A Tale of Two Carlo's
Years ago when I moved to NYC and became a dealer in antique frames, I brought them to and fro on the train. Just like Jenny, I was on the 6 but with armfuls of frames. The subway has had its share of bad press, delays, breakdowns, etc. but I’ll always be a fan. Case in point: these two floor lamps from Bottega Gadda. 
I bought them at the flea market last year. At the time I had never heard of Carlo Gadda or Carlo Giorgi, but I found out. One of my favorite vendors had the lamps in his booth. Generally he is a major draw for all the dealers rushing in to shop when the market opens at 6:30 am. But this particular Saturday, the crowd of dealers rushing in all went to another part of the market. Not wanting to follow, I made my way over to his section and immediately grabbed the lamps. I didn’t know where they were from or who designed them, I just knew I wanted to buy them. After a quick negotiation and cash payment, I turned to see what else was at the market. A few of my colleagues had rushed up to where I was standing to ask about the lamps. Sold, I said. Do you know what these are? No, I said. Well do you want to flip them here? This was the question that gave me pause. There’s an old saying in the antique business that your first offer is your best offer. And sometimes an offer to sell is that best offer. But I declined. I figured that if there was enough interest at 6:45 am, I could surely sell them later. 
Getting home with the two lamps on the train did not win me any friends, but it did make for a couple nice Instagram pics. The ginkgo leaf lamp has made it to my new apartment, while the rhubarb leaf lamp did not. That in and of itself is kind of weird because I have a strong dislike for ginkgo. When I was a kid in Philly these trees were everywhere and every fall they drop their berries that when smushed give off the foulest of odors. Lucky for me this lamp doesn't stink. ;-) hkv