Bargain John's Warehouse (Walnut & Van Buren)

 

Bargain John’s Main Showroom 700 So. Washington

In the early years, John's

John with Antique stove  early 70's

antique business was known as the Poor-Man's Friend ANTIQUES and SECOND HAND store. And his motto was, (We buy, sell, and trade for anything that does not eat!) Over the years, and as his knowledge and exposure to the antique market grew, John's motto changed and his mission statement behind his business became and still is today QUALITY! (Buy the Best that you can afford, because in the end this will be the better investment). John has developed an eye for quality and in particular has an eye for great Victorian and turn of the Century Furniture. His love for Victorian Art glass, Art Pottery and Mission furniture and early toys started to really be emphasized in the shop’s inventory in the early 1980’s. John continues to be Bargain John's Antiques main antique buyer traveling throughout the United States hand selecting and hauling in our inventory. On the average he travels over 5,000 miles a month. Bargain John's inventory includes, a wonderful selection of fine Turn of the Century Oak, Victorian Furniture, Mission Furniture and Art Pottery, Dolls and Toys, Antique Quilts, Art Glass, Cast Iron Items, Pottery & Porcelain, Country Store Items and Advertising, along with Antique Lamps and Lighting.

One of the top priorities to us here at Bargain John's is to compile correctly with each

John/Annette Ostrom family photo early 70's

item all the history and information that we can about that items maker, and the time period that it represents and special attention is always given and documented whenever we can share with you history that is unique to each particular item. From signed, artist paintings, and learning the life history of these artists, to furniture that was made and originally used in the Capital of the United States of America, the history that each piece represents is a very important factor

Lars at 14 with first antique he bought

in antique collecting, and this important factor of correctly documenting whenever possible the history of an item is a top priority in our nationwide search of outstanding pieces that Bargain John's offers it's clients. History and correct documentation is such a valuable part of the true passion of antique collecting.

John and Annette's enjoyment for antiques has been passed on to all of their children. Their oldest and only daughter,

The Ostrom Family 1995

Anne, has an avid collection of antique furniture, china, quilts, and stoneware. The middle child, Lars joined his dad in working full time here at Bargain John's in 1980, and today, both Lars and his wife Joni work full time in the business. (Click here for a current look at the Staff Behind Bargain John's.) The youngest son, Leif has been a part of Bargain John's over the years, and in 1996 Leif and his wife Nicki opened their own antique business, here in Lexington.

Annette

John & Annette at Quilt Show in the 90's

passed away on August 21, 2001. She is dearly missed and was a major reason for our success here at Bargain John’s Antiques. Her love for quilts, dolls, pottery and majolica was always reflected and still is shown in our inventory. Her love for family and traveling and appreciation for arts and antiques made her a joy to be around and we cherish the memories, and the valuable lessons and knowledge that she taught us.  We have created a
 Memorial Page for 'MOM' that you might enjoy reading.

We are delighted to be celebrating our 40th anniversary here at Bargain John's Antiques. We want to thank all of you who have allowed us to assist you with your antique needs over the past 40 years. We thoroughly enjoy buying and selling antiques and we have

John & Lars Buying Cigar Store Indian

been blessed to meet so many very unique and special people over the years. From movie stars, senators, governors, and so many very knowledgeable men and women all over the world we truly are the ones who's lives have been blessed through these friendships and acquaintances. Let us take this moment to thank each and every one of you for allowing us to be a small part of your life. We have so much to be thankful for as we reflect on the past and as we look forward to the future not only are we excited and committed to bringing you top QUALITY antique selections in the years ahead, but we look forward with anticipation to the new friendships that are yet to be developed.