Archives Directory for the History of Collecting in America
Archives related to: Sussel, Arthur J., 1889-1958
| title | Autobiography and biography, ca.1930-1945. | repository | The Winterthur Library |
| description | Two papers, one an autobiography and the other entitled “Fortune Finder for Philadelphians.” Both recall the early career of Arthur J. Sussel, the noted Philadelphia antiques dealer. In his autobiography, Sussel recounts how he met auctioneers and antiques dealers who interested him in purchasing articles for his own use. Sussel married the daughter of an unnamed antiques dealer, and she encouraged him to start his own antiques business. He started off in a small way, but made good contacts, bought low, sold at a reasonable profit, and was able to expand his business. The autobiography contains no dates and does not cover too many years of Sussel’s life. The article entitled “Fortune Finder for Philadelphians” is not signed but is dated 1.4.45 [January 4, 1945]. It gives a few dates. Sussel opened his first store in 1910. He advertised that he was interested in buying old “stuff” that people had sitting around their attics, leading a number of people (over 2000 according to this article) to contact him. He found many treasures in people’s homes, paying them a fair price, yet still selling at profit. Sussel sold to museums, Henry Francis du Pont, the Karoliks, and other noted collectors. In the 1930s, he was asked to furnish the George Washington headquarters building at Valley Forge National Park. Notes The pages have yellowed with age but otherwise are in good condition. Associated materials Correspondence between H.F. du Pont and Sussel and bills from Sussel to du Pont may be found in the Winterthur Archives. Biography or history Arthur J. Sussel (1889-1958) moved to the United States in 1905. He first ran a hat-and-coat check concession in various restaurants and theaters in Philadelphia. After he became interested in antiques, he opened his own business. He became an authority on Pennsylvania German pottery and fraktur. For himself, he collected American naval art. When he died, the contents of his shop were sold at auction. Location The Winterthur Library, Joseph Downs Collection of Manuscripts and Printed Ephemera, Winterthur, DE 19735. Call Number Doc. 1444 |
| extent | 12 p. ; 28 cm. |
| formats | Writings |
| access | Contact repository for restrictions and policies. |
| record source | http://library.winterthur.org:8000/cgi-bin/webgw |
| updated | 03/16/2023 10:30:01 |
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