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Antiquarian's Delight
Categories: Shopping Antiques Shopping Fashion Used, Vintage & Consignment Antiques, Used, Vintage & Consignment [Edit]
615 S 6th StPhiladelphia, PA 19147
Neighborhood: South Street District
(215) 592-0256
- Hours:
Wed-Sat 12 pm - 7 pm
Sun 12 pm - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
About This Business:
Phila Flea Markets organize the largest indoor/outdoor flea markets in Philadelphia. Our outdoor markets travel to various neighborhoods throughout the… read more »
22 reviews for Antiquarian's Delight
Review Highlights
22 reviews in English
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Review from Angela E.
10/21/2011
I go here all the time to check in on the jewelry and prints. The first booth you encounter is wonderfully packed with odds and ends. She's always having a sale and is very chatty and sweet, so if you're looking for something specific it works out perfectly! If you're not, keep your earbuds in, smile and keep your eyes on the merchandise! I've found some really great pieces in her booth especially. The one to your left as you walk in is also pretty nifty, but also pretty pricey.
Downstairs is only open on the weekends but it's worth checking out. Furniture. Vintage clothes. Enough said!! The people are your usual flea-marketing, antiquing folks and are usually easy to talk to.
Special Note: This place isn't open on Mon-Tues. -
Review from Chi-Chi S.
Philadelphia, PA
4/27/2012
the guy on the first right place was the rudest vendor I've ever met.
I asked him if I could see a cameo ring in one of his cases and he said, "I don't know where I left the key. All those gold rings are over $100.-" and he walked away. I thought he went to find that damn key but several minutes later, I realized that he was reading some crap in his chair.
so I asked again, "excuse me, sir. Is there by any chance that you could find the key to that case?"
He said, "I charge $5.- to open that case. If you don't buy anything, I get to keep that five bucks. do you still wanna see that ring?"
W! T! F!
so i left him playing with himself and kept my five bucks.
but the guy next to him was pretty nice and helped me get what i wanted. so i'll give this place 2 stars instead of 1.
sincerely i wish that bald freak bankruptcy. -
Review from Jennifer L.
Philadelphia, PA
5/8/2011
I bought a really cool purple velour shirt here many years ago, but never found myself back again until today.
Antiquarian's Delight has a ton of pretty amazing stuff, lots of vintage dresses, bags and jewelry, but my buddy Elizabeth B. and I were put off by the incessant reminders from vendors about their sales. And, while we were browsing around, I got the distinct feeling that our every move was being watched, which took the fun out of it.
When I made a step toward a mid-mod kitchen table for sale ($350 -- way, way overpriced) a guy immediately rushed over and got into my face and asked if I needed help. That was a huge turnoff. Let people wander around!
We checked out the downstairs, which promised more treasures. Well, it was downright creepy. It was almost completely empty, except for a grumpy looking old guy sitting in a chair who stared at us. I agree with the previous reviewer who described it as "wasteland."
Toward the back of the basement were two or three dismembered mannqeuins on display. One was just a set of legs wearing red fishnet stockings and gym socks. As I turned around I noticed something else -- a gynecology exam table, with stirrups and everything.
This place would be a lot more enjoyable to visit if they stopped the annoying sales tactics and got rid of the overall creepy vibe. They should realize you can find a lot of this kind of stuff on eBay, Craigslist or at a thrift store, and so the last thing they should be doing is scaring people off! -
Review from Eva H.
5/3/2011
This place used to be so much better. What the hell happened?!
So, the Antiquarian (known to me more as "that place in the pretty building across from L'Etage") used to stock massive deals--including total scores on vintage Hermes scarves and a delightfully diverse selection of everything from furniture to crystal.
After stopping in last weekend, I'm convinced that everyone has given up. No more Hermes silks. Not good merchandise. Prices seem to have tripled.
And the downstairs, which used to be a deal catcher's dream, is now a barren wasteland of filth and desperation.
The joint won't last long at this pace, and they've lost me as a customer 'til they refresh their digs. -
Review from Ben P.
3/27/2011
Oh man...this place is kind of creepy. I mean, people who run their little booths are, for the most part, friendly (we'll get to their not-so-friendly signs in a minute), but the place is just...well...eerie.
The first level is the most active...so say the least...with a small handful of vendors manning booths each with fairly unique selections. One with mostly clothes and jewelry, one with furniture, one with tableware, one with...well...everything and one with furs. The people seem content to leave you alone unless you have a question, at least upstairs. There were all kinds of DO NOT SIT, DO NOT TOUCH, DO NOT BREATH, on them. I understand this stuff is old, but there has to be a friendlier way to make a point.
