Our Story
About the Mercantile
Rooted in Chillicothe, Ohio
Built on a Passion for
Preserving History
1803 Antiques Mercantile is built on a passion for preserving history and transforming it into meaningful design. Our name honors 1803 — the year Ohio became a state — a tribute to the Federal Period that shaped so much of the early American material culture we celebrate every day.
Located at 90 East Water Street in historic downtown Chillicothe — Ohio's first capital city — our beautifully staged shop brings together architectural salvage, antique furnishings, cobalt decorated stoneware pottery, and one-of-a-kind pieces by local artisans. Every item is chosen not only for its beauty, but for its story.
Our approach goes beyond retail. We work with homeowners, designers, collectors, and developers to integrate historic elements into modern spaces — creating interiors that feel authentic, layered, and timeless. Because we believe great design begins with something real.
"Great design begins with something real."
National Recognition
Twice Featured on HGTV
Our expertise in historic home staging and antique design has earned national recognition. Twice featured on HGTV, we have demonstrated our ability to transform historic properties through thoughtful, period-appropriate design — bringing authenticity, character, and timeless beauty to every space we touch.
Twice Featured on HGTV · Historic Home Staging · Interior Design · Antique Restoration
Show Experience
Sourced from the
Nation's Best Markets
Our inventory is sourced from the country's most prestigious antique markets and shows — from the rolling fields of Brimfield to the storied halls of Round Top, and the sun-drenched grounds of Florida's Biggest Antique Show in Mount Dora. Years of experience at premier venues across the United States means every piece we carry meets an exacting standard of authenticity, provenance, and quality.
Industry Connections
Professional
Relationships
Our network reaches the highest levels of the American antiques world. These relationships give us access to exceptional pieces, insider market knowledge, and the kind of expertise that only comes from decades of dedication to the craft.
Amelia Jeffers
Nationally recognized for her decades of expertise in prestigious antique pieces, high-end auctions, and antique show ownership, Amelia Jeffers is a true authority and leader in the American antiques industry.
Atlee Raber
A trusted name in the antiques auction world, Atlee Raber specializes in early American antiques and primitives, offering professional auctioneer services across Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York with integrity and deep expertise.
Steve Jenkins
Nationally renowned for the premier antique shows he owns and participates in, Steve Jenkins has spent many years building a distinguished reputation as a dealer of prestigious pieces and an invaluable resource for collectors and design enthusiasts alike.
Our Signature Collection
Cobalt Decorated
American Stoneware Pottery
Among our most celebrated offerings is our collection of cobalt decorated American stoneware pottery — authentic salt-glazed crocks, jugs, and jars hand-painted with the distinctive blue floral, bird, and foliate motifs of the Federal and early Victorian periods. These are not reproductions. Each piece is a genuine artifact of early American domestic life.
Crafted by regional potters whose work is now eagerly sought by collectors, interior designers, and institutions alike, our stoneware collection represents some of the finest examples of early American craftsmanship available on the market today.
View the Collection