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All Hail Eddie: Brooklyn’s Salvage King!

All Hail Eddie: Brooklyn’s Salvage King! published on 13 Comments on All Hail Eddie: Brooklyn’s Salvage King!

**Archive. Originally posted October 2, 2007.

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His prices are insane!

 

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Stripping Paint

Eddie Hibbert is famous in Brooklyn. At least amongst those of us struggling to restore our 100 year old homes. Located on Greene and Grande in Clinton Hill, Eddie doesn’t have a website. He doesn’t answer his phone. He opens at noon and is closed on Sundays and Mondays. And yet…he can’t handle all the business he gets.

An ex firefighter and member of the Vulcan Society, Eddie found his way into the salvage business some 30 years ago while living in Harlem. A guy who was salvaging brownstone details told him that the artisans who built these fine homes wouldn’t be around forever and the value was bound to go up. Eddie listened. He studied up on antiques and volunteered to help “mentors”. He started out by selling to the antique shops on Atlantic Avenue. His 2 original stores were on Myrtle Avenue.

Apart from the usual Brownstoner crowd, Eddie’s customers range from Williamsburg artists to folks looking for unique headboards such as doors or mantles. He gives work to guys who need it, but has to be careful about whom he takes with him into people’s homes. A long time customer who was there the day I was interviewing Eddie chimed in “He’s too kind hearted for his own good!” Eddie just says “I’m a simple guy.”

What you’ll find: Everything. Dig for it or ask. Doors, Mantles, Fireplace Inserts, Shutters, Newell Posts, Fretwork, Stained Glass…..if it came out of a brownstone, it’s here.

13 Comments

My feeling is that you should start in Brooklyn simply because it’s closer. It also depends on what type of house you have and what you’re looking for. The NYC places tend to be more rowhouse materials. Don’t forget that Eddie is closed on Sundays and Mondays. If you’re in the boros, you should also check out Vaccaro’s on 15th St bet. 2nd and 3rd Aves in Park Slope and http://www.bignyc.org/ in Queens.

Eddie has very rare and one-of-a-kind items. I’m sure that he has the best prices overall. Stop by and you won’t leave empty handed. He is not only a great businessman, he is a very humble man. I’m so very proud of you, big brother!

Love,
Your Sister, Kim

I’ve traveled far and wide looking for salvage. You’re right, Kim. He does have the best prices. But don’t tell him that!

North Sleeper, for real? I took that picture in late September/early Oct last year. They’re nice!

Eddie is the man. I love Eddie. Aside from my getting tons of great stuff from him — light fixtures, tables, mantles, 2 fantastic club chairs (which I had reupholstered and look great!!!), I have spent countless hours telling him the tales of my renovation and laughing and enjoying the wonderful people parade that his store brings. He has also listened to more than one crazy tale of renovation woe and for that I am really grateful (usually ends up by laughing….). He has helped me with my doors and I have bought tons of furniture. He is the best.

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