An Eye for Collections
Country Style : Episode COS-409 -- More Projects »
A lifetime of collecting is showcased in an historic home in Beaufort, South Carolina, where former Marine, Michael Rainey, has amassed a stellar collection of antiques. Practicality inspired Rainey to transform the rarely-used formal dining room into a library. Now this converted room is home to his many collections.
His first collection started at the age of 17 with hand-carved decoys. He amassed 40 at one time but sold the bulk of the collection to fund the restoration on his historic home. The remaining five decoys are displayed on the wall-to-wall bookcase with vintage books and what's now his largest collection, antique snuff boxes. He has them in all shapes, sizes and materials, including ones made out of Scottish ram's horns, silver, wood and papier mâché.
His other collections include walking sticks, old American portraits, miniature desks and 1840s puppet heads. The desks are secured to the wall surrounding a walnut chest; the puppet heads are displayed atop the chest. The fanciful pieces are each set upon a wooden architectural element, like a vintage wagon wheel spoke and battered newel post from an old stair rail.
Guests Michael and Patricia Rainey
Homeowners / Antiques Dealers, Michael Rainey Antiques
702 Craven St.
Beaufort, SC 29902-5554
Phone: 843-521-4532
Fax: 843-521-1470
E-mail:
raineyantiques@islc.net Also in this Episode
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.hgtv.com/HGTV/2003/04/30/cos409_5a_decoys_e.jpg",350,450))
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.hgtv.com/HGTV/2003/04/30/cos409_5b_puppetheads_e.jpg",350,450))