Antiques Continued From Page 35 especially, where traditional and country still rule. But in New York and Los Angeles, mid-century (20th, that is) modern design is all the rage … and in Florida, the Pasternaks find it in abundance, often buying pieces from the people who bought them new.
for $50 and re-selling them overseas via the Internet for $200 when he was 15 years old; part of the business’ new website is his blog as a 21stcentury dealer of 20th-century, mostly Americanmade, design. Jerry, on the other hand, is just now getting used to using a cell phone.
“Take that 1953 Wurlitzer jukebox,” Jerry said, gesturing to a treasure in the next room. “We bought it from a guy who said he and his father bought it together in 1955.”
“It’s true, I hate cell phones, don’t know how to turn on the computer. I’ve got ask him to help me send an email,” said Jerry.
Much of what the Pasternaks deal is functional — furniture and accessories that are well designed and well made and can be used for years and still have value as a collectible. “What do you get putting money in the bank? Next to nothing! But if you buy a functional antique, the right one, you can use it every day and sell it in 20 years and make good money on that investment,” Jerry said. When it comes to mid-century modern, a niche that Jeremiah, who has a master of arts degree in art history, has pulled the business towards, the return can come even faster.
One episode of “Born Dealers” revolves around Jeremiah Pasternak’s acquisition of 100 Anco Bilt drafting table from a former art school in Boston. Many have been sold, as have all the pews from the former First Baptist Church. PHOTO BY: DAGNEY C. ERNEST
“There will always be a market for the good stuff,” said Jeremiah. “And it’s so straight-forward. Anyone with a $100 to spend can shop Craig’s List,” a place where there are really motivated sellers and if you know what you’re looking for and what’s worth, you can find real treasures to re-sell for a profit, he said.
“You can spend $1,500 on a Saarinen table and chairs and it’ll be worth $3,000 in five years,” Jerry said.
The trick, of course, is to know the value of what’s being offered. Jeremiah advises finding something relatively specific to get passionate about — learn as much as you can about it, “not just the history and background but also know what it sells for and where,” he said.
The Pasternaks’ goal for the show is to educate viewers and show them how easy it is to do what they do. It’s obvious, however, that the show is bound to be entertaining too. Planet Green is marketing the concept as Old vs. New School and there certainly is an element of that in Pasternak & Son. Jeremiah was buying sneakers locally
Examples of his particular passion are all around the warehouse — chairs. A striking example that would have made a great episode is a rare baseball glove chair from the 1960s that Jeremiah found when he and his parents drove the van (a smart move) to Toronto in September for the show’s Canada premiere on the Discovery Channel.
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A multi-dealer shop representing over 70 of the area’s dealers. Step back in time with fine country, Victorian, and formal furniture, exciting smalls and engaging collectibles, displayed in attractive, room-like settings. Shipping is available.
207-548-2640 • searsportantiques.com
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The Internet, however, is really what powers the business and is the reason Jeremiah insists that anybody can make money in what both men agree is a recession-proof business.
207.542.3105
720 Wallston Road, St George, ME
VILLAGE TRAVEL
Searsport Self Storage at the Searsport Antique Mall 149 East Main Street (Route 1) Searsport, Maine 04974 Daily 9–5 June–Sept, 10–5 Oct–May OPEN YEAR ’ROUND
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508 Main St., Damariscotta www.womenofsubstance.us 207-563-6809
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15 Years Experience Booking Tours, Travel & Cruises Ruth Etheridge • 207-529-2298 • rletheridge@roadrunner.com
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theSCENE • December 2011