Blue Crab Antiques

This place is packed with a lot of interesting items and elegant pieces I don’t always see in other shops, I’ll give them that. I’ve been in there a few times now but the prices were pretty high (and that may be justifiably so — I have no idea what things are worth — I just know they’re pricier than other places.) The people there are definitely business people, understand marketing and are open to haggling.
But when I read Mariana O’s and Eric D’s comments (and the owner’s very personal, overly defensive replies) about the ambiance and demeanor of the gentleman who works there (don’t know if he’s an owner or manager,) I have to admit that rang a little true for my experience, as well.
One moment, in particular, exemplifies what I mean … I inquired on the price of an item … a fire tool kit … the price was about $ 600 outside of my price range (which is fine — it was a nice set) so he said, rather shortly, «make me an offer.» … If the piece was worth what he was asking, my offer would have been an insult — I told him so and said thank you … he got visibly agitated because I refused to haggle.
Anyway, I can’t give ‘em a one star cause the stuff is nice but I agree with Mariana O, there’s more to a pleasant antiquing experience than high-​end antiques.

I’m afraid this isn’t my first choice for a pleasant browsing experience along the beautiful antique row of Maryland Ave in Historic Annapolis. Although stuffed full of interesting knick knacks, this shop unfortunately lacks the charming personality and welcoming atmosphere that accompanies the other Maryland Ave stores. A truly pleasurable antiquing experience should always be offered in the vein of leisurely browsing, pleasant and knowledgable staff, and leave you with a feeling of wanting to visit again. I left this store feeling guilty for not buying something after being pressured and slightly hounded. To put it bluntly, overpriced and unfriendly are the general impressions Blue Crab Antiques left me with.

Buyer beware
Our experience with this shop owner was not good.
We were going to buy a light fixture from them they identified as a «Handel» (a desirable maker from the early 1900’s) and priced accordingly. After doing our research and consulting with knowledgable lighting folks that pointed out tell tale characteristics that would eliminate it as such we concluded that the fixture was not a Handel. We were polite and nonconfrontational in our corespondence and asked them to cancel the sale. The response was nasty, accusatory and threatening.
My conclusion is that these folks can be very unprofessional and are not dependable when it comes to knowledge and expertise. Ethics… I just don’t know, gotta wonder.

Way over priced «antique» knick knack /​trinket type stuff. Husband and wife (on site owners) latched onto me as I entered the shop, and were breathing down my neck as I tried to navigate the tight quarters and not bump into stuff (very small shop). The husband was very sales aggressive towards me. Very unpleasant experience. I won’t be back. Your experience might be better…

Out of all the antique stores that I have visited in Annapolis, this one is my favorite. It’s not the biggest but they have a nice selection of goods and trinkets to keep your eyes busy without it being too overwhelming or cramped. There is nice lighting and I easily spend several minutes looking at this and pondering over that. If I had kept everything that I have ever owned, imagine how much it would be worth one day. But then I would be considered a hoarder and that would be horrible.

I received my pony in wonderful condition in a timely matter considering all of the storms we had to wait out! Along with my pony I received a Christy’s London hatbox that my husband surprised me with. The shipping company that Blue Crab chose did a wonderful job of wrapping my carousel pony and a delicate hatbox. They were timely as well. If you are in Annapolis, definitely stop by and take a glance.