About Schmidt’s

Schmidt’s Antiques is now in its second century serving Antiques buyers and sellers from around the world.  Originating in Troy, New York when in 1911 Neils Iver Schmidt began selling refurbished Victorian sofas from his upholstery shop window.  Neils, a Danish immigrant, saw an opportunity and quickly established a business buying and selling antiques full time, he was later joined in the venture by one of his four sons, Alfred.  A natural entrepreneur, Alfred Schmidt was soon operating his own shop and around the end of WWI, moved to Detroit where he opened an Antiques store and also worked as an auctioneer.  This is where he met his wife, Blanche, an Illinois school teacher who was in Detroit with her sister searching for their brother who had not returned from WWI.  In 1938 Alfred and Blanche moved the business to its present location on US-12 West of Ypsilanti, which at the time was the main thoroughfare for Detroit to Chicago travelers.  Schmidt then began conducting monthly auctions in the Victorian frame farmhouse and also sold Antiques that were purchased on his frequent trips “back East” to dealers and collectors.  Shortly after WWII Alfred was joined in the business by his sons Joe, Bob and Iver, and in 1955 Alfred made his first buying trip to Europe.  Soon the Schmidt family was importing as many as 50 containers each year filled with antique furniture, clocks and “bric-a-brac” from England, Scotland, Ireland, Holland, France, Spain, Sweden and Germany.  In the early 1960’s the monthly auctions grew into two day sales on the “First Saturday and preceding Friday” of each month and buyers’ flocked from all over the Midwest.  During that time outlets were opened in Memphis and Little Rock to handle the quantity of goods coming in from Europe. Each spring and fall the Schmidt family would conduct large 3-day auctions at the Arkansas Gallery to disperse leftover inventory.  In the 1960’s Schmidt’s began conducting Estate auctions as well, and in 1963 held a huge 5-day on site Auction of American and English antiques for the Estate of Charles Newton, who had worked as the primary buyer of Antiques for Henry Ford during the establishment of the Ford Museum and Greenfield Village.  In the 1970’s current proprietors Jay and Chuck Schmidt joined the business and ran it with their father Joe Schmidt until he passed away in 1993.  The antiques import business gradually slowed as the auction business continued to grow and auction sales now account for about half the total sales each year.  These auctions often include items that are selling at Schmidt’s for the second and sometimes even a third time, and current clients include many children and grandchildren of former auction goers.  The monthly Auctions have evolved into quarterly Gallery auctions of Antiques and Decorative Arts and a series of auctions called “Schmidt’s Friday Nights” which are held on the fourth Friday of each month.  Many auctions now feature the “latest in antique technology” including absentee and telephone bidding and live internet bidding from around the world, while still attracting a large crowd of traditional buyers.  Currently conducting Estate auctions and specialized auctions which often feature collections of similar items including Americana, Clock & Watch auctions, Decorative and Fine Arts auctions to name a few.  This allows Schmidt’s to target buyers and focus advertising to fit the items being offered, and attract more specialized collectors.  Great, great grandsons of Neils Iver, Zack and Nate Schmidt now regularly assist in the business and represent the 5th generation of auctioneers and antiques dealers.  The antiques business is one of the original “Green” businesses, as goods are recycled from one generation to the next.  One of Alfred Schmidt’s favorite mantras when advising his customers was to “always buy the best example that you can afford” thus insuring a viable collection, which will continue to grow in value, all the while concentrating on what Schmidt’s has always strived to offer its clients:

“Quality that will last a lifetime………………….………..Again”.

Please visit us at our spacious, always well-stocked Ypsilanti Galleries.

We would love to make your acquaintance.

 We are currently accepting select items for our upcoming auctions
including: Paintings and Fine Art, Antique Furniture, Sterling Silver,
Art Glass and Pottery, Asian Art, Fine Porcelains, Antique Firearms,
Arts & Crafts Items, Decorative Arts, Clocks & Watches and Vintage Automobiles.
We offer great consignment rates and fast payments. Call for no-cost estimate.

