Such Beautiful Deadly Things

The first book in the Miller's Fine Antiques series, Such Beautiful Deadly Things centers around the life of antique shop owner Carol Ann, her best friend Lucy, her mom Mattie, and the sexy new antique dealer down the street she can't stop dreaming about -- even when he outbids her at auction.

Carol Ann, C.A. to her friends, is happy with her move back to her quiet hometown from New York City, spending her days going to auctions and estate sales, searching for merchandise for Miller's Fine Antiques.

But the peace of her new life is shattered when the body of a competitor is found murdered on her showroom floor, and her mother becomes the prime suspect.

As I work on the the Such ____ Deadly Things series, I enjoy my "research" into antiquing...who am I kidding, I have always been a thrift store junkie...and have decided to share some of the weirder things I find along the way in this blog.

So stay tuned for some of the strange things I discover on the thrift store shelf, yard sale table and auction house floor.

Along with postings of how I turn some of those the things into other things (I do love a good re-purposing).

And updates on how the current book is progressing.

Comments

Real or Reproduction

As you are hunting around for treasure at yard sales and flea markets, you will come across things that make you wonder if they are original or reproductions. It can be hard to tell.

These are a couple tip offs.

One, does it look a little worn? It should if its really antique or vintage. Even the best kept china got moved around in the cabinet, the doll's vinyl body and hair faded a bit, or the lunch box got a little rust around the hinges. If it looks shiny and new, chances are it is.

Two, are there a lot of them? If you are in a shop or flea market stall and there are ten of the items you've been looking for and haven't been able to find...they have probably been manufactured. Unless you are at a reputable dealer who specializes in that item, then you may have hit the jackpot for your particular collectible.

A good way to gauge if it is a reputable dealer is they will be happy to answer your questions about if the item is authentic or not, and how you can tell. A dealer with a passion and knowledge about that item, will enjoy explaining that all to you. A disreputable dealer, not so much.

Carol Ann Miller

Proprietor, Miller's Fine Antiques

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Heather Mosko...Writing, Thrifting and Crafting