I've been visiting this place for years. Lars is very knowledgeable and honest. He will tell you if your item is likely to sell.

Highly recommend. I discovered some old silverware sets in a storage garage owned by my ailing parents and needed to appraise them for their trust. I found the owner Niels of Montclair estates on the internet and he was great. Very professional, personable, experienced and knowledgeable. He is accredited by the International Society of Appraisers which is helpful if you need a legal appraisal document for insurance or other legal purposes. His brick-and-mortar storefront is temporarily modest for reasons you can read about on his website but more than adequate to meet with him so he can begin to evaluate and understand your appraisal needs. Thank-you Niels for the well documented 12-page appraisal I needed for the silverware from my parents Trust. read more

My mother passed away and left me with an assortment of silver. I kept a few of the pieces which had sentimental value; the remainder I knew I would never use. I read through a number of reviews prior to deciding on Montclair Estates. I'm very glad I did. I called in advance and set an appointment with Niels Dahl-Jensen. Upon arrival, he was both warm and personable, and really took the time to carefully look through my inventory. I felt confident to be in the hands of someone both competent and clear as to the silver's monetary value. My items were inventoried, and the majority sold within a two week time frame. Working with Niels was both easy and hassle free. I recommend Niels & Montclair Estates without reservation. read more

I stopped in with some antique and vintage jewelry that I was interested in selling/consigning. After spending a lot of time with me, testing the metals and the gems, answering all my questions, Niels gave me very honest and good advice in terms of getting the most value for my items. The advice was NOT to go with his services because I would not receive as much for my items due to the fees for his service. He basically gave up a commission because he could see that I was able to sell items the items myself, especially with the information he gave me. The shop has some very cool items as well but I didn't look too closely since I was there to make money, not sell it! read more

Tell me why (I need another pet rock) Tell me why (I got that Alf alarm clock) Tell me why (I bid on Shatner's old toupee) They had it on eBay Montclair Estates Antiques is also offers an ebay drop off service and once inside you'll think that you're in one of Meg Whitman's political closets. Actually, it's the adorable Pug in the front window that brings you in and a lot of interesting eclectic stuff that keeps you browsing around longer than you intended. And although I usually don't plan on it, I inevitably end up here every time I come to Montclair to conduct my own personal treasure hunt. read more

An excellent experience with Montclair Estates. This being my first time working with a consignment shop I was impressed with how everything was explained, questions answered and the final transaction completed to my satisfaction. read more

I had an incredibly eclectic estate to deal with when my mom passed away. I found that many estate people wanted to give me almost *nothing* for the treasures that my mother had collected as an artist and gallery curator. Niels was the one who saw the value in the things I was looking to consign and helped me disperse most of the artwork and other collectibles. He is honest, accommodating, kind, and very communicative. I cannot recommend Montclair Estates highly enough! read more

Montclair Antiques is a hodge-podge shop featuring real antiques, and not so antique bric a brac. I've found some gems here, but they are far and in between. Prices are kind of high, but sometimes you can haggle a bit to get a price break. It's a fun place to browse through on a weekend. They have showcase after showcase of jewelry (think upscale pawn shop selection), flatware, porcelain, crystal, art glass - you name it. There is also furniture piled everywhere, mostly wood, not many upholstered pieces. They've got tons of mirrors and frames, and also boxes of old albums - Doris Day anyone? The store also used to have a resident pug named Percy. Percy was the dog mayor of Montclair and would wander the around the block (he never crossed the street - heaven forbid) with his little harness that sported a tag "don't feed me" since he was a little pudgy. Percy passed on a few years ago, rather suddenly. He is still missed by many, including me. http://www.pugblog.com/2005/12/rip_percy_da_pu.html read more

I enjoy rummaging through this eclectic 'used stuff' shop. Niels and crew are helpful without being pushy and always know the provenance or a cool story about the item you might be perusing. I've purchased some wacky items to decorate Farmstead Cheeses and Wines from them recently, and find myself wandering over there during my lunch breaks. read more

This place always has so much cool stuff - I have found some great scores here, including iris & herringbone glassware and a great little collapsing side table (the round top sits on top of the legs which pivot out to support it and fold flat) - great prices and lots of neat stuff. I'm excited that they are moving to Piedmont - can't wait to see their new location! read more

The proprietor is the easiest person in the world to deal with in regard to getting the best price for things I've brought there for sale. For example, other book dealers have totally tried to rip me off on some Beat classics I was selling. Niels did not, he got me the highest price possible for my items. I have been more than pleasantly surprised. Niels is honest, up-front, personable and will give you the honest truth about your item(s). This guy knows what he is doing and he respects the seller, like a lot of people in his business do NOT. Five stars. And thanks, Montclair Estates! read more

[From 1/14/2010] This is a nice antique shop with a pleasant mix of many items, and for the most part enough room to walk around. Items are generally grouped together: records in these boxes, framed artwork along this wall, glassware in these cabinets and jewelry in those cabinets, etc. The store is not enormous, so there are fewer chairs and cabinets, and more small items such as jewelery and watches, dolls, silver tableware and tea services, as well as non-American/European antiques (East Asian - mostly Chinese, I believe - and West/Central African) such as ceramics and weaponry. Located in a charming shopping area; there is a parking garage one block away that is uncrowded and costs only a dollar an hour. There are numerous banks with ATMs in the area. read more

What would Montclair be without Montclair Estates? There's no better place to shop for unique household items and vintage gems. The staff are super helpful, the selection is fresh and ever-changing, and the windmill garden out front is one of a kind. Who knew you could actually grow the things? Totally unique. Worth a visit. Over and over again. read more

