If I am out-and-about and I see the an antique store, nine times out of ten I will just keep on driving. Generally, it is the same type of old lady vibe with little of interest to a man like myself. That said, if you ever find yourself in Chatham, Cape Cod make a point to visit Kahn Fine Antiques. The shop — which specializes in nautical items and Americana — is one of my favorite things in one of my favorite places. Growing up I spent a lot of summers on the Cape and I remember even at a young age being obsessed with New England whaling history and accoutrement. Kahn’s has an amazing selection and knowledge of the arena, so much in fact that the antiques certainly carry a price. Even so, it is always nice to escape into the 1800s (1600s?) with a visit to their shop. In a pinch you can just peruse the goods like the items pictured here in via the store’s website. Some of my favorites below.
Antique Ship-in-a-Bottle Circa 1900.
An American 13 Star Yacht Ensign Made by Annin & Co., New York, circa 1865-1870
A fine Cased Pair of Over and Under Boxlock Percussion Pistols by John Blisset, London, c. 1840
Hand Carved Eagle made by J.P. Uranker of Martha's Vineyard
An early 19th century Dovetailed Sailor's Chest with Wonderful Ropework Beckets
Leather Shotgun Case
Leather Shotgun Case
75¢ extra for your lady friend
Early 20th century English Pond Boat
Set of Sperm Whale Teeth
Late 19th century English Leather Officer's Boot Trunk circa 1875
An English Ship Builder's Style Half Hull Model
Civil War Era Scrimshawed Whale Bone
Cory
on Oct 12th, 2009
@ 12:48 AM:
I need that flag, like yesterday.
Daniel
on Oct 12th, 2009
@ 12:56 AM:
Beautiful.
Brendan
on Oct 12th, 2009
@ 1:20 AM:
I need that ship in a bottle.
Fuck it, I need all of that.
L.A.S
on Oct 12th, 2009
@ 2:02 AM:
that set of sperm whale teeth is badass…if only I could justify such a purchase…
DoubleOhTwo
on Oct 12th, 2009
@ 5:06 AM:
Gold. Pure gold.
nick
on Oct 12th, 2009
@ 7:56 AM:
I can justify the purchase of whale’s teeth. Hopefully they are allowed to leave the state. I am due a trip up anyway in order to pick up some items from Eldridge.
Turling
on Oct 12th, 2009
@ 10:11 AM:
The pistols are the hands down winner.
Michael
on Oct 12th, 2009
@ 11:36 AM:
If you’re looking for manly antiques. It’s hard to go wrong with Mantiques Modern on West 22nd St. http://mantiquesmodern.com/search.php
They do more more of an industrial age thing.
Cary Randolph
on Oct 12th, 2009
@ 11:42 AM:
Want. Want. Want. All of it. Especially the flag and the pistols. (Every lady needs a pistol.)
Nikki
on Oct 12th, 2009
@ 12:02 PM:
Love that store.
When you’re in Boston, stop by ACQUIRE and say hello!
Tom White
on Oct 12th, 2009
@ 1:05 PM:
When I own a pair of boxed London Pistols I will know my life is complete.
Kevin
on Oct 12th, 2009
@ 2:16 PM:
Cool stuff. I generally leave the purchase of home furnishings to my wife. She did come home the other day with a mounted piranah though.
Jamie
on Oct 13th, 2009
@ 12:20 PM:
Incredible. This is definitely one of the most amazing finds, and having been to Chatham several times, I’m now pissed at myself for missing this place. I feel like I’d need the map from the Goonies to find this much awesome stuff in one place…
Chad
on Oct 15th, 2009
@ 2:47 PM:
I was in Chatham all of last week for a shoot, and wouldn’t you know it, every time we passed through town this place was closed…didn’t keep us from drooling through the window, though. Ironic — and heartbreaking — to see your post just a few days after our return and realize exactly what we missed!
Dan
on Oct 25th, 2009
@ 6:48 PM:
The JP Uranker Eagles are unbelievable. If you are ever on Martha’s Vineyard, you gotta stop by his shop. a little shed outback with awesome old, authentic tools. The scale of the eagles is insane. Most are 5 feet or longer in length.
Mike
on Feb 1st, 2010
@ 11:36 PM:
Growing up in Chatham and having family friends own this place is truly a treat. If only you knew what they had in the back and in their own homes you would drop dead.