Jean and I are eclectic collectors who also fall into the category that I've seen called "opportunistic". That is, if we run across something that we find especially appealing at a price that seems reasonable, we scarf it up.

As a result, the number of sources from whom we have purchased at least one piece is very large. Nevertheless, there are a few to whom we keep returning and from each of whom we have made a number of purchases. One characteristic that those dealers have in common is that, as nearly as I can tell, they have been honest with us and with others. Nothing gets a dealer off my list faster than a confirmed report or a firsthand experience that tells me he has problems being ethical.

Another characteristic, one that hasn't been mentioned in the discussion yet, is that they have extraordinarily good taste. The stuff that they offer is more aesthetically appealing than comparable pieces (in terms of age, place of origin, etc.) offered by others.

Am I simply projecting my taste onto them? That is, are they really no more aesthetically sensitive than anyone else, with the important factor being that their sensibilities match mine? I think not. I notice that many pieces seen in exhibition catalogs and excellent publications are things that were, once upon a time, in their inventories.

Regards,

Steve Price