Moise Waldhorn, an immigrant from Alsace, France, established a pawnshop, the People’s Loan Office, on the corner of Royal and Conti Streets in 1881. Waldhorn began to take in furniture and jewelry from families that were still suffering in the wake of the Civil War, and eventually his pawnshop became one of the earliest antiques stores in the city. Waldhorn’s Antiques operated in the same spot for over 130 years. 

Antiques: A Rare Collection from Old Creole Families

New Orleans: Boudousquie Print, between 1905 and 1910

The Historic New Orleans Collection, 88-495-RL

M. Waldhorn trade card

ca. 1895

The Historic New Orleans Collection, 56-12-L

M. Waldhorn trade card (recto)

ca. 1895

The Historic New Orleans Collection, 56-12-L

Waldhorn’s interior

1903; photoprint

courtesy of Adler’s

Waldhorn’s, Royal and Conti Streets

between 1880 and 1910; platinum print

by Morgan Whitney

The Historic New Orleans Collection, 1970.15.6

Business license for the People’s Loan Office

1881

courtesy of Adler’s