Cape Porpoise Outfitters is a new antiques store that is obsessed with all things military, nautical, Ivy League, booze, classic cars, books, watches, and all sorts of other great vintage oddities. Situated in an 18th century barn, CPO is the product of friend (and ACL contributor) Mr. Jared Paul Stern, who is as prolific collector of vintage “stuff” as anyone I know. It’s not just any kind of stuff, this is a shop for guys that want an interesting and edited mix. CPO is a very obvious reflection of JPS’ overall interests — be it nautical paintings, antique furniture or surplus racks for M-16s. That’s right, surplus racks for assault rifles — what home doesn’t need those?

Over the years I’ve done the antiques-drive from Wells, Maine on Route 1 many times stopping at the dozens of vintage, junk and antiques stores to varying degrees of success. Admittedly, CPO takes some of the hunt out of things, but all of the fun remains. Needless to say if you read this blog, you will like Cape Porpoise Outfitters. So if you happen to find yourself in Southern Maine, a diversion to CPO is worth it. While you are in town, stop by and see the nice ladies at the Cape Porpoise Kitchen and have a bite to eat, you won’t be disappointed.

18 Comments

We only got spend one day shopping Brimfield, but there was a lot to see and document, so here’s round II of the photos. You’ll note a giant Westinghouse sign (that came close to coming home with our group), some classic ephemera, a BB gun target and a flock of Ralph Lauren folks plotting their takeover. Part I of our spring 2012 Brimfield adventure can be seen here.

12 Comments

Earlier we saw the people, now you can see all of the good stuff out at Brimfield. This is what makes it worth fighting the heat.

34 Comments

When I was in Houston a few months ago one of the places my friend Kate took me to was the fantastic shop Installations Antiques. The store (which is located in an old commercial bakery) is a great mix of American and European antiques, with an emphasis on Belgian goods. One thing I really like about the things on offer at Installations are the modifications that owners Becki and Jur van der Oord (hence the concentration on Belgian antiques) make to some of the found objects — like making a light out of a aluminum aircraft wing. It sounds like a stretch, but Becki and Jur really have excellent taste and it shows. The shop is beautifully merchandised — probably the best merchandised independent store I have ever been to. I bet the folks from Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware visit often, so they can knock it off.

Peruse the shop in the photos below, or better yet stop by next time you are in Houston. Might be best to take a truck, at least I wish I did.

7 Comments

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

16 Comments