ANTIQUES AND GOING GREEN?

When I was thinking about acquiring collectibles and antiques, I started pondering if collecting "stuff" could be part of wanting to improve my "going green" lifestyle.
That was when I discovered on Google the following antique shop.

'A TRUE ANTIQUES SHOP' in Strasburg, Va.

Vilnis & Co. Antiques is a Shenandoah Valley dealer in Strasburg, Virginia who sells antique furniture and accessories in "properly-restored and in estate condition," as well as period antique Federal, neo-classical, Empire, American, English, and continental furniture and decorative arts. Owner Vilnis Vitols recently talked about his shop in Strasburg.

How does Vilnis describe his shop?

This is an old-fashioned antiques shop similar to those one would have found thirty or forty years ago. Vilnis prefers to stick to the Webster’s definition of an antique, which is 100 years old. Most of the items he carries are pre 1830, although you will find an excellent selection of items from all periods. His specialty is neo-classical, city, high style, but he also carries quality examples of country furniture, folk art and a smattering of 20th century modern. Occasionally he will offer a good reproduction for sale, but it is always properly labeled as a reproduction.

What advice would he give beginning collectors?

Collecting Antiques is an acquired taste, that is - REAL Antiques collecting. Expose yourself to as many real antiques as possible. Seek out antiques professionals who are willing and excited to share their knowledge. The saddest part about antiquing today is that you could visit twenty shops today displaying a sign that reads “Antiques” and never find one real antique. This is a real antiques shop.

Vilnis & Co. sells real antiques. Plan a trip to Strasburg and be ready to discover a bounty of treasures at Vilnis & Co. Antiques. Vilnis & Co. is located at 329 N. Massanutten. (540) 465-4405 or visit him on the web at Vilnis Antiques. And don’t forget, real antiques are the epitome of “going green” and the original “recyclables!”