Zap Props salutes Americana and appeals to the collector with true grit.
Founded by William “Bill” Rawski, the Zap Props space is a curated explosion of vintage Americana, industrial artifacts and rare finds with undeniable character. From Art Deco appliances to weathered signage to garden elements, everything in the shop is chosen with one criterion: it has to catch your eye.
“I’m not driven by what’s hot or what’s valuable … I like the overall beauty of an item,” Rawski said.
“Many of the people entering my shop love the fact that I sell vintage items and not contemporary or European items,” he elaborated. This fall, his space is packed with vintage finds with the Zap Props aesthetic—items that speak through form, scale and texture. One standout is a massive vintage painting of an elk, created initially as part of a larger advertisement. It’s bold, eye-catching and distinctly American—the kind of piece that can anchor a room or stop someone mid-stride.
What really sets Zap Props apart is its unapologetic focus on domestic vintage. Rawski brings something different to Market Hill: authentic American objects with patina, presence and personality. His following includes everyone from first-time shoppers to interior designers to long-time collectors, all looking for something singular.
And this season, the garden section gets its moment. Rawski’s outdoor space will be filled with interesting garden and architectural items.
It’s no surprise Zap Props has staying power. Rawski’s work in this field began with jukeboxes bound for Europe, then grew into a thriving stateside business outfitting restaurants like Fuddruckers with full shipping containers of Americana each month. Decades later, he’s still doing what he loves—and building lasting friendships with dealers and clients along the way.
Stay connected with Zap Props on Instagram @zappropsandartifacts, and explore their offerings on their website www.zapartifacts.com