I used them for consignment of tables as well as Ebay sales. They were easy to work with and completely professional. I am so pleased that they are on Piedmont Ave because they are on my walking routes. However, I am worried because I will end up stopping in so often and finding so much stuff! Have to watch my budget! read more

skipping down mountain blvd one day seven years ago, i stumbled upon this antigue store. I miss my grandma everyday and she was my favorite antique. Now, Just to touch anything a few generations older, well it feels safe and solid. But, this not your grandmother's antigue store either. My grandmother didn't get to travel much, and these buy treasures from around the globe.. With the recession...(depression) its gotten a little dustier inside i have noticed. That makes it even better. Hi ya niles. (niles) Congrats on surviving these "death to small business" times. darn proud of you. I'm looking for a very small desk (for a computer) . Want to surprise my son in law with his own office space. leslie lesliegriffith@comcast.net read more

This is where my engagement ring came from - how can I not give them five stars? The people who work here are so nice and laid back. I'll be back soon to see what they have in the way of wedding rings. read more

I went in because I happen to notice a few Danish chairs. When I asked for the price of the chairs, the two men inside said something like this, "We're putting that online." So then I waited but neither of them actually answered my question. "It's Danish." was a response. No kidding, buddy. That was obvious. I had to ask again, "So what is the price for the set?" Both gentlemen in the store were unwilling to even engage in a conversation with me about the set. I was put off by my experience here. It's really disheartening when people who are trying to sell something are not willing to engage in good customer service. read more

Totally cool place that amused us on a slow Easter Sunday. Very laid back, nice selection of decently priced merchandise. Adam and I particularly appreciated the lacquered box with the strong scent of weed inside. Guess that's where the former owner kept his or her stash! read more

I bought a FANTASTIC 13th CenturyJapanese Samurai Sword from this store. It was a great experience with very friendly staff! This is a great place to go to and be sure to check out their Ebay store. Thanks Again! read more

Monclair Estates is a wondrous world of random stuff - serve ware, artwork, weird figurines, furniture, old cameras. I love coming here, more than the other place on Piedmont Ave (I can't remember the name but it's right by Milli Florist). It's less dusty and more organized. But antique stores often scare me, so I have a bias. I got a bad-ass antique easel here and they put a little chain on it for me so the third leg is stable. They're really nice and helpful and I know I drove them crazy with my checking in and following up and a death in the family until I got that easel (it was a whole thing of maybe they had another one that had the chain already, finding out they didn't, having to get the chain, etc.) I'm so happy they're here. read more

Really great people work here. I have done a little shopping here, but have used it many times to sell things on eBay. Their cut for eBay sales seems high, but then the prices I have gotten (for used camera equipment) always comes in much higher than I would have estimated. And having them do it means I don't have to deal with the listing and the shipping, or being sure that payment actually comes in. I recommend using them to dispose of your "junk with value"--just email them with some photos and they'll tell you if they will handle it for you. read more

Stopped in today for the first time ever even though I've walked past a million times. What a fun store to browse. May return to purchase a silver trunk or outdoor bench. But was a little dismayed to hear from my husband after we left that the shop keeper man scolded my daughter for touching some items. I had noticed not a trace of a smile on his face when I saw him lingering (aka watching) us as we browsed. Not sure what to make of it...and if we can patronize this store.... read more

This place is really neat. They have a fantastic jewelry collection and pretty reasonably priced, they have cute stuff on the lower end of the scale as well as the higher end. The gentlemen who run the place are really nice and understanding. I didn't get a chance to take a look at the rest of the store but it looked pretty interesting. read more

I gets a whee twitchy at the end of a long weekend, which included one of my favorite past-times, shopping along Piedmont Avenue. I don't know how I missed it, but this was my first time crossing Montclair Estates' threshold. Nils pulled out this beautiful 18k and oldcut diamond navette ring. It's probably Victorian and definitely British. He offered me a loupe to further inspect. How cool is that? They also have a sweet ol' shop Pug. Nigel was it? Swing by there if you're in Oakland. Friendly folk and antiques up the wahzang! read more

Love this place! So many unique treasures, had to pry myself out. It's a must see If you are in the Montclair area. Staff was very friendly, very enjoyable experience. read more

I love going to antique stores to get gifts for people that are not run of the mill. This place has so much to look at it can be overwhelming at times, but I always find something unique. Little side tables, vintage toys for my nephew, and the jewelry! I've been buying stuff here for years, but now they have brought in a whole bunch of stuff from Bali and the silver jewelry is awesome. I got some gifts for people and a little more than a few pieces for myself. I always get compliments on them. The proprietor is a bit goofy, with a weird sense of humor, but is helpful and informative. They have shop dogs, too. Got to love the shop dogs. read more

I stop in this place every time I'm in Montclair village (which is just down the hill, so often) to browse the eclectic inventory, which seems to be fresh every time I go. I've found a unique and desireable item or two on each visit--cookbooks, candlesticks, retro kitchenware, furniture, etc. I'm very bummed to see they are moving to Piedmont Ave. soon--not as local for me but I'll still be sure to stop by whenever I'm in the neighborhood. read more

Found a great piece of jewelry for my wife for our anniversary. The price was great and the owner was very friendly and helpful. A great neighborhood store. Will shop here again! read more

Great place, staff is super helpful and low key. If you have something you want to sell they make it super easy for you using EBAY. You won't get more they what they can get for you. The more obscure the better! read more

A great and unique place to discover interesting things. Staff very knowledgeable and informative . Always fun place to visit and shop online. read more