We seek the exceptional and rare over the ordinary.

A collection of extraordinary pieces, thoughtfully sourced from distinguished private estates, historic residences, and storied homes throughout Washington, D.C., Potomac, McLean, and Virginia’s picturesque equestrian countryside.

We consider the weight, craftsmanship, maker’s marks, provenance, history and distinctive details that speak to a piece’s authenticity and character.

Every piece has a story.
We simply find the ones worth telling.

Where it comes from

Pieces are acquired from private estates across Northern Virginia and the District — houses being closed up, downsized, or passed on. It is slow work and most of what is in a house is not worth carrying out of it, which is the whole point: what reaches the site has already been through one person's judgement.

That also means stock arrives unevenly. A good week brings a dozen pieces and a quiet one brings none. There is no way to order more of something, and when a piece sells there is no second one in the back.

How condition is described

Everything here has been in use for decades and in most cases for a century or more. It is described as found, including what is wrong with it, and the photographs show the flaws rather than avoid them.

Some vocabulary, so the listings read clearly:

Crazing: The fine web of lines in a glaze. Normal in old porcelain; not a crack.
Foxing: Grey clouding in an old mirror plate, from the backing breaking down. It cannot be reproduced.
As found: Not cleaned up, not restored, not polished. The patina is left where it is.
Sympathetic repair: An old repair, done well and in keeping. Disclosed on every piece that has one.
Losses: Missing material — gilding, veneer, a chip. Always stated, always photographed.

Sold as found. Because each piece is unique and described in detail, sales are final. If a piece arrives and is not as it was described, that is a different matter — say so within seven days and it will be put right.

Collection and delivery

Collection in person by arrangement. Delivery across Great Falls, McLean, Potomac, Washington DC and the surrounding areas, quoted per piece — a pair of candlesticks and a marble-top washstand are not the same job, so there is no flat rate that would be honest.

Larger pieces are carried in and set where you want them, not left at a door. Anything further afield can usually be arranged; ask before buying and it will be quoted first.

Asking about a piece

Questions are welcome and get a real answer, including when the answer is that a piece is not right for what you are after. Ask for more photographs, a measurement, or a closer look at a flaw — all of it is easier to settle before a piece is bought than after.

Send a question

Direction study. Item descriptions, measurements and condition notes are specimen copy written to show the catalogue format — not live inventory.