Treasure Hunt

Levity, erudition, and a touch of wit define Andrew Spindler-Roesle’s aesthetic. The Sotheby’s-educated antiques dealer, who serves on boards and committees at the MFA, Historic New England, and Gloucester’s Cape Ann Museum, has an unerring eye for beauty that has helped him amass a unique collection of vintage pieces for his eponymous Essex shop. “This is a place to discover,” Spindler says, pointing out a quirky animal diorama from the 1950s and a character-rich Arts and Crafts table. “You can find things here you won’t find anywhere else.”

163 Main St., Essex, 978-768-6045, spindlerantiques.com.

Photo by Michael Piazza

1. Owner’s Fave: In the 1930s, foundry molds were used to cast machine parts. In the 21st century, this silver-painted wooden one ($975) is a vintage-décor hunter’s dream come true.

2. Editor’s Pick: Animal dioramas from the 1950s ($1,200–$1,600), which once hung in a children’s museum, are a “wonderful compromise” for those turned off by taxidermy, Spindler says.

3. Talking Point: A rare giant clam shell ($1,800) captures the beauty of the deep sea—no scuba certification required.

4. Luxe Buy: Depending on the context, Spindler says this Italian mold of Venus bathing ($725) “can be formal or understated…or humorous. It’s modeled after a sculpture popularly referred to as ‘Venus of the Buttox.’”

5. Great Gift: A covered sugar container ($220) and pitcher ($195) are just two pieces from Spindler’s extensive English ironstone collection.

6. Most Useful: Shaped like a semicircle, this damask wing chair ($3,800) from the 1920s “encloses you,” Spindler says. “It’s like sitting in a room.”