Regardless, then you go downstairs. Downstairs...downstairs...is more like a scene out of the living room from the family house in Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Its' cold, drippy, dreary and scary. Sparsely filled with old furniture and one or two 'vendors' set up. More like glorified garage sale stuff. It was just plain weird down there. I couldn't wait to get back to the sunlight.
Some of these people have some very nice legit pieces. You just have to suffer through the oddity to get to them. -
Review from Jessica E.
Philadelphia, PA
2/20/2011
A rare trip to South Street recently was made into a great one because of this excellent antique store inside of a beautiful building that was once a synagogue. They have everything from clothes to jewelry to glasses to furniture. The products have a huge time period range as well, from the 1920s to 1970s if not more. Everything was a bit on the pricey side but not too far from what you'd expect at a quality antique store - and when I was there, the front section (purses, jewelry, and some clothes and shoes) was having a 50% off sale.
The store is broken into sections by type of product with different vendors working in each area. Unfortunately, I recently bought new glasses but some of the ones they were selling were fantastic. The furniture was beautiful and very high quality - lots of old, heavy wood. I could have spent hours looking at everything they had.
My only complaint was that one of the women working there was EXTREMELY pushy. I really don't like that while I'm shopping, especially if I didn't ask for help. I was already obviously committed to buying a purse and scarf, but still every time I reached to look at something I was reminded of what sales they were having, and how great all of the pieces are. It was almost to the point where I didn't want to buy anything just because of all of the badgering.
Overall a great experience and definitely the best vintage/antique store I've ever been to. I highly recommend it. -
Review from Sara P.
Philadelphia, PA
So many of your favorite Philly vintage stores were conceived at this well known establishment - Wilbur, Anastacia's, and Sweet Jane, to name a few. Even this humble writer used to run a little vintage booth in the basement. Now, onto the review...
The South Street Antiques Market or Antiquarian's Delight truly is a delight! Notable sellers include Barbara Blau (middle of the first floor), whose main focus is jewelry and glasses. Her items are lovely (as is she), and she is so knowledgeable about her product. Also, (on the first floor) go all the way to the back, and you will find a plethora of vintage dresses, accessories, jewelry, etc. The prices here tend to be on the upper end, however there are still finds to be unearthed!
Also, always check out the basement! That's where I've discovered a handful of unique little shops, and so many finds over the years! Oh, and the best time to visit is, strangely enough, the weekend. That's when all of the store owners will most likely be present, which means that you can bargain directly with the dealer/owner.Listed in: The Ultimate Philadelphia…
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Review from Bess W.
Philadelphia, PA
7/26/2008
This is just a review for the vintage glasses lady... one of many antique/vintage/old stuff sellers in this place, a nice throwback to "the old south st" (not that I ever saw it)
I once overheard two fashiony girls in a food truck line talking about how there was a lady in "some church off of South St" (actually I think a synagogue) who sold vintage glasses frames.
So today, when I somehow managed to drop my vintage-framed glasses out of the case during a bike ride, never to be found again, I went to see what I could find.
The lady was great-- she has a display case full of all different vintage frames, from your goofy colored plastic ones, to glittery cat's-eyes, to antique pince-nez. If you've ever been to Fabulous Fannie's in NY, the selection is a fraction of the size, but the plus is that she is super helpful and won't let you get the wrong glasses for your face. I didn't end up finding ones I liked, but I will be stopping by periodically in the future.. oh yeah, they are so cheap that it doesn't kill your wallet as much to get an extra pair should the perfect frames appear... they are mostly $35 and even the antiques are in the $100s which seems like a lot until you compare to even the cheapest Lens Crafters crap.
you'll find this booth if you enter the building and walk straight back to the 2nd vendor. -
Review from Nina B.
2/13/2009
I. Love. This. Place.
Bess W. and Josh F. both mentioned Barbara ("the lady who sells vintage frames" ) and I gotta say, she really does make the Market. Her selection of both fine and costume jewelry is drool-worthy, and her prices are fantastic, too. She's friendly, knowledgeable, and doesn't mind if you try on every sparkly bauble she has to offer. I know because I did (and do, every time I visit).