Are you new to auctions or just need a giggle? Check out our beginner’s guide to auctions “Auctions for Dummies”

Call us Toll Free at 1-855 MI AUCTIONS

Dear Schmidt’s,

Thanks for your earlier response to my inquiry re Borden clock… your pics answered my questions as to the age and authenticity of the Borden clock PERFECTLY. Well done.

I’ve unfortunately been too quick with hopes and short of knowledge when bidding and buying what I thought were authentic items, even on the reputable venues. I shall cast no aspersions or mention any names but my own, being unprepared and not fully informed.

I know y’all are busy people, dealing with many things every day… and still you had time to read, respond and satisfy my concern re pictures of a pam clock I consider to be an excellent piece of post war Americana.

I have been thinking about it hanging above our kitchen sink and being a happy part of our daily lives, for the past 3 weeks.

I know richer people will bid on it, but should I win, I and my family will cherish it as much as anyone. Not for resale or trading… but for looking at with innocent pleasure of people who like milk and their byproducts.

It is with the information you have so graciously given me, that later today I shall do my best to bid and win possession of the Borden clock you’re offering for one and all to acquire.

You probably deal with many, many people… and not enough of them tell y’all what an excellent job you’re doing. So I’m telling you!

You have shown yourselves, by your response to a little old prospective bidder’s questions as you did, to be a real good professional outfit.

Respectfully,

Mike Causey

Dec 16, 2019

100 % Class Act  So many auction houses have no idea how to provide service to online bidders and buyers. This is definitely not the case at Schmidt’s. Schmidt’s totally understands the bidding, buying, and shipping, when it applies to online customers. Schmidt’s is a total class act, and peerless when it comes to the selling and servicing online customers. The Best!

Dear Zack,

Hi, Chuck:

Just let you know that the crate arrived in China safely. Thanks again so much for your wonderful crating which is very strong and well packed.

Here is a photo taken after it was assembled together in China.

Looking forward to buy more interesting stuffs from you future auctions.

Best Regards,
Peter

Chuck,

Hi,

I just received my watch from you today ( lot 0198) and wanted to let you know I’m very happy with it.

Thank you very much!

Tim Sheehan

Hello – I wanted to let you know that the Dan Namingha sculpture arrived and I couldn’t be more pleased with the piece.  It is an absolutely beautiful sculpture and has quickly become one of my favorite pieces.

Thank you, Ellen Levine

Kenneth Bastuba recommends Schmidt’s Antiques Inc.

I also want to thank Don Hill, who I cannot thank enough. What excellent service he provided in delivering the furniture and assisting me to set it all up so gracefully……Much Appreciated and I know my wife and family will enjoy it for years to come……Many Thanks…Zaf Zabar, Queens, New York

  Cherye Shigetani- Jechura reviewed Schmidt’s Antiques Inc — 5 stars  May 9, 2017 ·

Have been buying from them for years, they are the most honest auction house I have ever dealt with.

 

Greetings

My clock arrived today, just five days after the auction.  Everything went better than planned on my end.  The clock is as good as advertised.  The packing John did was absolutely excellent.  You have a very professional staff.  Thanks again for your services.

Larry Leiper,  Belleville, IL

Hello Schmidt’s,

We received our check from the August auction sale.  You were right, we are very pleased with the results. You got some very good prices for us—we are delighted that the rabbit andirons and the Victorian bookcase did so well. The pictures on your website were beautiful, and no doubt attracted many more buyers to the sale.

Again, thank you.  We appreciate your handling of our eclectic collection so very well, and found everyone to be pleasant, professional, knowledgeable & honest.

Cynthia & Wallace Miller

Chuck,

You and the whole team did a fantastic job supporting me in this effort. Many thanks, it has been a pleasurable experience. The piano with join 20 other early period instruments as we tell the story in music of the transition from England and Europe to the young America for students who come from all over the world. I also work closely with Colonial Williamsburg, the probable final destination for this Nunns in the future.

Tom