- Second-Hand Dealer Glossary
Discover the specialized vocabulary of the world of second-hand goods and antiques
- The jargon of a profession
There can be no dictionary of the antique dealer’s trade. A trivial language spoken by all social classes, unusual, accompanied by stylistic effects and sources borrowed from other dictionaries or processes of forming substitute codes. A colorful, very diverse and highly volatile vocabulary, which evolves with the removal of objects from their original function, fashion and techniques, while remaining anchored in tradition, nothing exhaustive.
Guilloche
Guilloche patterns, patterns of small parallel, crossed or wavy lines, traced with a burin or wheel on pieces of goldsmithing or cabinetmaking.
Examples:
A silver snuffbox with finely guilloché decoration
The guilloche background of this watch gives it a precious appearance
War
To wage war, not to accept the revision, the agreement between merchants.
Examples:
He wages war on prices by systematically refusing any agreement.
War between merchants can harm the atmosphere of a market
Guelte
(from the German “Geld” monetary money) bonuses in addition to the salaries granted to commercial employees.
Examples:
The seller receives a 2% cut on each sale made
The Guelte is an additional motivation for employees