“It’s the charm and character of a piece that really grabs me,” says Kirby Whetstone, owner of The Antique Co. in Little Rock, where she specializes in 17th- and 18th-century Italian, French and English antiques. Whetstone, who recently returned from an east-coast buying trip, offers some insight on why Continental antiques remain popular not only with dealers such as herself, but also with collectors. “Early pieces from the 17th and 18th centuries are original, and they seem to have better craftsmanship,” she says. “Many items from the 19th century are reproductions, which don’t have as great an appeal as originals, and they also don’t carry the same investment value. In my market, 18th century is very popular, although several 19th century designs are in demand as well.”
Whetstone also believes that the character of earlier pieces, such as the 18th-century French commode that anchors the entryway, lends to their value and desirability. “The honey color of the commode exudes a warmth that really appeals to buyers,” she says. But ultimately, she’s searching for things that she knows both her clients and herself will be pleased with. “I buy what is, to me, beautiful, and what I think my clients will want at a price that’s acceptable,” says Whetstone. “These things are timeless, and they do not go in and out of style.”
![]() | Creating a warm welcome, an 18th-century French commode is the centerpiece of our entryway. Crafted of fruitwood and featuring its original patina and hardware, the commode is designed in the style of French Country. The backdrop, a mid-19th-century hand-painted leather screen, strikes a stunning pose without overshadowing other pieces, such as a pair of 17th-century Italian state chairs crafted of walnut and covered in an original tapestry, a circa-1820 pair of Charles X bronze three-arm candelabra, and a late-18th-century Italian reliquary. An Italian crystal chandelier hangs above the scene, while a late-19th-century iron pricket lamp flanks the commode. |
![]() | This Italian reliquary was likely produced during the late 18th century, when wealthy and religious Europeans often had chapels in their homes. Reliquaries were used as a sort of altar, and often held the bones of saints. |
![]() | This English Regency penwork sewing box is a wonderful example of the value of original work—the decoration was created with pen and ink, and the box still boasts its original lion handles and bun feet. |