The docked star is for the following reasons:
-Mod Girl Vintage (or something like that). It's the little shop you find yourself in immediately upon entering. There's nothing wrong with their stuff (Bakelite galore!) or their prices; it's just that the employees attack you-- over and over again-- to remind you of their sales, mention that something's real leather or sterling silver, and that they'll open cases for you if you like. Sounds like good customer service now that I write it down, but I really wasn't kidding when I said "attack." They remind me of people involved in pyramid schemes.
-"The Management." Even if you're buying something from them (and not from a rented space/vendor), they act inconvenienced by you, and, surprisingly, your money. But whatever, man, I got a sweet vintage Eames knockoff for a yard sale price.
-The basement. It's where you'll find amazing furniture (see above), but there's really no sound system down there, and it's not very populated...except by creepy, lifelike mannequins lounging around and lurking in corners. Kim Cattrall, is that you???Listed in: When I'm Not Yelping...
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Review from Colleen L.
Philadelphia, PA
1/7/2008
One of the only reasons I will be found down around South Street is to visit Antiquarian's Delight. As previously described, Antiquarian consists of multiple sellers with different wares. You can find almost anything from old furniture to vintage photographs.
Some things that Antiquarian is particularly good for: vintage eye glasses; antique jewelry (both real, costume, and kitschy); old family photos and post cards; vintage toys.
While some things can be overpriced (just like any antiques shop), the owners are almost always willing to haggle a bit. Plus they get props for being in an old synagogue. -
Review from Susan G.
7/19/2007
So on one of my walks around town I found this little Gem.
It's like a farmers market of Antiques. This place has everything!!!!!
I fell in love with so many vintage dresses here. Shoes, jewerly, furniture, pretty much you name it you'll find it!
I almost strolled right past. The building looks like a church. If it weren't for the yellow sign on the door I'd have strolled right out.
I also met one of the vendors, she was the sweetest woman ever. We were discussing our disappointment in how modern clothes have no class. She told me that a lot of times H&M buyers will stroll through the building and buy original pieces to recreate. SO GET THEM BEFORE THEY DO! -
Review from Elizabeth C.
Los Angeles, CA
9/19/2007
I didn't take advantage of this institution nearly enough while I lived in Philly. Drats!
I don't know enough about antique furniture or jewelry. However, I know clothing and have I come across some good finds here!
So, don't regret not having familiarized yourself or not having found some little gem of your own at the Antiques Market. Find out the days on which it's open - don't be easily thwarted by its seemingly haphazard operating hours as I was - and get thee to South Sixth Street.
Don't be overwhelmed or intimidated by the physical set up. Just walk around until something strikes your eye. Its vendor will be sure to approach you if you eye it long enough.
Don't be afraid to ask for a price and don't put down the item that's setting your heart aflutter just because it's pricier than you'd anticipated. Don't be afraid to counter offer. Don't be disappointed if they won't accept the counter offer, but do give it a go. That I ought to have done but also didn't do nearly enough. Drats!
I'll cop to it. I'm not a born and bred Philadelphian. I grew up in what used to be a third world country and going to the market meant haggling over everything. As such, I came to detest haggling. Regardless, I loved what I found at the Antiques Market enough to engage in behavior unbecoming of a wanna-be Philadephian.
So, you, Philadelphian, you! You, Ben Franklin's heir, you! Go proudly forth to the Antiques Market and practice Poor Richard's good counsel: Philadelphian philos of a good bargain!Listed in: Philly Love, Philly Institutions for the…
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Review from Edward L.
Greensboro, NC
5/20/2009
You probably won't buy anything but it's fun to look around. I know a few people have purchased engagement rings here. I got a nice shirt.
All in all, it's a fun place to visit, maybe buy a knick-knack. And you won't have to return for another year because nothing changes in that place.
The place is cool and there are two floors with several staple vendors. I suggest you talk to the vendors who want to carry a small conversation. They have stories. -
Review from Zoe P.
3/24/2010
This is one of the best places to go to when wandering around South Street - in fact, its a necessary stop. Almost anyone you bring here will have fun looking around - you have to hate materialism and history to NOT have fun.
South Street Antiques Market/Antiquarians Delight is a paradise for anyone who likes vintage or just enjoys browsing since its composed of a bunch of different booths run by different locals. The first time I couldn't figure out which building its in, but once I took a closer look at the imposing church-like fascade I knew I was in the right place. All the booths are as organized as can be expected given that they're all stuffing trinkets from various places and eras into relatively small spaces, so you have to take your time looking through all the stalls and their cases. Cases are crammed to the point of overwhelming and its AWESOME!
