by VAN HANSEN

When Alex Moshtagh was a child, he couldn’t walk past an antique shop without wandering inside, captivated by the silent stories evoked by old wood, porcelain, and brass. His father was a collector, and when they moved to Canada, Alex’s parents would go and search for things that reminded them of back home.

“There’s so much history,” Alex says, his voice carrying both nostalgia and quiet authority.  “Where did these things come from? What’s the story behind them? It was always interesting to me.”

That childhood curiosity turned into a passion during his teenage years, when Alex took an apprenticeship as a cabinetmaker.

Working with his hands, he embraced the artistry of finely crafted furniture, developing an instinct for recognizing quality and authenticity.

As he matured, Alex realized his interests stretched far beyond the craft of woodworking. Objects weren’t just things to build—they were artifacts with stories, each one a puzzle piece in a broader historical narrative. Alex and his family decided to transform their shared passion into a business.

“We chose to become antique dealers,” he says. “So we started the store, and almost 33 years later, I’m still doing it.”

The Moshtagh’s opened their first brick and mortar store in Toronto at Yonge & Steeles. More recently Alex relocated the business to Oakville, and then later to Burlington.  

Over the years, Alex has witnessed the antique market evolve dramatically. Trends come and go, tastes shift, and the internet has transformed how collectors and dealers connect.

Yet one thing remains unchanged for him: the allure of discovering an item’s past and helping others understand its worth—both sentimental and monetary.

“People often don’t realize what they have,” he says. “Sometimes it’s not about the dollar value—it’s about the history and connection.”

On the Road Again

Alex’s knowledge and approachable demeanor have made him a trusted resource in the community, and Jen & Van Hansen have engaged him regularly over the past couple of years to conduct Antique Road Shows in Burlington.

Whether offering advice to curious collectors from his shop or conducting estate appraisals, he approaches each encounter with the same wonder he felt as a boy exploring antique shops.

“Every piece has a story,” he says. “And that’s what makes it all worthwhile.”

Alex Moshtagh holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Mathematics from York University, and he is the Owner of Treasure Antique & Appraisers.

Next Event is July 19—Antiques Road Show in Burlington

event registration

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