On our site today, discussions got around to pottery distribution in
the 18th & 19th century and secondary markets. The phenomenon of hand-
me-downs from plantation owner to overseer to slave is documented. But
in an urban environment, was there a mechanism for distribution of
wares "not of the latest fashion" to secondary markets and/or
distributees in any formal manner or was it an ad hoc arrangement.
And, has anyone looked at the archaeological record to show same, if
it exists? Did what we now call second-hand shops exist except as 20th
century inventions? How common were the Dickensian Old Curiosity Shops
as mechanisms for redistribution of goods for the middle/lower classes
outside major metro areas?
Thanks in advance,
Lyle Browning, RPA