Seriously, you can find so many different things here. The bf found a ton of US Election pins from various campaigns, and I nearly bought of pair of antique glasses used in platinum-working. There's jewelry and accessories, clothing, art, home goods, toys...basically, STUFF. Stuff you will want. Go check it out now! -
Review from J P.
Philadelphia, PA
6/28/2008
Great folks run this great place. Vintage games, pics of Betty Page, toys, furniture, and jewelery. This is where I picked up the engagement ring. Thank you Barbara. This store will always have a special place in my heart.
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Review from veronika p.
Philadelphia, PA
10/25/2007
I didn't even realize this place existed until I had been living in Philly for 2 + years (even though I lived less than 3 blocks away). You can find really unique things in here; I'd recommend skipping over the furniture (wayyyy expensive) and checking out the shops in the basement, too. There's some really good deals down there! The man who runs Mod Shop (or is it Mod Girl? I can't remember) is awesome - definitely more than willing to help you find whatever you're looking for.
Listed in: thrifting!
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Review from Heather W.
Langhorne, PA
9/22/2010
I love the vintage glasses lady best. Good prices and she even helps you with the best pair for your face. Her prices aren't bad. Some things in there are just crazy high priced so I never end up buying anything else in any of the shops but it's great for lookers!
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Review from Samantha H.
Swarthmore, PA
4/19/2009
I haven't gotten much from here, but from the shopping and browsing I've done I can say that I love it! My favorite are the dresses in the back. Though some of them are crazy bedazzled or tacky, if you look around a little there's some downright beautiful stuff for great prices. I picked up a floral printed romper for $20 that I could imagine seeing in an Urban Outfitters catalog for triple the price. Besides that, they also have tons of beautiful jewelry and furniture galore, and I know my mom loves looking at the old coins, keys, and typewriters for jewelry pieces.
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Review from Alexa R.
7/22/2010
A must see for those looking for something non-tattoo or drinking related on South Street. I love this place! They have great jewelry, housewares and purses. I once spotted an antique chandelier that I ended up passing on and regret it! The vendors can be a bit pushy and I feel some of the prices are a bit steeper than I would like.
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Review from Tracy M.
Philadelphia, PA
7/6/2008
This place is AWESOME. The furniture, accessories, knick-nacks... watches, clothes.... you name it and you can find it there. Not cheap...but not ridiculously expensive. They want to sell so they are willing to negotiate prices. Stop in and enjoy! The people are really nice too!!!
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Review from Michelle L.
Philadelphia, PA
10/22/2010
Fun selection to look at, especially the jewelry and hats. Some of the stuff is a pricey though, but it's definitely worth checking out if you're in South St.
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Review from wonderful h.
New York, NY
4/24/2010
Just came from a hilarious first-time experience at this place. Glad to see on Yelp that it's full of many vendors, most of whom are apparently cool, but beware the guy to your right as you first come into the store. He's got a basket in a display case full of cheap sunglasses priced at "$6 - $16" so I called my wife over to check them out. The guy--a tubby little vole with either a bad rug or a bad dye job and sweaty hands that creeped out my wife--sits there ignoring us, then gets up and walks a few feet away and ignores us some more, and we're standing around wondering whom we ask about letting us try on these sunglasses. So my wife goes and asks him face to face if we can try on some of the glasses, and he treats them like jewel-encrusted Guccis or something, asking us to point to which ones we mean, one at a time, rather than just setting out the basket so we can sift through them, so we narrow it down to 3 pairs we'd like to try. Mind you, these are cheap, plastic glasses that he's selling for around 6 bucks apiece. My wife tries on the first and goes to a mirror. Not quite right, she hands them back and asks for the second, goes to a mirror, they're also not quite right. We figure 3rd time's a charm but when we ask to see the 3rd pair he suddenly shoves the basket back in the case and nervously locks it, and says "That'll be enough trying on for today," and then pretends to have a call, pointing to his phone and saying, "I have a call." We're dumbfounded. I look at my wife and her brother. We're utterly perplexed. "We can't try on the 3rd pair?" I ask. "No," he says, and runs to sit next to his phone and hold it to his ear as though he's got a call (we never heard it ring, never saw it flash; he's clearly bluffing). We can only infer that he's either a slimy little elitist racist who only likes white customers--or he's just crazy and has a serious case of social anxiety, or seller's remorse, and can't bear to part with even his cheap sunglasses. At any rate, avoid this vendor. We can't wait to go back to try out the other vendors; certainly they're not wack jobs like this one.
