December 29th, 2010 
For years, I shopped vintage at local consignment shops and antique and vintage markets. Chicago has a great selection of both, so I am usually able to find stellar pieces. Recently, a friend introduced me to Leslie Hindman Auctioneers, another nifty way to do-vintage.
Leslie Hindman is one of the Midwest’s premier auctioneers. Auctions range from fine furniture and decorative arts; fine art; fine books and manuscripts; fine jewelry and time pieces; and vintage couture and accessories. My introduction to LH came by way of the auction of the estate of Eunice Johnson, co-founder of Johnson Publishing, the #1 African-American-owned-and-operated Media and Beauty company in the world.
Ms. Johnson also founded the Ebony Fashion Fair, a traveling fashion show that has raised more than $55 million for civil rights groups, hospitals and community centers across the nation. My friend was able to score a vintage Fendi for $150. She was so thrilled (and I was slightly envious) of her first buy that she couldn’t wait to shop a second time around. Her second purchase was when we learned the do’s and don’ts of vintage auctioning.
Chanel Purse from Leslie Hindman Auction
DO VIEW ALL ITEMS IN PERSON BEFORE BIDDING.
Prior to bidding, you may view auction items in an online or print catalog; or in person. The auction house, provides a detailed “condition statement” of each item that includes dimensions, condition and other helpful information. A lay person would assume complete accuracy of the condition statement. However, the auctioneer’s Terms & Conditions provide a detailed disclaimer that the condition statement may or may not be accurate and that they are not responsible for any errors or omissions.
DON’T GET CAUGHT UP IN THE EXCITEMENT OF THE COMPETITION. MAKE SURE THIS A PURCHASE THAT YOU INTEND TO MAKE.
You may bid, either online, via telephone, or live. Only place a bid if you are SERIOUS about the purchase. If you score the winning bid, you will automatically be invoiced for your new purchase and there is no backing out.
DO READ THE FINE PRINT
Cancellations are not permitted. All items are sold “as-is” and not returnable.
My friend bid on what she thought was a reasonably sized Chanel purse and came in with a winning bid of $700. She excitedly headed to LH to retrieve her winnings. It was then she realized that the “purse” was not so much… It was more of a super-chic wallet on a chain, or a shnazzy camera bag. Gorgeous indeed, but not what she expected. Despite this mishap, Leslie Hindman is a great way to do-vintage, if you FOLLOW THE RULES. Now that you are appropriately warned, happy shopping!
Leslie Hindman Auctioneers
1338 W. Lake Street
Chicago, Illinois 60607
312.280.1212
