Chicago Antique Buyers Since 1969.

Local, family-owned antique dealers for over 50 years.
Competitive cash offers
Free house calls. No fees ever.

FAST AND EASY

We offer a straightforward and efficient process for selling antiques in Chicago. From initial evaluation to payment, we handle everything directly, whether you are selling a single item or an entire collection.

WE PAY THE MOST

With decades of experience in the antiques market, we make informed purchase offers based on current demand and real market conditions. Our goal is to provide fair and competitive pricing for quality material.

OVER 50 YEARS IN BUSINESS

Our family has been active in the Chicago antiques trade since 1969, working with estates, collectors, and institutions. This long-standing experience allows us to evaluate and purchase a wide range of material with confidence and consistency.

WHAT DO WE BUY?

We specialize in antiques, vintage items, and estate material across a wide range of categories.

Fine Art & Paintings
Antique Jewelry & Gold
Vintage Clothing & Textiles
Rugs & Carpets
Rare Books & Paper
Estate Collections

Antique & Vintage Furniture
Decorative Arts & Objects
Bronzes & Sculpture
Asian & Chinese Antiques
Collectibles & Memorabilia
Unusual & Rare Items

We work with clients throughout Chicago to evaluate and purchase a wide range of material. If you are unsure whether your items are of interest, we are happy to review and advise.

How it Works

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SELLING SHOULDN’T BE OVERCOMPLICATED

REACH OUT

First, get in touch to give us a little overview about your situation and the items you’d like to sell.

EVALUATION

Second, send over some photos to info@losteras.com. We evaluate your property and set an appointment. We can evaluate online or in person.

GET PAID

Third, you receive our full cash offer on the spot.

Get Started

Local and Trusted

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At Lost Eras, we are established Chicago antique buyers with a long history of working directly with collectors, families, and estates. Operating from Howard Street since 1969, our business is built on careful evaluation, market knowledge, and a straightforward approach to buying and selling antiques.

With decades of combined experience in appraising, purchasing, auctioning, and consigning a wide range of objects and fine art, we are able to make informed and competitive offers. Our background in research and valuation allows us to properly assess both common and uncommon material, from single pieces to full estates.

Whether you are selling an inherited collection or a single item, you are working directly with experienced local dealers—not a national buyout service.

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Why choose a cash sale? The Advantages of Selling Directly

Timeframe

If you are dealing with a time-sensitive situation—such as downsizing, relocation, or managing an estate—a direct sale offers immediate results. Working with experienced Chicago antique buyers, you can convert items into cash quickly without the delays of auctions or estate sales.

Cash on the Spot

We provide direct purchase offers and immediate payment upon agreement. There are no consignment periods, no waiting for sales, and no uncertainty—just a clear offer and prompt payment.

A Straightforward Process

Selling directly to antique buyers is often the simplest option. There are no listing fees, commissions, or drawn-out timelines. For many clients, a direct sale provides clarity, efficiency, and a predictable outcome.

Why Sell Your Antiques to Us in Chicago?

Kindness, Professionalism, Experience

Selling antiques or inherited valuables can feel overwhelming, especially when you are unsure what items are worth or who to trust. As established Chicago antique buyers, we provide a straightforward and respectful process designed to make selling simple and efficient.

We offer direct purchasing for antiques, vintage items, and estate contents, allowing you to avoid the uncertainty of auctions or estate sales. Our goal is to provide fair market-based offers while making the process as smooth and transparent as possible.

When you work with us, you are dealing with experienced Chicago buyers who understand both the historical and current market value of your items.

Estate Buyout

We handle full and partial estate buyouts throughout Chicago, working with families and individuals to evaluate and purchase large groups of items. Whether you are managing an estate or downsizing, we can assess contents efficiently and make direct purchase offers where appropriate.

Cleanouts & Large Collections

We regularly work with large and complex situations, including full-home cleanouts and extensive collections. Our team can identify items of value, separate material appropriate for purchase, and help guide next steps for remaining contents.

High End Antique & Art Collections

We are particularly interested in fine antiques, rare objects, and design-driven material. With decades of experience in the Chicago market, we are able to make informed and competitive offers on high-quality items, collections, and historically significant pieces.

Learn more about working with our Chicago antique buyers.

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FAQs

What are your fees?

Because we are cash buyers we never charge any fees to our sellers. Even when driving half way across country all those fees are on us.
What is the procedure?
How do I know I am getting the most for my stuff?

This is an issue that comes to mind for many sellers not familiar with antiques and have inherited a collection or estate. We love to have informed clients and be fully transparent when it comes to the value of their items. In this business word travels fast and being dishonest when evaluating items consequently has a negative impact for everyone. Ultimately, it is a matter of great importance that we pay you fair market value so as to keep our referrals coming.

Testimonials

Hear what our past clients have to say.

Cathy Smith

“The staff was very friendly and helpful. The place is immense and has things from many different time periods. I had clothes to sell from my Mother, Charlotte was very empathetic to the history of my items. I feel I got more than a fair price for what I was selling. You can find almost anything you’d like here. Very positive experience.”

Joann Volocyk

“We worked with Charlotte and her team to sell vintage clothing, antiques, unusual collectibles and other items treasured by my aunt. Charlotte was very caring and interested to hear the origins of the items and was particular in her selections of what would work well in the store and the needs of their customers. We were offered very fair prices. Overall, highly recommend Lost Eras to anyone looking to sell valuable treasures, as well as to anyone looking to buy…you’re bound to find what you’re looking for! Thank you Charlotte & team! Joann and Bruce”

OFFERING A FULL RANGE OF SERVICES

1. Estate Liquidations

Full service estate liquidations. We clear the home of every last item and buy the full contents of your home.

3. Entire Collections

Clients come to us all the time looking to sell theirs or their loved ones collection, whether it be glass & pottery or ancient artifacts.

2. Single Items

From a single piece of jewelry to a large scale oil painting, we can make generous offers on single pieces.

4. Consigning

On a case by case basis we also offer auction consignments. We can help you sell on one of many platforms we use. Our team does all of the listing, marketing and promotion for you.

STILL WEIGHING YOUR OPTIONS?

Explore our other services

Estate Sales

Conduct an in home house sale. Licensed and insured.

LEARN MORE

Milwaukee

We buy antiques all over the country but specialize in Milwaukee as well.

LEARN MORE

Vintage Clothing

We are one of the biggest buyers of clothing in the midwest.

LEARN MORE

Professional Ethics Statement

Our Promise to you

At Lost Eras we live by the motto “Integrity is doing the right thing, even if nobody is watching.” Our personal and professional ethics help us to pick the legitimate option in sensitive situations. We answer all questions with honesty and forthrightness. We will never take advantage of someone for momentary monetary gains because we believe in a greater universal kinship.

Sell Antiques in Chicago

If you are looking to sell antiques in Chicago, our team offers direct purchasing for estates, collections, and individual items. As experienced Chicago antique buyers, we provide a straightforward process with immediate offers and no fees.

GET STARTED