Trusted since 1977
The antique business in Ontario has a rich history, with roots in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when the province was a hub for furniture and cabinet making. The explosion of interest in antique collecting in the early 70's was when John discovered his passion for the antique business. Starting with "Ye Olde 'X' Shoppe", a Port Credit institution for decades, run by Mildred Grebeldinger, John began in the business as a teenager,sweeping floors and absorbing the dynamics and the atmosphere of the art of buying and selling. After stints at traveling and schooling, John returned to Port Credit and began his career in the antique industry in earnest.
After several years of learning and growing at the X Shoppe, John opened his own secondhand/antique store - A1 Antiques and Used Furniture. The next several decades allowed John to grow a foundation of knowledge, while developing a trusted reputation with a quickly expanding client base. Specializing in estate settlement, John also acquired a name for himself in the antique retail business by participating in some of Ontario's premier antique shows and markets, including The Harbourfront Antique Market, Christie's, and Southworks.
Retiring a decade ago from the daily operation of his store, John pivoted to opening the largest permanent booth at Aberfoyle, Canada's oldest running outdoor antique market. In recent years he and his partner Barry Ezrin have developed Visbids, an online auction company with an emphasis on antiques, which is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the top auction houses in Ontario.
As the antique business continues to evolve, John has remained a trusted and knowledgeable source in a rapidly changing retail climate. With over 45 years of experience, and an extensive network of private clients, colleagues and dealers, John can be relied upon as an invaluable resource to customers looking to buy or sell antiques, art and collectibles.
Trusted since 1977
The antique business in Ontario has a rich history, with roots in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when the Province was a hub for furniture and cabinet making. The trading of these goods - both old and new - developed new ventures, leading to antique expositions in the early 1970s. This is the time period and circumstance when John discovered his passion for the antique business.
Growing up in Mississauga, Ontario, in the heart of this developing commerce; John began working for Mildred Grebeldinger at the antique mercantile ‘Ye Olde ‘X’ Shoppe’. Here, he absorbed the dynamic and atmosphere of objects and their associative stories. After travelling and working, post-college, John returned to the X Shoppe, where his career in the industry began in earnest.
Several years learning and growing alongside the emergence of antique shows, auctions; John opened his own antique/second-hand store in Port Credit – A1 Antiques and Used Furniture.
The next several decades allowed John to grow a foundation of knowledge but also a key, trusted reputation within various clienteles. Specializing in estate settlement, while concurrently developing live auctions, antique shows and adjunct retail opportunities; John and A1 established itself as an approachable, trusted and knowledgeable source of the history and associative values of all categories of antiques.
Retiring a decade ago from retail, John has still kept up with contemporary trends. A1 became a permanent vendor at the Aberfoyle Antique Market, running a large indoor booth at the oldest running outdoor antique market in Canada. Also, as the Internet’s significant role in the antique trade grew to a global market; John has adjusted and evolved again, connecting his clientele with purchase options.
Today, John, A1 and the antique business continue to evolve. An interest in vintage collectibles, reclaimed items, preserving heritage and most importantly, catering to new clientele’s interests and needs. A1 presents an experienced, curated, diverse range of items and services - from décor to nostalgic collectibles to high-value investment art and antiques within a trusted structure.
As ever, A1 and John Vanderkop is your invaluable resource.
Why Clients Trust John
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Over 47 years of hands-on experience in antiques and estate items
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No-pressure approach — clear communication and fair expectations
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Comfortable working with clients who have no antique experience
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Serves Toronto, Burlington, Hamilton, GTA, and surrounding regions
Not sure what you’re holding on to?
Many of our clients come to us with inherited items, boxes from the attic, or things they've lived with for years — unsure if they're valuable or just sentimental.
A1 has spent over 47 years helping people discover what their items are truly worth — and more importantly, in today's market, what's worth keeping, letting go, or passing on.