About Us
First established in 2010, The Great Republic is a brand dedicated to celebrating American heritage through the sale of authentic American antiques and American-made contemporary goods. We specialize in one-of-a-kind collectibles that honor American history, with a special focus on the rare and unique. Our old collection is complete with collectables that are sure to wow, such as rare printings of book titles like The Federalist and The Great Gatsby, antique hand-sewn flags from the Civil War, and original signatures from American presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, just to name a few. Our wide collection of original Americana is complimented by an extensive new collection of American-made goods, to include quality leather wallets, interesting men's cufflinks, and home decor, all of which are designed and manufactured by American craftsmen.
We have established a reputation for our high quality, authentic antique pieces. We pride ourselves in offering a wide variety of antique Americana, all of which is guaranteed authentic through lengthy letters of authenticity. We have worked with both seasoned buyers and new collectors to provide personalized service throughout the buying process. We take collecting a step further by ensuring that all pieces are preserved for decades to come, with art conservation, bookbinding, and archival framing all taken care of before purchase. Our dedication to American antiques ensures that we acquire and sell only pieces of the highest quality and with irrefutable provenance.
Our Team:
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Eddie PapczunFounder & Majority Owner The Great Republic was imagined and founded by Eddie Papczun. Eddie's love and passion for America was the inspiration for The Great Republic. Eddie leverages over 30 years of experience in antiques, with a specialty in autographs, as well as luxury shop management. He designed and headed one of the foremost golf antiquities shops as the Founder and Former President of Golf Links to the Past at Pebble Beach. He began The Great Republic at The Broadmoor, later expanded to an additional location at CityCenterDC, and set up multiple pop-up locations over the life of the company. Having served his country as an Air Force Officer, Eddie’s passion for America’s history is genuine, and he celebrates his love of country in The Great Republic. Eddie's main goals for The Great Republic have always been to celebrate American craftsmen and protect the integrity of American history and historic artifacts. These goals are upheld and demonstrated in the business today. |
Our expert team is made up of individuals with specialties in the art and antiques world. Acquisition, product research, and sales are done by our team, who have a hand in the process from start to finish. We take great pride in providing exceptional customer support to all clients, new and existing. Contact one of our specialized staff members for customized service and professional assistance.
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Caroline BonardiPresident Caroline has been in the antique trade since 2010, when she was hired by The Old Print Shop for their location in Washington, DC. In 2016, she joined the Great Republic as the Vice President, Rare and Old Collections, responsible for cataloging, pricing, and research of antiques. In 2018, she was promoted to Senior Vice President and Director to manage the company's central operations. In April of 2020, Caroline became President of The Great Republic. Caroline graduated from Emory University in 2010 with a B.A. in Cultural Anthropology and Art History and is a member of the Lambda Alpha National Anthropology Honor Society. As a researcher and collector, Caroline’s personal interest lies in 18th and early 19th century maps of America and the intersection of mapping, prints, and public health.
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Katie IbraliuVice President Katie earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from George Mason University in both Art History and Global Affairs. She has worked in museums and institutions in both Washington, D.C. and in Florence, Italy. As Vice President, she works to oversee company operations, product promotion, acquisitions, and client relations. Katie is responsible for all of the company's marketing efforts. She has been with The Great Republic since 2018 and is well-versed in Americana antiques, with a special concentration in original American flags. |
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Cerys McCarthy
Colorado Store Manager Cerys joined The Great Republic in the Colorado Springs location in November 2022. In spring 2022 she graduated with her BA in Art History at LSU, and wishes to pursue a Masters in Fine Art Conservation & Restoration. She grew up in Mandeville, Louisiana, but has made Colorado Springs her home since moving in 2020. In her free time, Cerys enjoys spending time with her partner, playing with her cats, home cooking, hiking and creating artwork. She has a lot of experience working with children, and loves to encourage all youth to get more invested in learning about American History! She is an avid fan of Post-Revolutionary documents, Civil-War era maps, and 20th century literature. |
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Barb KrauserSales Associate Barb works as a Sales Associate in the Colorado Springs location of The Great Republic. She has been a team member since March of 2015. She is a Navy Veteran with 22 years of service with a background in Criminal Justice. She is a native of Colorado Springs and enjoys hiking with her dog, gardening and spending time with her family. Her interests are Civil War History and WWI and WWII posters. |
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Julia StaatSales Associate Julia joined the Great Republic Team in Colorado Springs in May 2023. Prior to joining the team she graduated from Colorado College with a Bachelors of Arts in both History and Environmental Studies, and hopes to pursue a Masters in American Material Culture. Julia has worked with antiques for the last four years, getting her start along the Civil War trail on the East Coast and relocating to Colorado in 2021. In her free time, Julia enjoys thrifting, hiking, and hanging out with her friends. Her interests include antique ephemera and the ornamental arts, especially the decorative objects frequently forgotten through the course of time. |
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