The Revival of American Exceptionalism

I have been an antique dealer for over two years. My parents were the first ones to initiate me into the trade. After moving from Montreal, Canada to Minnesota two years ago, I emersed myself into this adventure. There is ALWAYS something new to discover in the antiques business.

It goes without saying that antiques come with a rich history, especially those associated with American Brands. These products, ranging from Fenton to Depression Glass to the Weiss jewelry company, are not only stunning and well-crafted but also carry a touch of nostalgia due to their disappearance. Despite their rarity, they remain highly desirable in the antique market. What truly matters is their beauty, functionality, and above all, the joy they bring!

During the peak of American Exceptionalism, these small businesses represented American identity and lifestyle, but nowadays, we hardly have the privilege of accessing these identity specific American-made products.

I want to finish this post by stating that I hope Pyrex, Anchor Hocking and other American small businesses are revived and become present again in our daily lives through artistic innovation converging with our modern needs. This, I believe, will require government intervention in protecting our local businesses from Adam Smith’s Invisible Global hand that is brutally price centered.