The Selma Times-Journal

Raconteur and antiques dealer, Robert Gordon, started collecting at the tender age of four.

Gordon has been in business in Selma since 1980 and at his Mabry Street location for more than nine years.

He specializes in federal, empire and Victorian furnishings.

People travel from across the country to buy Gordon’s antiques.

His eye for enduring quality is a unique gift in any region.

Walking through the crowded Mabry Street space is like

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touring a life-size treasure chest.

The massive, museum-quality chest sits on carved, clawed feet, a treasure among treasures.

An 1815-1820 French Empire woman’s dressing table sits in a front room, surrounded by oriental rugs, chairs, chandeliers, and headboards.

Empire mirrors, and an Empire china cabinet rest across the hall beside a Federal mahogany game table.

From $2 to $3 books and photos to the $4,000 desk, his collection educates and inspires with historic lines

&045; be they penned or carved &045; and superlative craftsmanship.

Purchasing shoppers may enjoy a bar of bite-sized Snickers, otherwise the blue-eyed owner calls out: &8220;HEY! That’s not for you! That’s for the paying customers!&8221;

In addition to the traffic that frequents the kitchen and Gordon’s refinishing/repair projects, Black Kitty, Dill, Sturdy Cat and Scout form the feline force that patrol the pre-1890 building. Tyler, the dog, lets the cats do the heavy lifting.

Each year, the annual Battle of Selma Ball held at Sturdivant Hall across the street, spills over into Gordon’s.

While upright, Gordon’s Antiques folk artist and mascot, Wayne Matthews, greets guests in Civil War regalia.