121. David Skinner Antiques & Period Lighting
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (843) 853-3104
Address: 177 King St.
Description: This wonderful resource of fine antiques and period lighting moved to King Street in 2009 from its former location on President Street. Owner David Skinner has a large selection of American, English, and French furniture as well as Jamaican, West Indian, and Cuban pieces. The lighting may include chandeliers, sconces, torcheres, and table and floor lamps. Decorative accessories, paintings, mirrors, and garden accoutrements round out the many finds to browse here. The showroom is open Mon through Sat from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by appointment.
122. The Design Gallery
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (843) 722-6099
Address: 28 Hasell St.
Description: What long-time Charleston antiques shoppers remember as Poppe House (on King Street) has its newest incarnation here at the corner of East Bay and Hasell Streets in trendy Ansonborough. Two different and gifted dealers/designers have joined forces in this expanded retail expression of their individual talents. Merrill Benfield Interior Design is headquartered here, and the shop houses his fine collection of 18th- and 19th-century antiques for sale. Joining him is Grace Snead and her unusual assortment of fine period paintings.
123. George C. Birlant & Company
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (843) 722-3842, (888) 247-5268
Address: 191 King St.
Insider Pick:
Description: This is one of Charleston’s oldest and largest antiques stores, having been around since 1929. The owners are direct importers of l8th and 19th-century English furniture and faithful English-made reproductions. They also specialize in antique silver, china, crystal, and brass. Birlant is the exclusive source for replicas of a Charleston Battery Bench like those found in White Point Gardens. They actually own the original cast-iron molds.
124. Golden & Associates Antiques
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (843) 723-8886
Address: 206 King St.
Description: Clearly, this is one of King Street’s largest displays of imported and locally acquired pieces. The vast array of American and European merchandise includes, but is not limited to, furniture, mirrors, chandeliers, sconces, fireplace accessories, and garden items from the 18th and 19th centuries. There are 19th-century Caribbean pieces here too.
125. Golden & Skinner antiques
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (843) 670-9182
Address: 200 King St.
Description: Andy Golden of Golden & Associates Antiques joined with David and Julie Skinner of David Skinner Antiques & Period Lighting to form Golden & Skinner Antiques taking advantage of a prime, well-lit location in the heart of King Street’s antique district. Both owners have locations nearby but use this location to display even more of their vast collections of art and antiques. The selection changes often so shoppers know to stop in frequently to see what’s new.
126. Hungryneck Antique Mall
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (843) 849-1744
Address: 401 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., US 17 Bypass
Description: Here is one of the largest antique malls in Mount Pleasant, with more than 60 dealers sharing 15,000 square feet under one roof. They buy and sell antiques and collectibles of all kinds. Look for sterling silver, mahogany and oak furniture, Victorian pieces in wicker, and ornamental iron. We’ve seen wicker, dolls, architectural pieces, antique stained glass, and even linens here. It’s always a changing scene, and there’s plenty of parking in front of the mall.
127. Jack Patla Co.
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (843) 723-2314
Address: 181 King St.
Description: Established back in 1951, this name has long been associated with fine 18th- and 19th-century antiques and English garden ornaments in the classic Charleston tradition. The ownership changed in 1997, but the tradition goes on, and the reputation for reliability still applies. Even the same management is on hand. Look for the extensive collection of antique brass fireplace fenders, English-made lead garden ornaments, and wooden boxes of all kinds. Shipping is never a problem.
128. John Gibson Antiques
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (843) 722-0909
Address: 183 King St.
Description: Because genuine 18th-century pieces are getting increasingly difficult to find (not to mention more costly), this shop can make up remarkably convincing pieces by combining different old but incomplete antiques. Many handsome pieces of furniture have resulted from this practice, but be advised that their value (like the price) has been compromised. This crowded, fascinating shop features mostly 19th-century furniture along with some fine old reproductions. Estate appraisal, interior design, restoration, and gold-leafing services are offered.
129. Joint Venture Estate Jewelers
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (843) 722-6730, (800) 722-6730
Address: 185 King St.
Description: This is the area’s largest estate and pre-owned fine jewelry consignment shop. The inventory ranges from the most elaborate Victorian ornaments to a very modern, contemporary look. Variety is the strong suit here—with more than 1,200 consignors offering jewelry, flatware, and hollowware for every taste and pocketbook. Specialties found here are platinum, diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, rubies, pearls, and a large assortment of vintage watches. Repairs, restorations, and appraisals are done on-site.
130. Khoury Oriental Rugs
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (843) 720-7370
Address: 71 Wentworth St.
Description: This retailer, just off King Street, handles the finest in hand-knotted Oriental rugs. The selection is considerable, with something for every discerning shopper. Here you’ll find old and antique Persian rugs, Indian tea-stained rugs, kilims, and Oushak, as well as needlepoints from China and assorted tapestries. Free shipping is available for out-of-town buyers.
131. Livingston Antiques
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (843) 556-3502
Address: 2137 Savannah Hwy.
Description: Livingston is a direct importer of fine English and European antiques whose displays can be seen in this 30,000-square-foot warehouse. Look here for an eclectic mix of merchandise, from larger pieces such as chests and cabinets to handsome old wood boxes and clocks, plus collectible majolica, Imari, Canton, and Staffordshire. Livingston’s is open Tues through Sat.
132. Moore House Antiques
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (843) 722-8065
Address: 105 Broad St.
Description: Here is a delight for fanciers of Chinese export porcelain. There’s always a fine assortment of Canton, Rose Medallion, Fitzhugh, and others from the early 19th century. Look for the shop’s 18th- and 19th-century American furniture, including rare Charleston-made pieces. This merchandise is beautifully documented, and safe shipping to anywhere is never a problem. Owner Bryan Riddle has been serving Charleston Antique District shoppers for many years.
133. Page’s Thieves Market
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (843) 884-9672
Address: 1460 Ben Sawyer Blvd.
Description: Since 1959, folks heading for the beach at Sullivan’s Island via the Ben Sawyer Causeway have been rubbernecking as they pass Page’s Thieves Market in the old barn off to the right. This colorful and eccentric display of antiques, used furniture, knickknacks, and collectibles is always an adventure to explore—rain or shine. You’ll never know what you’ll find here; this is for the free-spirited shopper with time to hunt for that illusive gem of a buy. Many a rustic beach house, starter home, or college apartment was furnished from this place. They even have new bedding.
134. Queen Charlotte Antiques, Ltd.
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (843) 722-9121
Address: 61 Queen St.
Description: A relative newcomer to the Queen Street antiques scene is this shop, a sister to the original store open for a number of years in Charlotte, North Carolina. Its specialty is 18th- and 19th-century English and French fine antiques and decorative accessories. The shop also carries garden ornaments that are either old or reproductions of old garden decorations (recreated in new, more durable materials). The philosophy here is to provide merchandise for the Charleston market that has the formal elegance of 18th-century England combined with the livability and casual charm of the French countryside. A nice collection of coffee table books illustrating that delightful mix makes this shop a pleasure to visit.
135. Roumillat’s Antiques
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (843) 766-8899
Address: 2241 Savannah Hwy.
Insider Pick:
Description: This is something of a departure from the veddy, veddy serious antiques tradition of King Street in Charleston, but it’s an awful lot of fun. Roumillat’s has a vast array of used furniture and antiques that can surprise you. Some people find real gems in the rough. Roumillat’s says the selection includes American and English antiques, Victorian, Edwardian, and plain old-fashioned stuff. Call ahead for directions to its West Ashley warehouse and the twice-monthly auction dates (usually on the first and third Sat at 10 a.m.), then go and enjoy.