George C. Birlant & Co. Antiques: Celebrating Over 100 Years of Charleston History and Fine Collectibles

103 distinguished years in historic Charleston, South Carolina

By Mark A Leon

George C. Birlant & Co. Antiques is a distinguished family-owned antique business located at 191 King Street in Charleston’s historic French Quarter. 

Founded in 1922 by George C. Birlant, it has been serving collectors and enthusiasts for over 100 years, making it one of the oldest and most respected antique shops in the Southeast.

George Birlant’s passion for antiques originated from his early career as a realtor, where he gained extensive exposure to the fine contents of Lowcountry homes. Known for his extraordinary personality and expertise, he became a renowned estate auctioneer, conducting hundreds of estate auctions throughout the Southeast. His specialty was in English Georgian furniture and silver, which laid the foundation for the shop’s focus on 18th- and 19th-century antiques.

The business initially started in a warehouse on East Bay Street but soon moved to upper King Street and then to a small storefront on the corner of King and Clifford streets. In 1932, Birlant purchased the four-story historic Enston Building at 187-191 King Street, where the company still operates today.

After George Birlant passed away in 1971, his son-in-law, Phil Slotin, and daughter, Marian, continued the legacy. Their son, Andrew Birlant Slotin, joined the company in 1985, and together they maintain the tradition of quality and value that the founder established. 

The firm is known for its wide selection of antique furniture, silver, porcelain, crystal, brass items, longcase clocks, and exceptional reproductions, all curated with unparalleled service and integrity.

An iconic part of the business is the Charleston Battery Bench, a cast-iron and cypress bench with a historic Charleston design. George Birlant acquired the exclusive rights to produce this bench in the 1940s, and the company continues to manufacture and sell it nationwide, preserving a beloved piece of Charleston heritage.

In sum, George C. Birlant & Co. Antiques stands as a historic anchor of Charleston’s King Street Antique District, offering exquisite antiques steeped in Lowcountry charm and history for over a century.

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