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Business Name: TERRA INCOGNITA. In Latin,
"Terra Incognita" means "earth unidentified" or "earth unknown". In America's
early existence and on early maps, all of the land west of the Mississippi was
termed "Terre Inconu" (Terra Incognita), or "Indian Land". This was due to the
fact that little was known about it. The land was unexplored, feared and unknown
to civilized society. To explore, settle, and reap the riches or just plain old
make a fair living was part of early American expansion. Hence we chose this
name because it conjures the essence of a treasure hunt (which we are always
on), we never know what we will find next. Finding treasures to pass on to the
advanced connoisseur has more than a monetary reward. Most of the items that we
deal in "speak" to us or have soul. These are the types of items that we enjoy
most in transferring to the collector world. We also see ourselves conducting
business overseas; Terra Incognita is a name that transcends language. We
originally registered our name with the city of Chicago and State of Illinois in
1997. After 10 years, we have had great feedback, the name has a ring to it that
people like, understand and can remember. Give us a call or email today to
discuss your wants, needs and/or collecting interests.
Product: Our inventory consists of fine
Native American antiquities, cowboy items
(leather, boots), sporting art and fine paintings and flat work. Duck decoys,
and Zuni art. The record for a
single decoy at auction is now over 1 million. Native American antiquities from
1820 thru the Civil War remain our specialty. We focus on pre 1950 & pre
1900 items, but also trade items up to present day. We usually have a nice
selection of pre 1890 beadwork, concentrating on the Indian wars
period. We also like to have on hand early Native American pottery, turquoise
and silver jewelry and carvings/fetishes. We love Zuni pottery, jewelry and
inlay along with other fine art from selected pueblos. From time to time we get
a good ANTIQUE Colt single action, Winchester, or Remington, but more often we
concentrate on Plains and fur trade percussions and flint-locks. As you can see
we have a varied interest but always classic.
We also usually have a great selection of related eclectic items. We exhibit at
35 to 40 shows or events per year, therefore our inventory turns over rather
quickly. Check back often, if you don't see something for you then go ahead and
ask. We may have it, just not posted yet.
There remains huge potential in many collecting areas, we take pride in finding
value in the best items with exceptional quality or rareness and what I call WOW
factor. We also have on hand and have bought and sold items that are significant
American treasures. Contact us today with your interests and/or to discuss
acquisitions or help in building a collection. If we don't have something on
hand, we can find (or possibly already know) where it is. Yes, I can (find it),
is big part of my vocabulary. We have contacts in just about every state of the
Union and in Canada, France and England. Contact us today.
Location: We are located in Chicago, and have a gallery by appointment
only. We will be opening a gallery in Southwestern Michigan (also only by
appointment) in the near future. We conduct most of our business in other
States, while exhibiting at various trade shows around the Country. Feel free to
contact me to inquire when/if I will be near your location.
Experience: Mr. Baldwin has attended trade and antique shows and auctions
since before he could walk. His Father is a noted author on Indian weapons, a
book series titled "of the American Frontier". Jason is currently co-authoring a
book titled "The Best of the Bowie Knives of the American Frontier". His great
uncle Lynn Munger owned and operated the Potawatomie Museum, mainly focusing on
Indian artifacts. Jason has actively participated in antique and fine art shows
for over 30 years.
Mr. Baldwin began his trading career for fun. While in college he was a
collector and exhibited at a few shows per year. His first professional
successes came as a commodities futures trader at the Chicago Board of Trade.
Trading live with hand signals in the Dow Jones futures pit for over three
years. He has worked at all of the major exchanges here in Chicago and some
indirectly with New York (the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, The Chicago Board
Options Exchange and the Chicago Board of Trade). High dollar transactions and
taking care of money is old hat for Mr. Baldwin. All transactions will be
handled with discreet professional care, courtesy and honesty with the customer
in mind every step of the way.
Mr. Baldwin was voted by his peers; to the post of Secretary/Treasurer for the
Antique Bowie Knife Association (ABKA). He then was asked to take on the
responsibility of President of the ABKA. Upon completing his term as President
he took over and is currently the editor for the ABKA journal. He is a life
member of the board of directors for the ABKA. He exhibits at about 35 or 40
venues each year. Native American Fine Art, Knife, Decoy and Sporting Art and
Antique Gun shows/expositions make up most of our show schedule.
A few of our goals are to use our experience, contacts and knowledge to help
provide a more liquid market place and make available to the discreet
connoisseur/collector the highest quality of art forms and antiques (antique
arms included). If we don't have it, we know where it can be obtained. Our
success rate is very high when charged with securing the rare unobtainable
items. Call today to discuss your wants, needs, & interests. You will get
quality items at fair prices, many times with historical significance, but most
important THEY WILL BE REAL. We take great pride in serving the high-end
collector; rest assured your contact information and dealings will be handled
with utmost care and discreetness. That's another part of our business name that
has a double connotation...Incognito, both for me and you. Email or Call today.
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