Here are answers to some questions that I get asked quite a lot. Feel free to contact me if you have other questions that I might be able to answer for you!
What Do I Do With Grandma’s Stuff?
Maybe you’ve been collecting watches for years or have one special watch that you no longer want. Or perhaps you have inherited a single watch or a collection from a family member that has passed. In any case, you’ve decided that you are not interested in keeping the watch/es and are seeking to sell them.
Important Questions You Should Ask Your Antiques Dealer
Maybe you’ve been collecting watches for years or have one special watch that you no longer want. Or perhaps you have inherited a single watch or a collection from a family member that has passed. In any case, you’ve decided that you are not interested in keeping the watch/es and are seeking to sell them.
I Want To Sell My Watch Collection
Maybe you’ve been collecting watches for years or have one special watch that you no longer want. Or perhaps you have inherited a single watch or a collection from a family member that has passed. In any case, you’ve decided that you are not interested in keeping the watch(es) and are seeking to sell them.
What’s the Best Way to Find Out If My Antiques Are Valuable?
Does this sound familiar? Some years ago you bought some antiques, perhaps not as an investment but because you liked the idea of collecting and even more importantly, you liked the pieces themselves and enjoyed displaying them in your home. Or perhaps, you didn’t buy the antiques but instead, you inherited them from someone else. Can you relate?
Downsizing Isn’t Fun — Contact Syl-Lee Antiques To Help
Downsizing is never easy. When heirlooms have been in your family for generations it can be very difficult to let them go. The majority of our clients are in a situation where they are forced to deal with the difficult task of downsizing.
What’s Hot in the Art, Antique and Jewelry Market?
On a daily basis, we get numerous calls and emails from people who are downsizing or moving. We’re also frequently contacted by people who have received an inheritance. All of these people have one thing in common: They want to liquidate and move on — even if that means saying goodbye to some of their most prized possessions.
The Collection of Peggy and David Rockefeller: Numerous Records Set
I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Nassau County Museum of Art. The museum is located at One Museum Drive in Roslyn Harbor 11756. What an amazing place in the middle of Long Island. The grounds are huge. They have walkways with sculptures, trails with beautiful flowers and of course the art exhibits which change every few months. In addition to the wonderful sites, the museum has educational programs for children and adults.
Nassau County Museum Of Art – New York, New York Exhibit
I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Nassau County Museum of Art. The museum is located at One Museum Drive in Roslyn Harbor 11756. What an amazing place in the middle of Long Island. The grounds are huge. They have walkways with sculptures, trails with beautiful flowers and of course the art exhibits which change every few months. In addition to the wonderful sites, the museum has educational programs for children and adults.
Why is Vintage Jewelry Better than Modern Jewelry?
If you love to accessorize, you’re always looking for something new and trendy to mix and match with your outfits. But why not start looking for something old instead? Whether you’re looking for a gift for her or treating yourself to a little bling, vintage jewelry is the way to go. What makes these antique treasures so much better than any piece of modern jewelry you could ever buy?
Where to Identify the Value of Chinese Antiques
You have a Chinese antique that you think might be valuable – glassware, a vase, a furniture cabinet – and you’ve been watching a lot of Antiques Roadshow and are itching to know what it’s worth. Bringing your antiques to a television appraiser just isn’t in the cards, so you’re going to have to come up with something else.
A Guide to Antique Glass
One of the most common heirlooms families pass down to their children are glassware sets. As you walk by the pieces safely stowed away behind a cabinet or in a drawer, a few questions may come to mind: are they antique? Are they worth anything? Is there anything you can do to maintain them so that they can continue to be passed down in the best condition possible?
Storage Units Are Not the Best Choice
On a busy week we have close to 25 appointments. Our clients call us to evaluate antiques, fine art and jewelry. Most of these homeowners are either moving, or selling a house for a family member. A very common question is “what should we put in storage?”
Asia Week New York 2016: Five Musts for the Asian Antiques Collector
If you’re suffering from the winter blues, then we’ve got the perfect antidote for you: it’s only a couple of weeks until Asia Week New York 2016!
Bonhams (TCM) Turner Classic Movies NYC Movie Memorabilia Auction
Design Auctions The 1950s and 60s were decades that conjure to mind liquid lunches, a martini after a hard day in the office, and low slung furniture with clean lines. Fans of the show Mad Men, which ended a few weeks ago will be familiar with this design aesthetic from the show’s sets which epitomized mid-century modern design. Later this week, Christie’s, Sotheby’s, and Phillip’s auction houses will be having their design auctions in New York.
Manhattan 20th Century Design Auctions
Design Auctions The 1950s and 60s were decades that conjure to mind liquid lunches, a martini after a hard day in the office, and low slung furniture with clean lines. Fans of the show Mad Men, which ended a few weeks ago will be familiar with this design aesthetic from the show’s sets which epitomized mid-century modern design. Later this week, Christie’s, Sotheby’s, and Phillip’s auction houses will be having their design auctions in New York.