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.
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.
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.
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.
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…
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.
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.
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?”