AA Empire Antiques — Local services in Hightstown

Said “Open” on web. Was there at about 11:30 am and walked around till I saw hours, then called the number. Gene answered and said “be right there to open.” Then we walked around a two-floor maze of amazing estate sale items pretty well organized considering the quantity of stuff. Yes it was dark and dusty. If that bothers you don’t come. If that says “intriguing mystery” to you, come on ahead and enjoy - & watch your step. This is a warehouse, not a theme park. Personally I find antique places that are overly clean and neat are not priced well. Anything thing I gathered and asked Gene how much was met with a fair price. He also was very knowledgeable about history of unusual objects and how to adapt items or find an alternative fix for something missing a piece. We will be back w a floor lamp from Brimfield missing socket/glass shade (huge selection) and a chandelier from Italy to be rewired. We had a great treasure hunt! Thanks for the...

First 20 minutes in this place and did not see a soul. When someone finally showed up “Gene”…We introduced ourselves as resellers and the first thing he said was I don’t know if We will be able to sell you anything. I understand that this is an auction house so somethings may not be for sale to the public. Understandably there are no prices on anything so the store has to be attended in order to make a sale. The first item I brought to Gene‘s attention was a piece of dichroic art glass and he asked for a price it was way above retail (I assume to scare me off) so I left. If you don’t want to sell to the public why do you have...

Gene rewired a 1910 pole lamp and helped me find THE perfect lamp shade for it. And we also found a glass shade for a 1930’s pole lamp that was a little difficult to find a perfect fit for. Gene is very knowledgeable about lamps in particular. But the whole building is a trip into the past. Gene can tell you all about his inventory. It’s like taking an historical field trip rather than just shopping...