Mr. Boggis' Antique Scheme

Mr. Boggis' Aims

• Mr. Boggis anticipated an enjoyable and profitable day buying antiques.
• He aimed to use his talent to increase his business's profitability.
• Boggis owned a small antique shop in Chelsea.
• He had a reputation among antique dealers for finding rare and beautiful pieces.
• He attributed his success to a "little secret".
• Boggis purchased antique furniture at low prices from owners unaware of their true value.
• He then sold these items for a significant profit.
• He was an expert in French, English, and Italian furniture, knowing the styles and periods.
• Boggis had excellent taste, only acquiring attractive pieces regardless of the maker's fame.

A Fateful Errand

• Nine years prior, Boggis was on his way to visit his mother in the countryside.
• His car overheated, leading him to a farmhouse for water.
• In the living room, he spotted two late 15th-century armchairs.
• They were worth a fortune, igniting Boggis's determination to acquire them.

Beginning his ruse

• Boggis asked the lady if she would like to sell the chairs, he was careful not to seem too keen
• The lady responded with surprise
• Boggis said he might give her a good price.
• The lady considered his offer, she never really liked them.

Negotiations and Acquisition

• Boggis paid modestly more than his initial offer for the chairs.
• They allowed him to replace them with something simpler.
• The lady cleverly hid the fact they were unwanted.
• He expressed enthusiasm for the chairs but reassured her they weren't valuable.
• He invented a client interested in such chairs.
• Boggis concealed his excitement while loading the chairs into his van.

The Birth of the "Parson"

• Inspired, Boggis considered searching the countryside for more antique furniture.
• He knew country people were suspicious of strangers.
• He considered posing as a plumber or a gardener.
• He decided to impersonate a parson with a fondness for old furniture.
• He would claim to document hidden treasures in country homes.

Reinforcing the Deception

• Boggis created business cards to support his false identity.
• He pretended to be the "President of the Society for the Preservation of Rare Furniture".
• Bogus also claimed to be "in association with the Victoria and Albert Museum."
• Boggis spent Sundays traveling the countryside as a parson in an old black suit with a collar.
• He noted how friendly people became once he entered their homes.
• He was thought to be a very hospitable person.

Strategic Deception

• Boggis found suitable houses near London.
• He divided maps into 5-kilometer radius areas, planning to visit one area weekly.
• He targeted isolated farmhouses and country mansions in poor condition, where owners needed money.
• He avoided visiting towns, villages and prosperous-looking homes.
• He felt that rich people wont be interested in selling.

Honing His Skills

• Boggis knew to be cautious and not waste his time
• Some times Boggis was unsuccessful.
• There was, on occasion, nothing worth buying
• Sometimes he found it unattractive.
• He rarely failed to persuade someone to sell if he wanted something.
• Boggis was a skilled actor, adapting his speech to please each owner.
• He displayed gentlemanly courtesy to old ladies and flirted with younger ones.
• Boggis would show support for their political views.
• He incorporated biblical references in conversations with religious owners.

Maintaining the Illusion

• Boggis thought his old van was no match for his new persona
• He believed parsons should have modest vehicles
• He always parked his van far away to avoid suspicion when visiting country houses.
• He only drove it to the front gate after a successful deal.