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Hidden gems come from many sources

Gulch store provides proof that one person’s junk can be another person’s treasure
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Bev Jensen is surrounded by a variety of antiques and memorabilia in her Lucky Duck store on Rossland Ave. in Trail. Below

Turning forgotten antiques into hard cash has not only become a television sensation but a way of life for Bev Jensen.

Jensen has been the owner of the Lucky Duck in Trail for the past 12 years and has accumulated as many stories as antiques in her Rossland Avenue store.

All her merchandise hails from the West Kootenay and provides a nostalgic look at history in our area.

While many of her goods are acquired from private homes and estate sales, she has stumbled upon some rare finds.

When Jensen purchased the building, she discovered the original “Tonelli’s CIL Paint” sign that the previous owners of the old Gulch building left behind.

“It was left behind because it is so large and very heavy,” she explained.

However, after many forgotten years in the basement, the sign remains in perfect condition.

Other interesting treasures that Jensen has acquired include an antique 7Up clock and 7Up thermometer.

The items were removed from an old tear down building in Warfield years ago. They were laden with paint and years of neglect. The objects were restored with care and are now displayed with pride on a Lucky Duck wall.

Not only does Jensen seek out items, she also sells some on consignment.

She recalled the time when she was asked to sell a painting on consignment for $30. The painting was of a seascape.

“Just a deserted beach and washed up row boat on some rocks,” she said.

When it was finally sold, the purchaser later returned to tell Jensen some surprising news.

The painting was an original Robert Wood, a renowned Canadian artist, and was actually worth $800.

During her interview with the Trail Times a gentleman brought in a beautiful inlaid dining room table. Since he couldn’t take it with him on his upcoming move he thought he might fetch a good price at the Lucky Duck.

“I’m always interested in good old furniture,” admitted Jensen.

Jensen also takes time to refurbish old furniture, such as the cabriole chair with lion’s paws, which she is currently working on.

However, reupholstering and refinishing furniture does decrease the value of the object d’art.

“It doesn’t matter how much its worth, it’s more about the sentiment for me,” she said.

A current trend that Jensen noted, is that people have come and asked to use the store front as a back drop to shoot their wedding photos.

She also recently had a tourist pass through, who requested to take pictures inside her store because of its unique and nostalgic beauty.

Jensen has seen trends come and go in the “artique” world, but her vast variety of vintage glassware, lamps, prints, paintings and signage have remained popular over the years.

 

 

 

 

 



Sheri Regnier

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