Fine Lion Antiques — Attraction in Cooper City

I was trying to go to the Cooper City Antique Mall and accidentally found Fine Lion in the same plaza. You have to be buzzed in and I wasn't going to ring the bell but the owner Marsha saw me peeking in the window and opened the door. She has a small dog in the store so I can see why she wants to keep an eye on the door.

Founded in 1990, the store has 16 different dealers. It is under a new partnership with Marsha. Fine Lion is crammed floor to ceiling with small items of furniture, vintage jewelry, porcelain, artwork, bronzes, and collectibles. Once you enter the store you are free to wander at will but Marsha is at the ready for any help you might need.

As soon as I entered the store I saw a teapot in my Grandmother's Royal Rose pattern that I collect. I have several tea pots that I have picked up here and there for a few dollars and this one was marked $45. I loved their collection of uranium glass that fluoresces green. If I ever figure out where I can set up a blacklight in my house I might start picking up some pieces. They had a number of gorgeous teacups and saucers that I used to buy until a cat took out my collection. The jewelry selection was interesting and several gem stone earrings caught my eye. They had a room with several acoustic guitars in the back of the store. They also had a darling pink and white table and chair set that I adored. That is just a few of the items off the top of my head. You can spend a lot of time looking through everything they have and if you know what you want Marsha will steer you in the right direction. They also buy and trade antiques so you can bring in what you have. There are so many artifacts of history here and I really...

Ma'am, do not try to scam people. Read my reply to the owner as well

I collect 1800's, early 1900's photographs. I'm assuming the owner thinks people don't do research, but these items range between $2.00 and $5.00. She tried to sell me each at $10.00. TEN DOLLARS EACH! Later I found the same style photographs at $2.00 at the Vintage Mall. I have purchased large ones at the Palmetto Bay one so much cheaper (highly recommended!), so if you don't mind driving, better go there.

REPLY FOR THE OWNER

Thank you very much for the beautifully written reply. I believe, like you said, items as delicate and fragile should be taken care of as such. The photographs I intended to buy where stuffed in a literal bucket located on the floor, in one of the rooms. (Please see attached pictures)

Three months ago, the three photographs on my second pic, the lady in the store wanted $5 each. This Sunday I returned to the store and she was asking $10 per photograph. I addressed this concern with her and said they are valued $2 at other stores, so she "lowered" the value and offered 10 photographs for $75, claming "they are selling so fast". Wow.

For reference, this rare memento mori from 1800's was priced at $3 at the Palmetto Bay vintage market.

Thank you again for taking the time to reply to my review. I understand you have a business to run, and a profit to be sowed, but this feels like mockery.

I hope you can preserve the photographs I wanted to purchase with the...

I love the owners of this store they are unique, witty and friendly. They have even invited us to their home when necessary since we bought a large bedroom set that had some misc parts in her garage. She is wonderfully witty, clever and stylish. Has offered to buy back pieces we no longer needed. World traveled and top notch class. I have gotten some wonderful unique items there. One of the best jewelry collections in all of Broward. And as for the person who wrote a review about her purse being an issue. Purses / backpacks/ laptops etc are often an issue because they are not only protecting the vendors items they don't own but with such delicate rare old pieces it becomes quite hazardous when divas are dragging around their Michael Kors arm luggage around 150 year old irreplaceable limoges or 200 year old Baccarat. It is quite literally some of the world's finest art on display....show some respect....and the customer references the antique shop next door....they go even one step further....they have lockers because they don't want people stealing or destroying from the beautiful hard work in display presentation the vendors have created. I am a shopper, a seller, a conniseur and a lover of fine things. In fact I ask for my purse to be held or I leave it in car and just bring cash/card and I.D.

Antique stores are closing at an alarming rate....I can't imagine a world without them....they are the last best hope to indulge in the art of history in a first...