About halfway into this experience (which is exactly what setting foot into the Reliable Trading Post is -- an experience) I started to wonder if I would make it out alive. The woman at the front, donning Indian Head Dress and watching mid-afternoon soaps among a plethora of crap, told me to "have fun!" after describing the various rooms to visit: 5 upstairs, 1 down below. After the first five, I opted not to go down because I was afraid I might actually have entered the twilight zone or a bad horror movie and would be trapped down there by this crazy lady who collects all manner of -- yes I already said it -- crap. To be fair, a lot of it is not crap at all. For instance, the beautiful old ice box in the first room was gorgeous, in incredible condition, and visibly a true antique. But at $1200, that kind of stuff is more like museum-ware than anythinge else. The broken plastic box of broken jewlery and the $50 collection of ceramic thimbles with the portraits of the nation's presidents fall into the former category. By the third room, I started to feel a little suspicious. This room is actually a kitchen, and either the woman who runs the place is a slob, or she was going for a kind of life-size diorama representing the kitchen of a slob. Cigarette butts snubbed out in an old dirty ashtray sat on the corner of the linoleum counter. But stuff was still apparently for sale, maybe even all the stuff piled in the sink was for sale. I don't know! The fourth room hosted a loud ticking clock and a number of mounted deer heads, which have not been taken care of in the days since the precious animals were shot and killed. An old bridal gown hung yellowing on a door to who knows where. In the fifth room I found the fourth or fifth piece of Abraham Lincoln memorabilia, this was a hand-drawn portrait of the former president. I took up the fantasy that the head-dress lady in the front was probably obsessed with old Abe and drew it herself. Like I said, I didn't make it to the basement. Perhaps next time I go in I will, but I will have to be accompanied by a friend or family member. I will go back, though. Not to buy anything, just for the experience. read more

Hands down one of the strangest places I've encountered since moving to New England. I have loved going into antique stores since coming here as the weird and creepy items abound here........what is up with those dolls..... they are the things of nightmares!!!! This store has some unique characteristics. 1. You are greeted by the owner upon entering.....(note...this is not an experience for a quick visit) and she will tell you that the store is truly a trading post, everything is negotiable and give you a layout of the store. 2. Next you get to start going through the store that is crowded and difficult to navigate as it's FULL of stuff. As is typical of any antiques store, some of the stuff is crap and some things are truly wonderful. I found that the prices here are pretty fair... If you really want to spend some time exploring and find some hard to find items, you should be able to find them here. read more

This a true treasure in West Roxbury. No antiquing trip to Boston is complete without a visit. Very eclectic offerings that include the ability to trade for items!!!! But you will need to have items from the 19th century to trade. Have fun and say hello to Judy for me. read more

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Don't go here. I was searching for local antique stores when I found this one in my area. I drove there right away, so excited to find some new treasures. The woman at the store insisted on knowing what I was looking for. So, I told her one of the things I'm in the market for and she said "we don't have anything like that" meanwhile, I took a glance around from where I was standing and saw about 3 different things I would've purchased for this purpose. She didn't want my money and she didn't want to sell me anything. She was rude and I will never be back. I will advise my friends and family to avoid this store. Don't go here if you're looking to shop because they're not looking for business. read more

This is the only trading post in all of MA. Tucked away in West Roxbury it felt more like Maine or NH. You may trade or barter or simply purchase unique items. The owner is great she will give you a flashlight to explore the barn built in the 1800's. Fun! read more

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My father and I visited the Trading Post today for the first time. And such a lovely visit we had. Upon entering, we met the owner of the property, Judy. She is simply awesome. So friendly and inviting, she explained to us that we entered the oldest Trading Post in all of New England, how to maneuver around each room, and to enjoy!... And we surely did... The collections are a treasure to look through. I saw some items I would definately love to have. It's a trading post, so she accepts trade. I have a pair of brass lamps from The Orient Express that I am willing to trade... I am so looking forward to returning to Judy's "Reliable Trading Post". She is the nicest woman.. We had a great experience there.. and I will be back soon :) read more

This is the best place I've ever been to in my whole life, so much to say words can't even explain it, if you are into old things and antiques its like heaven, this place is a rare gem, its the only trading post in all of new england, and its in west roxbury, everyone needs to experience this place, its like a labriyth of rooms, and they have a barn in the back yard!! you cant even imagine what they have, you want to be surprised, it makes you feel like your in the old times, go and see for yourself, there needs to be more places like this :) read more

this is in reply to the write up i read about the trading post. to start with its not an antique shop, it's a trading post. most of the items are of antique age other things are of interust to people who collect historic things like this thimnle set of presipents. i must add judith is a very nice , well respected woman. always ready to help people. if you took any time to get to know her, you would quickly apologive for calling her scary. she does not deserve your insults. i can tell you that down stairs is a joyful find for all doll collectors. i have been at the trading post and saw the sparkles in the eyes of youngr doll collectors who excitingly try to choose which doll has the prettiest outft=it or the nicest face or the shinest hair. judith always mentions to her customers if somethingis a reproduction or the real deal. most people appreciate her honesty! it is actually like visiting a museum but without paying the prices of a musuem tiket. one thing i do agree with you on it is a nice change from all the banks and nail salons in the area. hats off to judith!!!!!!!!keep up the good work for those of us who appreciate her shop, your honesty, you friendiness, atmosphere and all the good you do for our community. unlike the people who sit on there computers all day writing stuff about people before they know all the facts! maryanne(scribed by josh j.b.) p.s. judith is also handicapped and it is not easy for her to keep the shop well dusted but most people think it adds to the age and nostalgia of te shop read more

The Reliable Trading Post holds within it's walls the combined intrigue of treasure hunting and escape from impersonal shopping amidst mass manufactured and mundane goods. I can't believe the lovely owner, Judy, does not charge admission to what seems to me to be an extraordinary collection of American history. An avid collector myself, Judy's collecting began when she was fifteen years old. The carved Indian and Pilgrim, each standing at least 6' tall, actually went unnoticed by me upon my first visit despite the fact that they occupy two of several front windows of this store for the reason that, despite their age, value, rarity and imposing presence, there is so very much more at the Reliable Trading Post. Yes, there is some mumbo jumbo for the simple reason that Judy is kind and extends a warm welcome to traders of wares which, frankly, don't come close to what her own collection offers. She wants a trading post and is willing to keep her end of the bargain. What exists in this store which does not reflect her keen eye for workmanship, rarity and historical value I am certain is the product of her generosity towards others. The philosophy or "mission" if you will, of this store is rooted in the character of it's owner. She's a treasure! read more