Atticy Antiques Shop Review

The great thing about entering a shop selling ‘bric-a-brac’ is that you never know what you will find. This is especially so for militaria collectors. I experienced this recently when I was in Jersey and took some time to look around the shops just on the outskirts of the town centre in St Helier. Whilst strolling along the street in La Colomberie, I came across what, from the outside, looked like a large Victorian house, but the sign outside read ‘Atticy Antiques’.

Walking up the large stone step and through the door, I was amazed by what greeted me. Even though I am an experienced collector of militaria, the clichéd terms ‘Aladdin’s cave’ and ‘treasure trove’ sprang to mind. At first glance, I did not know where to start looking but by following the items of militaria on display I ended up in a well-stocked room and a natural point from where to begin looking. I was welcomed with a friendly greeting by Andrew Moisan, who introduced himself as the owner and proprietor. We joined in conversation as though we were old friends, which is always a great way to start.

He explained that he had been trading from the premises for eight years and business is very good, with a range of unusual collectables, which appeals to many interests. Andrew’s personal interest is militaria and on learning this was mine also he directed me to the first floor, where the greater portion is housed. Making my way upstairs my amazement grew, as I looked at the pieces for sale. Prices are what collectors would expect to pay and quality is very good.

Militaria galore!

Arriving at the first floor, it is nothing but militaria of all descriptions. Hundreds of books on a wide range of subject matters, some very old and long out of print, are placed neatly in shelves where they can be easily browsed. There were some boxes of magazines on the floor, but the most interesting stuff is displayed to catch the eye. There is such a wealth of items that it is like having the exclusive right to a preview at a militaria fair before it opens. You find yourself looking so as not to miss anything.

Being Jersey, there is a lot of European militaria on offer, especially French and Belgian, but British items also feature from badges to bayonets and medals. Framed photographs and prints, helmets and commemorative pieces along with flags, shell cases, including trench art from WWI, and plenty of porcelain. For postcard collectors, there are stacks of neatly sorted boxes, which they can search through to their complete contentment. There is no sense of feeling rushed here and Andrew is on hand to discuss things.

This is a shop where the traditional style of trading continues, which is to say it is very much ‘hands-on’ and dealing directly with customers. In that respect, Andrew does not have either Email for enquiries or a Website. The premises are located at 75 La Colomberie, St Helier, Jersey JE2 4QB. The shop is open three days a week, Thursday to Saturday, between the hours of 10am and 2pm. Telephone enquiries can be made by calling 01534 872 645.

If you are visiting Jersey for a holiday, be sure to include a visit to Atticy Antiques on your list of things to do. To miss it is to miss an opportunity to add some unusual items to your collection, whatever your interest.