Online shopping: antiquing in the 21st century

Nope, not Amazon. This week I am emailing with a small local antiques dealer in the charming town of Monte San Savino asking if he has any vintage iron headboards.

On our last visit in Tuscany, we visited Antichita Macelli and were very impressed with the quality of the furniture in the shop, the fair prices, as well as with the keen salesman skills of the charming owner Marco. During that trip we ended up buying a hand-forged iron coat rack, several copper cooking vessels and a stunning pine armoire, which he volunteered to refurbish and deliver.

Now we are looking for beds so I sent him an email and within hours he responded with photos, prices and commentary on each, including what he would do to them (shine up with wax, etc) before delivering them. I love this guy!