R. Ege Antiques

I looked down at the jumble of objects in the cardboard box and there it was—a true treasure. A clear glass Scottie dog candy container. The box had a sign: 10 cents each. My treasure was just 10 cents. I couldn’t believe it. I showed it to my Mom, proudly displaying my find. I was 12 years old and had just checked out a book on collectible glass candy containers from our local library. I knew it was worth at least 10 dollars. It made my head spin to think of the value of my find, which actually had more to do with the word find than the word value. I still get that same rush when I find a treasure today. It is thrilling to find something that is worth more than the price you pay for that object. But, for me, the real joy is in the process. That constant search for treasure and discovery…the find. After my first brush with finding treasure beyond my usual rock, or shell, or something off of the ground, I was hooked. I begged to go to every antique store, junk shop, and garage sale that we came upon. I still search for great objects at every possible turn, be it a shop, auction, estate sale, antique mall or show, or better yet that remote town in Belgium with a great monthly antique market. The thrill of the find is still here, alive and well, but has been joined with the sheer pleasure of holding that object and appreciating it for its beauty and uniqueness. I still do a few antique shows each year and also now have a shop. The shop gives me the pleasure of placing objects in room like settings and seeing how they interact with each other. There is so much more to something than just it’s worth. Each object has its own past, yet has more of a story to tell. I am drawn to objects that are unique and have a certain sense about them that sets them apart from more traditional antiques. The furniture, artwork, and objects in a house and a garden should constantly inspire and give pleasure to the homeowner and reflect their interests and passions. I know living with antiques has influenced me in everything from where I travel to how I think of the past and of my future. I am so glad someone in the 1930s decided a glass Scottie dog would make an excellent way to sell more candy to kids. It certainly inspired this kid in the 1970’s to begin his passion. That’s a true treasure.