Timeless Antiques with History to Share

When receiving the meticulously sourced selections from the buyers, Dr. Crews carefully inspects each box to look for unique features, historical value, and excellent craftsmanship and condition. Magnificent dovetails, extraordinary chatoyancy (the glow or luminous effect found on certain types of wood), the shape of the vessel, and the quality of the materials utilized are just a few things that he looks for. “If I receive something very spectacular, I will pull something out of my collection and retire one to keep that equilibrium,” Dr. Crews states. “Sometimes you get a specimen box, and you know you’ll never get another one like it. In those cases, I’m really tempted to keep it, and I keep refreshing and upgrading my own collection.”

The small size of the objects lends itself to being able to acquire hundreds of unique boxes to add to an evergrowing collection. “I like the scale of a box,” Dr. Crews remarks. “I can have one small box that I can hold in my hand that represents all of that historical context. You can have eight or ten boxes that represent nuanced layered historical elements. Something bigger wouldn’t allow for that.”

Dr. Crews sells his wares at the Scott Antique Markets in Atlanta, Georgia, and online. Whether in person at his booth or over a lengthy phone conversation, he finds great pleasure and satisfaction in interacting with people and educating those who desire to learn more about the history of his fabulous antiques. He enjoys the reciprocity of teaching interested customers about his treasured items and, in turn, sometimes learning new things himself. “In this enterprise, I think being ethical, providing high-quality things, and being honest with buyers is very important,” Dr. Crews explains. A cherished hobby turned business not only changed the life of the one at the center of it all but continues to impact others who similarly wish to add a bit of history and glamour to their home.