Frequently Asked Questions
To learn more about our business and purchasing antiques from Les Antiquités Bolduc, you'll find popular questions here.
Buying an Antique
Do you only sell unique antique items?
While we offer a selection of items that average in age between 1850 and 1950, we also carry more recent pieces, such as vintage handbags or designer fashion accessories: Vuitton, Chanel, Hermès, and Rolex, to name a few.
Are all items in the store also available on your website?
No, and vice versa, online items are not necessarily found in-store. There are many more items available in-store than on our website. If you wish to see items up close, you must let us know before you come so that we can guarantee to have them in store for you.
Are the items you sell in good condition?
The pieces you'll find with us have a life and a story of their own. We talk about "patina" to describe the natural aging of an object that gives it its authenticity, its charm and sometimes its value.
Although we choose the best-preserved pieces possible, it is normal for them to show signs of wear, imperfections and sometimes even restorations. These should be seen as natural marks of time, signs of their history.
Where do you find your antiques?
Most of our items come from the Quebec City area and its surroundings. Every week, people contact us to offer us objects or furniture. Whether they are individuals, collectors, people moving, or those who have inherited property after an estate, we carefully select the items that will be in the store.
How to care for an antique?
The maintenance of each piece depends on the material it is made of; you can read more about this in our blog articles.
Silver objects require polishing to remove the oxidation caused by exposure to air. With the right products,
this task can be done easily at home. We carry products designed for this purpose in our store.
For varnished wooden pieces and furniture, we recommend using a slightly damp cloth and a mild soap. You
can find more specialized products at hardware stores.
Silver or gold jewelry can be washed with soapy water and lightly polished, if necessary, with special wipes. Costume jewelry should not be washed with strong products, as the finish and luster could be affected.
Crystal and porcelain objects should ideally
be hand-washed to preserve their brilliance and colors. Avoid very hot water and temperature changes when cleaning glass or porcelain.
Online Ordering and Delivery
What is the return policy?
Like most antique dealers, we do not offer returns on purchases. If necessary, we invite you to ask any questions you may have about the condition, color or age of an item before purchasing it.
purchasing. On our online store, we strive to provide clear images and describe the condition of each item. We understand that it may be necessary to examine an item in person before purchasing it. Please feel free to contact us to take a closer look at the item you are interested in.
How do you deliver?
We offer worldwide shipping with Canada Post. Shipping is calculated before purchase. We take care to pack and protect items well, so they travel safely.
For each shipment, a tracking number will be provided to you by email when the package is ready to ship. You will be able to track your package via the carrier's website. For oversized items or furniture, please do not hesitate to contact us to find a safe and alternative option.
If you wish to pick up in-store, this is always possible. It is recommended to notify us beforehand, as your item might be in our warehouse.
How can I pay online?
To make a transaction on the website, you can pay in various ways. Directly on the site with your credit card or through an intermediary like PayPal: you will see the logo on the shopping cart page. It is also possible to pay by phone directly with us. Bank transfers can also be used.
What are the shipping costs?
Shipping is calculated based on your location and the dimensions of the items in your order. You will always know the shipping price before making your purchase. On the Shipping Policies page, you will be able to view shipping rates.
Selling your antiques
How can I sell you my antiques?
The best way to sell your items is to call us or send us photos by email. We will reply quickly and can then arrange an appointment. If your items are small, you can come directly to the shop. If you have several items, a member of our team can come to your home.
Do you do consignment?
At Bolduc Antiques, we favor direct purchase of antiques over consignment, in order to offer a simpler, faster, and more advantageous service for our clients. Unlike consignment, where you have to wait for your items to sell, direct purchase allows you to receive quick payment, avoid potentially long delays, and conclude the transaction with complete peace of mind.
What are you buying?
It's good to know that not everything old is necessarily rare or in demand. Pianos, harmoniums, and sewing machines are unfortunately not in demand.
We prioritize the purchase of small display items, whether made of crystal or fine porcelain. Animal figures or dinner services produced by Meissen, Herend, Wedgwood, Spode, Doulton, or Sèvres are likely to be of interest to us. Teacups signed by Paragon, Aynsley, Shelley, Royal Albert, or Royal Doulton are appreciated by our clientele.
Gold and silver jewelry from 2000 and earlier: Cartier, Tiffany & Co, Fabergé, Boucheron, Georg Jensen. Please note that unsigned, but old and well-crafted jewelry, may also be of interest to us.
Signed costume jewelry such as Chanel, Dior, Trifari, Sherman, Boucher, Coro, or Monet. Rings, earrings, brooches, and pendants decorated with rhinestones, cut crystal, cameos, or other semi-precious stones are also likely to be of interest to us.
Art objects, sculptures, bronzes, and paintings are also among the sought-after items, as are high-end fashion accessories such as handbags, wallets, or silk scarves signed by Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Dior, Chanel, Cartier, or Versace.
We also buy certain banknotes, coins,
gold or silver coins, collectible medals, or war medals.
Nikon, Minolta, Leitz, Leica, Rolleiflex, or Hasselblad cameras. Toys, dolls, collectible figurines, sports cards, and postcards are also among the things we can buy.
Note that we also buy gold and silver at competitive
prices.
Contact us to check our interest and make an
appointment with one of our team members. We will be happy to provide you with a fair and transparent purchase offer, based on the condition of the items, their market value, and supply and demand.
Can you help me with a succession?
It has always been our pleasure to assist you in this process. We can help you sort out valuable items from those that are less interesting. For more information and to schedule a meeting, please contact us.