TSV is a family business comprising a blend of antiques and handcrafted items. We are not a large multi-national, we care about our stock and our customers, we care about the environment and we take care to run an ethical business.
We will never take your money and run! We will answer all and any questions in a timely manner and aim to give you, our customer, a safe, easy and friendly shopping experience.
TSV Antiques have over twenty-five years in the antiques trade and a wealth of knowledge (aided and abetted by the internet of course) relating to the antiques we stock and the periods, defining styles and history which accompany them. We also design and craft our own items in antique or vintage styles and occasionally to our customers’ designs and preferences.
We never mind answering questions, but at this time are unable to offer insurance valuations – we may be interested in purchasing stock however so please do not hesitate to contact us.
“Antiques” is an often used and occasionally misused term. Our definition of antiques and vintage is as follows:
- Antique – over 100 years old
- Vintage – 100 – 20 years old
- Retro – styled as vintage but modern
- Artistic (i.e art glass, studio pottery) – from any period but with a distinct and/or bespoke quality
These are the criteria under which we categorise our stock. We do not knowingly sell reproductions and if we do, they are clearly labelled as such, Any items which have been restored or repaired will be listed with as much information given about the process as possible.
We research our stock to the fullest degree (though sometimes information can be scarce and we can make the very occasional mistake) and will always provide as much information as we can. We are always ready to admit that we will never know everything there is to know about antiques but we strive to give the most complete information we have at our disposal.
The antiques we sell have to meet several conditions: Quality, price, rarity value, condition and design. We take great pride in making sure we can meet these conditions in our purchasing and pass them on to our customers. Our motto is something for everyone at a price for everyone but this does not mean that we will ever compromise on the other conditions for a quick sale.
Please feel free to ask us if you are unsure about anything related to our stock or the antiques trade in general – browse our blog archives for some of our own thoughts as well.
The handcrafted aspect of TSV was borne from the demands of the Covid-19 Pandemic which, in effectively bringing us to a standstill, gave us a chance to re-evaluate many things and opened the opportunity to explore new areas of our business. Where we had relied on physical trade fairs to work we now had to make a business which could still offer those same opportunities but which was more sustainable and manageable from home.
The result is a collection of items which reflect, and complement. the antiques. We try to keep our designs within the styles and forms which have their basis in historical design styles and ethics. Some items such as jewellery will be pre-made and “in stock”. Some of the wooden items will be stock too but some will be made to order giving the customer an extra choice over design and materials. These items take time to make so please allow 5-10 working days for delivery.
TSV Handmade uses either reclaimed or repurposed materials in the case of some of our jewellery and restorations or uses found materials (such as the result of our gardening) or excess materials from other industries. Much of the wood used for our jewellery boxes for example is offcuts from the guitar industry – a good way to keep the wood in circulation rather than just burning it!
Shopping
Shop online through our Antiques and Handmade shop pages or visit us in person up and down the country at various fairs and exhibitions. A full list of upcoming dates and venues is available through our Events page. Where appropriate a link will be provided to get free tickets if available.
For online purchases you may want to contact us for combined shipping; we can put items on hold, calculate a single shipping cost and either invoice you separately or refund you the difference.
Regular users may want to create an account but its not essential – you can purchase as a guest as well. All payments are managed through PayPal – pay direct or with a credit or debit card even if you don’t have a PayPal account. Transactions are quick, secure and verified. Please see the Data and Privacy tab for information about how we treat your information.
Returns and Refunds
Antiques are susceptible to age related wear and tear and certainly, in most cases, will not look new. We will clearly identify any damage, repairs or other vital information which denote the condition of the piece in descriptions.
Handcrafted items are individually made and may therefore have some differences in size or colour to their description especially when made to order.
We would ask buyers to read descriptions and examine photos carefully and if there are any questions, to contact us quoting the stock number or item reference before committing to a purchase.
Items will be packaged and shipped with the greatest of care to ensure they arrive safe and sound and in the same condition they left us. However if you think there is a discrepancy please contact us (politely) within 30 days, providing photos of any damage or condition issues not included in the description, to discuss options for returning your item.
PLEASE REMEMBER: we are a small family business and cannot easily absorb the costs of returns and refunds, therefore we adhere to a strict policy of no returns/refunds for “buyer remorse”.
UK Shipping
TSV is pleased to offer free UK shipping on most items available through our website. Orders will be processed and posted within 1 to 3 working days of purchase (though we always aim for next day dispatch), If for any reason we are unable to meet this deadline we will contact you to let you know when your item will be sent.
UK shipping is through Royal Mail and all items will be sent special/recorded delivery This will deliver your purchase usually by 1 pm the next day and be insured for its full value.
In some cases, for instance any parcels over 2.5 kg in weight and £2500 in value, items will be sent by other means. These items will have an individual shipping price included in the listing and calculated at checkout.
Combined Shipping
It will be usually possible to combine shipping on multiple items; however, shoppers wishing to purchase more than one item not listed with free shipping should contact us in the first instance. We will put the items “On hold”, calculate shipping and send an invoice.
International Shipping
Unfortunately at this time we are unable to offer direct shipping outside the UK. We hope to expand this at sometime in the future. In the meantime, customers wishing to purchase from outside the UK should contact us quoting the stock number of the item and giving details of your location. Individual shipping rates can then be calculated and invoiced through PayPal. On receipt of payment your item will be posted. Please note that the calculated shipping price will not include customs tariffs, these will be your responsibility to pay on receipt.
We have no interest in your data other than to provide excellent customer service and deliver your orders in an efficient and timely manner. However we still follow both UK and EU GDPR guidelines with respect to data and will not use any data for any purpose other than that related to our business.
If you wish to be sure you can read our data and privacy policy here!