One of a kind antiques.
Old objects of desire.
Objects made with intention.
Found with patience.
We seek out one of a kind antiques. Truly unique antiques pulled from estate sales, flea markets, and forgotten places. The type of old objects from the past that still have something to say.
Our Philosophy
Slowly picked.
Instantly loved.
Heimwee Antiques is a curated shop for those drawn to unique items with stories baked into their surfaces. We don't stock multiples. Everything here is a genuine one of a kind antique.
From eerie antique oddities to beautiful old objects, we edit ruthlessly so you don't have to wade through noise. If it's here, we loved it enough to carry it ourselves.
The Collection
Seeking the hard to find.
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Some antiques refuse to fit neatly into categories. Handmade pieces, folk art, unusual tools, and singular creations that were never mass-produced. One of a kind antiques remind us that before factories and standardization, many objects were made individually, often shaped by necessity, creativity, or sheer improvisation. The result is work that feels personal, sometimes imperfect, and endlessly fascinating.
These are the antiques that make us pause, smile, and ask the most gratifying question of all: what on earth is that?
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Antiques that catch the eye for their unusual design, uncommon subject matter, or distinctive character. These are the pieces that make you stop for a moment and look twice. Sometimes it’s an unexpected form, a bold graphic, a strange detail, or just the unmistakable feeling that you haven’t seen one quite like it before.
Unique antiques are often the ones that give a collection its personality. They spark curiosity and start conversations.
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Some antiques are beautiful. Others are simply… strange in the best possible way. These are the oddities, curiosities, and head-scratchers that don’t always follow the rules.
Oddities remind us that history wasn’t always tidy or predictable. Sometimes it was inventive, a little weird, and endlessly fascinating. And often, those are the pieces that collectors remember the most.
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These are the ordinary items that quietly shaped daily life in the past. Tools, household goods, trade items, and small inventions that people once used without a second thought. Over time, these objects moved from being practical necessities to small windows into history.
Looking at these old objects today gives us a glimpse of how people lived, worked, and solved everyday problems. What once felt routine now tells a story about craftsmanship, ingenuity, and the rhythms of another time.
Here’s what our clients have to say.
“Fabulous! The mighty nut arrived last night! Love it!”
— Gretchen Sedaris“I received the package yesterday and I am so happy. It will be a perfect addition to my collection.”
— Sandy Parks
“Thank you so much, I will treasure it. It has been a great pleasure dealing with you.”
— Ian Purnell
Meet The Picker
The things that quietly make a place yours.
Hello, I'm Humberto. My passion for antiques led me to an unwavering pursuit of objects that bring character into any room. Things that feel like they have always belonged there.
Those are the pieces I seek: Old objects of desire. Not because they carry grand importance, but because they have a way of summoning you.
And although you can’t always explain it, something in you lights up, and before you know it, you are completely taken by something you had no idea existed two seconds ago.
I'm based in San Francisco, running this online shop and sourcing for private clients.
You can find me exhibiting at shows across the country, if you stop by my booth, please say hi.
Nameless Art + Design Show
Taconic Antiques Fair
Found Object Show
All American Collector's Show
Rhinebeck
Enjoy exploring our selection of unique antiques.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Every piece at Heimwee is a single, unrepeatable object, no two are the same. Whether it's a trade sign, a carved figure, or a found curiosity, once it's gone, it's gone. We don't source multiples.
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Antique oddities are the objects that don't fit neatly into a category. Strange, curious, or eccentric things from the past that stop you for reasons you can't quite explain. Think anatomical models, folk art, unusual trade objects, taxidermy, or anything that makes you say "what is that?"
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The traditional definition is 100 years or older. At Heimwee we're not strict about the label, what matters is that the object has age, character, and a life already lived in it.
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Antique typically refers to objects over 100 years old. Vintage usually covers pieces from the 20th century, and are roughly 20 to 99 years old. Both live happily at Heimwee if they're interesting enough.
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Yes. Humberto sources for private clients. If you're looking for something specific. A particular type of object, a period, or a feeling — get in touch directly.
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Every object sold at Heimwee is personally sourced and vetted by Humberto. Provenance and condition are described honestly in each listing. If you have questions about a specific piece, just ask.
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Reach out via the contact page. We'll do our best to accommodate, but as everything is one of a kind, we can't hold pieces indefinitely.
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Yes. Heimwee ships worldwide. Fragile and unusual objects are packed with care, we've shipped everything from whale trade signs to enamel art.
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We want you to love what you receive. Please review our full return policy before purchasing, and don't hesitate to ask questions about a piece before you buy.
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Irregularly, which is part of the charm. Sign up for email alerts to be the first to know when fresh objects land.