What not to buy on an antique buying trip to England!

(And a Few "Maybe"s to Consider)

I was asked this question recently during an interview. The actual interview question was do you ever tell someone what they should buy? I will never tell someone not to buy something they are head over heels in love with. I’m actually the girl who say’s oh yeah- that’s awesome! Were there more? I want some too! If you are starting a new antique import business then please for goodness sake ask my opinion on price, provenance, and rarity. Otherwise, no I do not discourage you buying what you love!

Let’s talk strategy before you get swept away in the thrill of British antiquing. Walking into a centuries-old shop filled with patinaed treasures, creaky floorboards, and the faint smell of time is intoxicating. But it’s also easy to make some rookie mistakes — like falling in love with a 9 foot, smelly dresser base that will cost more to ship than it’s worth (and still won’t smell any better when it gets to your house).

So here’s the deal: not every antique is worth shipping home. When you’re thousands of miles away with limited space, international shipping costs, and a world of treasures at your fingertips, it helps to know what’s truly worth it — and what to leave behind.

Hard Pass: What Not to Buy

1. Common Finds You Can Get Back Home

Sure, that vintage copper fish poacher or blue-and-white transferware plate look charming — but you’ve probably seen similar ones at your local flea market or even on eBay. These more common items might be tempting, but they aren’t worth the shipping costs, especially if you can easily source them in the U.S.

Save your budget, your suitcase space, and your shipping container room for the truly special stuff — the one-of-a-kind oil painting you can't stop thinking about, or that quirky 18th-century carving that holds a story you’ll retell for years.

2. Anything That Smells (Seriously)

This one might sound a little odd, but it’s a lesson many seasoned pickers learn the hard way: if it smells musty, moldy, or like it’s been sitting in a damp basement in England for decades… walk away.

Large, porous pieces like rugs and case goods (think dressers, chests, and cabinets) are the worst offenders. Even if you think you can air it out or clean it thoroughly, that scent will almost always creep back — especially on rainy days when your home’s humidity rises. You may also think the 20 ways to get that foul smell out articles you found on the internet will help, they won’t pull a bad stench out permanently. That charming piece could become the stinky regret of your trip.

Maybe, Maybe Not: The Gray Area

Now, not everything that’s imperfect should be ruled out. Let’s talk about a few “maybe” items — the ones that require a bit of nuance and personal preference.

1. Chipped or Cracked pieces

Don’t panic over a chip or a hairline crack — many pieces have survived for hundreds of years with those same little flaws. These aren’t defects, they’re history.

Collectors often prefer the imperfect ones because they tell a story. A few “flea bites” or an old repair only add to the character. So if you love it and it speaks to you, it’s probably still worth the space.

2. Signs of Wormwood (But Not Active Infestations!)

Here’s a tricky one: tiny wormholes in antique wood. Some people see them and run, assuming they’re a sign of damage. But those little holes are often a badge of age — especially if the piece predates commercial pesticides.

What you don’t want is active wormwood — if the wood still has that dry, powdery sawdust falling out, or you spot fresh holes, it’s best to leave it behind. You don’t want any surprise pests hitching a ride across the ocean in your precious cargo.

Final Thoughts: Be Selective, Be Inspired

Antiquing in England is magical. The history, the craftsmanship, the stories behind each piece — it's an experience like no other. But to make the most of it, you have to be a little choosy.

Think: quality over quantity and uniqueness over commonality. Spend your shipping dollars on pieces you’ll treasure for a lifetime, maybe not something you could pick up easily an estate sale back home.