American Treasure Hunt: The Legacy of Israel Sack

The author traces the growth of his family's antique business, offers a profile of his father, the business's founder, and describes the people and museums who collect antique furniture

With Wilk's help, Sack tells the romantic story of the famed company that bears his father's name. Israel Sack, a cabinet maker, arrived in Boston from Lithuania in 1903. Recognizing the beauty of American craftsmanship, he traveled around the state buying furniture fastidiously created in early centuries but unappreciated at the time. These objects formed the first collection in the antique dealer's small shop. His reputation grew, bringing such customers as Henry Ford, Ima Hogg and other wealthy notables. Today his company is still a family business. Illustrating the book are photos of rare pieces: exemplifying Sack pere's belief in antiques as investments, a table depicted here that he sold for $15,000 in 1953 has since been auctioned for $1 million.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Israel Sack, Inc. traces its beginnings to the early years of the 20th century, thus making the famous antiques firm nearly as old as the interest in collecting early American furniture itself. As the anecdotal narrative unfolds, it documents the history of the firm and, through its dealings, the history of collecting fine American antique furniture. Founded by a Lithuanian immigrant, the respected establishment is a classic American success story, although the road was not always smooth. The amusing reminiscences of Harold Sack, the current president of the company, shed light on the interaction among pickers, dealers, collectors, auction house experts, and museum curators. A promotional tract? Surely, but enjoyable for anyone interested in the field. Kathleen Eagen Johnson, Sleepy Hollow Restorations, Tarrytown, N.Y.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.