Syl-Lee Antiques - NYC & Long Island Antique Buyer

07/23/2026

Could your "old wooden chair" be worth thousands?

George Nakashima wasn't just a furniture maker—he's considered one of the most important American furniture designers of the 20th century. Authentic pieces are highly sought after, but identifying them isn't always straightforward.

If you've inherited a chair, table, desk, or other Nakashima piece, there are a few key things to look for before you decide what to do with it.

Our new guide covers: ✔️ How to identify authentic Nakashima furniture ✔️ What affects value ✔️ Common markings and construction details ✔️ Whether selling privately or through auction makes more sense ✔️ The photos we need to provide an evaluation

You might be surprised what you have.

👉 Read the guide: https://www.syl-leeantiques.com/george-nakashima-furniture/

05/27/2026

Imagine discovering that a bundle of stolen 19th-century love letters — missing for decades from a Long Island estate — had quietly resurfaced on Madison Avenue in Manhattan.

That’s exactly what happened with rare letters written by John Keats to F***y Brawne.

Stories like this are one of the reasons the antiques world is endlessly fascinating. Objects travel. Families forget histories. Collections get dispersed. And every once in a while, something extraordinary reappears.

It’s also a reminder that old papers, photographs, letters, books, and “random boxes” tucked away in attics or drawers can hold real historical significance.

Read the post here: https://www.syl-leeantiques.com/stolen-from-a-long-island-estate-found-on-madison-avenue/

We buy antiques, jewelry & fine art. We offer free house-calls to all NYC and Long Island areas. Call us before you move!

04/29/2026

Spring cleaning isn’t just about getting organized. It’s about asking hard question:

“Why are valuable things sitting in drawers, boxes, and attics—doing absolutely nothing?”

We see it all the time. Jewelry never worn. Silver never used. Art never hung.

These pieces were meant to be appreciated, not stored.

If it’s not being used, it’s not serving its purpose. And in many cases, it could be turned into something far more useful—like liquidity, clarity, or simply less mental clutter. This is the part no one talks about.

Read more:https://www.syl-leeantiques.com/spring-cleaning-reframed-the-value-sitting-in-your-drawers-garage-and-attic/