Al and Bobbie Roberts
Los Angeles, California
SELL, BUY, RENT
PHONE: (310) 476-6277 FAX: (310) 476-6278
e-mail: info@therationalpast.com
Measures, Scales, Astronomical, Optics, Meteorological, Industrial,
Agricultural, Tools of the Trades and
Other Items of Unique Interest
The Rational Past, who are we?
Why are we antique dealers?
Who are our customers?
Where did we find that?
Where do you find The Rational Past?
What are some useful links?
As full-time antique and collectible dealers we are constantly intrigued and delighted by the various items that comprise this area of collecting. We do not specialize in a particular segment within the field but have a huge range of items carefully inventoried. The pieces for sale or rent have been selected because they are well-made, inventive, historic, aesthetic or just plain interesting. We pride ourselves in offering fair value and try to clearly identify and describe each piece.
Al has an extensive science background. He was in aerospace for almost 30 years as an electronic engineer. He can figure out how things work nine times out of ten or knows someone else who can. Bobbie has degrees in art and education with a strong marketing background. She brings an artist's eye to The Rational Past along with the ability to identify some historic design trends. We make a good team. We both like talking. Above is a picture of us both surrounded by some of the objects we enjoy selling.
We are delighted when customers tell us it is the first time they have purchased a scientific or technical item. If you are looking for a gift or a prop for a movie or a photo session, a useable tool or a decorative piece for the library shelf, we applaud your interest. We hope that more and more people will come to appreciate the unique satisfaction of owning these beautiful and utilitarian objects. We are always happy to chat with novices, dedicated collectors and other dealers; we all learn something new every day.
It isn't easy. We wish we had a secret source, but it is just a lot of hard work and fun constantly searching for items. If you are thinking of selling some of your collection or just one piece that Grandpa left you, we do buy from private individuals and would be happy to talk with you. We are in a position to buy large lots or single treasures. And then we find out what it is, what it does, who made it, when, where, and offer it for sale. After it's gone we live in fear it will be the last one we ever see.
Where to find The Rational Past
Samplings of our antiques and collectibles can be found at the Solvang Antique Center in Solvang, California as well as at the Wertz Brothers Antique Mart in Santa Monica. Although The Rational Past operates out of West Los Angeles we frequently participate in various antique shows, Steampunk Conventions and Comic Book conventions around California and the Southwest. We also run auctions on-line through e-bay under the seller ID of therationalpast. Occasionally we are asked to speak at club meetings or collectors' conventions; we are happy to oblige if our schedule permits. Current show schedule:
January 4-6th Steampunk Symposium on the Queen Mary
For those of you who are interested in old or antique hand tools, the P.A.S.T. (Preserving Arts and Skills of the Trades Association) web site tooltalk.org is the place to visit.
The Rational Past is a member of the Antiques and Collectibles Show Promoters' Association (ACSPA) which is part of the Antiques and Collectibles Dealers Association (ACDA). We recommend all of their associations to those who are interested in buying, dealing, promoting shows, or operating antiques malls. Their site may be found at antiqueandcollectible.org.
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