Brass Armadillo Antique Mall - Des Moines — Local services in Des Moines

Huge, fascinating place, but the antique-mall format that seems to be becoming more prevalent also makes haggling difficult-to-impossible, and the huge price ranges and often poorly-researched prices on what I am looking for (vintage fountain pens & mechanical pencils, inkwells, desk sets, etc) makes me pass up a lot of items because they are WAY overpriced, ESPECIALLY if the pens/pencils are not restored/functional (as fountain pens in particular often are).

TIP 1: If the pen or pencil does not function, it’s not worth more than $5-10 because I will need to spend $25-50 or more to restore it (or send it to be restored to an expert if it’s an unusual or complex repair.). So pen/pencil collectors end up skipping most of the pens & pencils at antique malls because they can buy functional & restored ones online for the same or less money. The inflated prices seem to be getting worse over time, too.

TIP 2: Do not just look up prices for your items on eBay or other online sites. The prices there vary by if they are restored or not, the rarity of the piece, and of course the auction bidding format inflates them.

TIP 3: put your contact info visibly in your rack or display and make haggling allowable or allow us/the mall staff to call & haggle.

TIP 4: Find a local pen club to help you learn how to price your pens and other vintage writing tools. The local one in Des Moines is IowaPen.

TIP 5: if you can’t clearly explain WHY a vintage pen/pencil etc is worth more than $5-15...it isn’t. Is it rare? Restored? Limited edition? Gold or silver (or plated). Know the answer before you price, or price it low otherwise collectors will pass you by. Books and web sites are available on this topic.

To sum up: Fun place to visit but I usually end up disappointed and leave a lot of writing stuff un-purchased because it is way overpriced. But there is so MUCH I usually find some reasonable buys too. This is a general problem with many antique...

The Brass Armadillo Antique Mall in Des Moines, Iowa, is a premier destination for antique enthusiasts and collectors. Located at 701 NE 50th Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50313, this expansive 36,000-square-foot showroom houses over 450 dealers, offering a diverse array of antiques and collectibles. BRASSARMADILLO.COM

Highlights of the Mall:

Diverse Inventory: Visitors can explore a vast selection of items, including fine antique furniture, vintage quilts, primitive art, exquisite china, porcelain, and depression or carnival glassware. BRASSARMADILLO.COM

Convenient Hours: The mall is open daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, providing ample time for shoppers to browse and discover unique treasures. YELP.COM

Positive Reviews: Patrons frequently commend the mall for its extensive variety and quality of items. One reviewer noted, "We always find some good deals and interesting items here." The friendly and helpful staff, along with tourist-friendly hours, enhance the shopping experience. TRIPADVISOR.COM

Whether you're a seasoned collector or simply enjoy browsing through vintage items, the Brass Armadillo Antique Mall in Des Moines offers a rich and rewarding experience for...

Brass Armadillo is my go-to for great vintage finds. The booths are organized, easily accessible, and I always find something that I want to take home. While the majority of the staff are super friendly, the older lady with short gray hair who normally works checkout on Saturdays needs an attitude adjustment. Unfortunately, I seem get her every time I need to checkout and no matter how polite I am she still manages to be rude.

I stopped by Brass Armadillo the last weekend in October, and she checked me out. Once my transaction was completed, I stood aside to wait for my items (they were being wrapped). As one of the other employees handed me the items I purchased, they complimented one of them. I told the employee, “Thank you! I thought they were so cute.” The rude employee rolled her eyes and whispered something in her coworker’s ear, they giggled then looked over at me. It all seemed very high school. This is just one of a few unpleasant encounters I’ve had with her.

Not sure what’s going on, but I’ll let 100 people go ahead of me in line just so I won’t have to deal with...