Author Archives: Gaines Steer

Posted on August 16, 2011 by Gaines Steer

The Truly Amazing Lore of the Unicorn Chapter One While my personal association with the famed unicorn began in the year 1974,  I can now  piece together dozens of “unicorn accounts” beginning before the advent of the printing press. By … Continue reading →

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Antique Dealing

Posted on June 4, 2011 by Gaines Steer

Since I have been an antique dealer longer than any other “job in my Korea”, I might comment on the nuances of this profession.  It combines history, nostalgia, sales savvy, marketing magic, and just a touch of  hyperbole. Personally, I … Continue reading →

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Stained Glass and Iron Gates Increase Resale Value and Beauty of Home

Posted on May 5, 2011 by Gaines Steer

In a stroke of pure genius (Gaines is not the modest type), I decided to create a business plan based upon two antique items-of-interest: the iron gate and the stained glass window. Why? Because I had learned (i.e., witnessed) that … Continue reading →

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Most Frequently Asked Questions About The Last Unicorn

Posted on March 1, 2008 by Gaines Steer

Among the nice things about visiting a real antique shoppe {like ours} is that you can converse with a real, live person and not a computer screen or a surrogate telephone voice from overseas. Right here, right now. Visitors to … Continue reading →

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I DO Know Stained Glass & How to Make It Work for You

Posted on February 25, 2008 by Gaines Steer

There are people that know more about stained glass than I do. I am not a museum curator, rather an Antiques Dealer. What I do know a lot about is the art-and-science of helping homeowners locate and incorporate stained glass … Continue reading →

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Idea Emporium

Posted on February 16, 2008 by Gaines Steer

Antique wrought iron gates & fence are just the starting point. FYI : Idea Emporium was written by freelance writer Laurie Bazemore and submitted to several North Carolina publications. Portions of it appeared in a Siler City, NC newspaper. The … Continue reading →

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Wrought Iron Gates and Stained Glass

Posted on January 26, 2008 by Gaines Steer

Architectural antiques (for the uninitiated) are elements and embellishments from older homes and gardens. You know doors, mantles, urns, decorative objects, etc. Most architectural antique businesses feature warehouses loaded with “household demolition.” The Last Unicorn is not typical. To the … Continue reading →

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The Last Unicorn: Unique Architectural Antiques

Posted on January 25, 2008 by Gaines Steer

I can write about antiques until I’m “blue in the face.” Yet I have decided to only write about architectural antiques. Why? Well, who wants to be blue-in-the face and besides there are already far too many kindly folks who … Continue reading →

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