Cambridge Antique Market
201 Monsignor O'Brien Highway (Route 28)
Cambridge
617-868-9655

Whether you are looking for a special gift or a treat for yourself, this funky jumble of antiques and collectibles is an exciting place to get unique items you will never find at the mall.

What You Will See
About 150 dealers rent stalls in the four floors of the building, selling everything from Fiestaware to faux furs to first editions. The basement features furniture and other large home furnishings. There is something for everyone, from simple (and affordable) oak dressers, to exotic, mirrored sideboards and massive armoires.

Wandering through the first floor is almost like being in a maze. Decorative objects cover every surface, and even hang from the ceiling. There are lots of glass cases with estate jewelry and other small objects. Bookcases hold vases, china, glassware and other delicate objects, and even the floors are decorated, either with antique scatter rugs or painted trompe l'oeil finishes.

On the upper floors, things are less crowded, and you will start to see objects that remind you of your parents house, or even your own childhood (go Speedracer). Our favorite display was the indoor fountain set in the remains of a former spa, with collectible fish all around, and real fish swimming about the tub. There is lots of stuff from the 40s, 50s and 60s, and even newer items -- for example, we saw a Pee-Wee Herman that was clearly not antique (but since such items are probably not being made any more, it is just as clearly a collectible).

While some displays are very specialized (tools, books, art, nautical items, etc.), for the most part, the dealers carry a little of everything. If you are looking for something in particular, you will get to search lots of nooks and crannies. The stalls generally are not staffed, which unfortunately makes haggling over prices impractical. If something really appeals to you, though, you could always call the dealer and negotiate. All transactions are handled by a central cashier just inside the main door of the building, and major credit cards are welcome.

A Word of Warning
Handicapped access to the building is a real problem. Even if you can make it up the few steps to the entry, the very narrow aisles will be difficult to maneuver. And although the building has an elevator, its rickety nature made it a scary means of travel, to say the least. We recommend using the stairs.

Hours, Location and Parking
The Cambridge Antique Market is located in a handsome old brick building about a block west of the Lechmere T station on the Green Line; a small parking lot beside the building was large enough to accommodate the customers visiting on a recent Sunday afternoon. They are generally open Tues.-Sun. 11a.m. - 6 p.m., but check their web site or call ahead to be sure your trip won't be wasted.

by Judith Otto

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