FAQs

(Frequently asked questions)

How can I wash my heirloom item?
Click here for my laundry tips.

Do you have a shop I can visit?
Sorry, there is no longer a place that you can visit. In 2004 the antique shop building was sold and I became entirely web-based. Not many people can travel to an antique shop in a tiny town in the middle of Connecticut. But, on the web, you can browse my selection from anywhere in the world at any time of the day or night.

What if something that I'd like is marked "reserved"?
Sometimes, items are reserved but the sale does not finalize. The reserver forgets to pay, changes his or her mind, etc. and these items become available.

How long can something be "reserved"?
My policy is to reserve items for two weeks. After that, if a payment or a deposit is not made, the item can be released to the next interested person. I try to add the reservation date on an item so that you can guess as to whether it may still be available. Sometimes, I do not remember or find time to remove the "reserve" or mark something "sold."

Why are some items offered as "Imperfect" or in shreds?
All of my customers are different. Some use antique linens exactly as they were originally intended and some recycle them as raw materials for their projects, crafts, fine arts, dollmaking, costumes and decorating. An old piece of lace that is falling off of a damaged pillowcase may become a theatrical costume... or a doll dress flounce or decorate a teddy bear in a competition.

Why are some items offered as "as discovered?"
There are different reasons for different items. Sometimes, they were put away clean and need no laundering before their next use. Others are too fragile or are a fabric that I can not launder such as most silks and woolens. Some arrive at the very end of the month and there may be no time to launder them before I photograph them.

Some arrive with original tags or labels still intact or have never been used and the old sizing is still present. Since I can't look into the future to see who will be purchasing these, I keep them in their original state. Many collectors prefer to acquire the items utouched; most people who want to use them prefer them to be laundered. I am happy to launder almost any unlaundered item at no extra charge before I mail it. The exceptions are items, usually oversized, that state that there is an extra fee for laundering.

If two items are similar, is the more expensive one better?
Generally, yes. You do get what you pay for; a $22 towel will be nicer than an $8 towel. Sometimes, I may have paid far more, or far less, for one and I adjust the retail price accordingly. Sometimes you can not tell from a photo that the quality of damask is amazing or not. I try to describe it to distinguish "normal," perfectly lovely damask from phenomenal damask.

What else affects the value?

quality. rarity. beauty.

Like anything else, value depends on many factors... size and condition, quality, rarity and the elusive subjective "beauty". Bigger is better (except when it's not, such as in embroidery stitches); perfect is better; rare is better; gorgeous is better; unused condition is better; high quality is better and, usually, older is better.

The country of origin also counts... as French, Czech, Madeira, Italian and English always are better to have than Chinese. But old Chinese (pre-1930) is better than later Chinese and so it goes. The designs also matter. Figural items command more than flowers. With damask tablecloths, pieces that were woven as a specific size and the design turns the corners, opposed to pieces that were yard goods and the pattern just runs on and on, are more desirable, too.

Will my items smell, either good or bad?
Your items will arrive completely odor-free. I use no fragrances while laundering. We are smoke-free and mammel-free. Even items that are offered "as discovered," have been aired and are usually free of smells.

Can I have my items monogrammed or repaired?
We do not offer these services. As far as I know there is no commercial monogrammer who will embroider old linens. Even when an item has never been used or laundered, it is still old and reacts differently than a new item.

Why did my grandmother own a dozen or two identical little 36" tablecloths?
You have a dozen antique napkins! They are very large and desirable.

How often do you add new items to your website?
They are added monthly. I typically add between 150 to 300 items each month.

When I check the Linen Site at the very beginning of each month, why are so many items already marked "SOLD?
Anyone who is on my email list gets a "Sneak Preview" a few days before the end of each month. You do not have to purchase to receive the Preview email, you simply must email me to "opt in!"

How are orders filled?
Order requests are taken in the order in which emails are received.

Can you explain your "condition descriptions?"
To start, I strive to describe each item as accurately as possible but I do sometimes miss things. If an item has been used, it will generally have subtle signs of wear. It is unrealistic and unreasonable to expect a vintage piece to behave exactly the same as a new one. Afficionados of antique and vintage textiles are often tolerate of minor flaws in order to have the qualities that are lacking in modern, mass-produced goods, qualities such as exquisite hand work and fabrics that would be unaffordable to produce today.

How do I order something?
To order an item, choose one of the following:

Call or fax me with your order. 860-677-5423. International callers please use 001 as the country code.

Or, email me cynthia@antique-linens.com and include the following:

Stock number w/ brief description (I just need to know the category, hanky, etc.)
Item price
Method of payment
Address for Shipping
Telephone Number (I won't call you unless I have a problem)
The price does not include shipping charges. When I receive your email, I will calculate the total cost, which includes actual shipping cost plus insurance. I will then email this info to you and you can choose your payment method.

What Types of PAYMENT do you accept?
I accept personal checks, money orders, Paypal (you must have a paypal account), Visa, Mastercard and American Express. If you pay by personal check, merchandise will be held 10 days from receipt of check. You will be notified by email when your item has shipped.

How do you ship my order?
I ship by priority mail (or first class mail if the item is under 10 ounces) through the US Postal Service. I do try to find the least expensive method possible. I can also ship via FedEx or UPS but you must request this. At particularly busy times orders take longer. Please allow extra time if you would like something to be laundered. (usually, just a few days)

When will you ship my order?
I will usually ship two days after the order is received. It takes one day to find and pack your package and it is mailed the following day. If you need things sooner, be sure to tell me; I will try to move you higher in the queue.

What is your return policy?
I will accept a return on any item, for any reason, if you notify me within 24 hours of confirmed receipt of the item.

The item must be returned within seven days.

The item must be returned in exactly the same condition in which it was sent.

The returned item must be insured for the full amount. Until I receive the item, you are liable for the cost.

For items that are returned after seven days, a 10% re-stocking fee will be deducted from your refund. If they are returned after 30 days, a 15% re-stocking fee will apply and after 60 days, a 25% fee will be deducted.

If these conditions are not met, the return will not be accepted.

Please note that I will not not pay postage for return shipping.)

What is your LAYAWAY policy?

Did I miss anything?
Let me know if you have any other questions.