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Leo Arons knows about antiques. A collector for many years, he opened The Gilded Lion on Chambers Street in 1979 after an initial career as a research scientist for RCA.
"It was a gradual change into antiques," he explains. "It fulfilled my artistic need and my desire to meet people and help people. I found this a business that has been very satisfying from the standpoint of connecting with interesting objects and interesting people."
The Gilded Lion is known for its varied collection of high quality antiques and fine art, all carefully chosen by Mr. Arons.
"I think American furniture, silver, and paintings are my real strength." he points out. "I have studied, taken many courses, and spent lots of time in museums. Fine art is a major focus, and the art that I have consists primarily of American painting from the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries, both naive and academic in style."
Intriguing Selection
Customers come to The Gilded Lion from all over the U.S. and Europe, he reports. "One person recently came from Harrisburg, Pa. to see 18th century American furniture, and another came to see the work of a particular silversmith. I believe The Gilded Lion is an exception among antique shops because of its quality and variety."
Indeed. Customers will find an intriguing selection of unique items. A cherry wood dressing table, 1740-60, belonged to the great-great granddaughter of Alexander Hamilton, and is believed to be part of the dowry of Hamilton's wife, Elizabeth Schuyler. A brand new addition to the shop is the original 30-inch square wooden sign of Valley Farm Kennels in Connecticut, which was instrumental in introducing Borzoi dogs into the U.S. from Russia. An unusual piece, it features a depiction of a handsome Borzoi.
Also special is an oil painting by a Philadelphia artist who studied with Thomas Sully. Painted in 1831, it is a somewhat naive rendering, showing two brothers, aged two and four, with a puppy.
An Impressionist painting of a winter scene in Allentown, Pa. by Walter Baum, one of the Bucks County Impressionists popular in the 1950s is also on display.
A Quaker alphabet sampler by Charlotte Hight features the notation, "Princeton, August 4, 1823." Samplers were usually crafted by pre-teen girls in those times. Charlotte Hight is buried in the Princeton Cemetery.
Mr. Arons also carries a selection of silver, including tea and coffee services, and flatware sets. Antique and fine estate jewelry is available, and in addition, he offers a variety of antique textiles, including carpets, from many parts of the world.
Rare Item
Because he loves his work, which also includes consulting and appraising, Mr. Arons continues to study and explore the world of antiques. "A lot of what I have in stock comes from homes in the Princeton area, including from estate sales," he notes. "And partly to keep abreast of the market, I frequently attend auctions and occasionally bring things home."
One of the intriguing aspects of antiques is the discovery of a rare item when least expected, he points out. "A big surprise was coming across a 200 year-old sampler that had been rolled up in a desk and hadn't seen the light of day for generations. It was pristine, and I was able to convince the client that it should go to a museum."
Mr. Arons does a lot of work with museums, and recently sold a table to the Peabody-Essex Museum in Salem, Mass. He has also dealt with The Smithsonian and Winterthur in Delaware.
A part of his work also consists of consulting and helping clients sell special items. "One of my major functions is advising clients in the best way to dispose of antiques. I know the market worldwide, and because of my knowledge, extensive experience and research, and contacts in the art and antiques world, I know whom to call. I can often help people get a larger amount for their piece."
He travels widely in the U.S. and abroad for his appraisal and consulting work, and he always keeps an eye out on behalf of customers who are seeking a particular piece or an item from a particular period.
Antiques continue to be popular, and Mr. Arons points to a number of reasons. "People recognize that antiques have held their value more than most other investments in real money terms. Antiques have done better than stocks. And it's a lot nicer to live with a beautiful antique than a stock certificate!
Superior Quality
"Antiques are very well-made," he continues. "The quality of wood was superior, and they last for hundreds of years. If they are given reasonable care, they will be very usable today."
An intangible, but especially appealing to many collectors, is the romance and history attached to an antique. "Antiques connect with the past, with those who created the objects and those who lived with them," notes Mr. Arons. "They can connect someone with history more than text books. For me, dealing with antiques has brought history to life."
Mr. Arons stresses the importance for collectors, especially those new to antiques, to find a reputable dealer. This is crucial.
"A responsible dealer studies and learns as much as possible through reading and contacting people from whom he or she can learn over a period of time. Collectors should look for a dealer with a reputation and longevity in the community. Get a second opinion, if necessary.
"Actually," he adds, "the biggest challenge is matching the quality piece to the person who will benefit the most from it. I feel each piece has a personality, and somewhere, someone will be an ideal match. For me, it is a great pleasure when someone passes the shop, looks in and says, 'I love that piece I bought from you last year!' That brings a smile to my face."
The Gilded Lion is open Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and by appointment. 609-924-6350.
