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I just got back from my first trip of the season to the Shawano, Wis., flea market, which is held each Sunday through the summer at the Shawano County Fairgrounds. This is their 39th season, by the way.) The weather is beautiful, the vendors friendly and upbeat, and the crowd courteous and eager for finds.

I didn't find much that said "Take me home," by I did pick up several VHS movies for my daughter. (Come on, I know I'm not the only one who still has a VHS player or two in my home ...)

And we picked up a bunch of tomato plants. I don't know about any of you, but my autumn plans include canning and preserving as much harvest from my garden as possible.

We saw a Knapstein brewery case and bottle, too. But they didn't find their way home with us as we've already got stacks of cases and I don't know how many bottles.

When we went to the Lions Club food stand to get my daughter a shake for the ride home, they said they don't have those until summer. My daughter wasn't disappointed (she got some cheesy poofs instead), but I was. And my husband was ... he thought a shake sounded pretty good on this beautiful, sunny, summerlike day.

I told the young lady at the food stand we'd be back for that ice cream later in the season ... so you see, I take my word seriously, and we'll just have to go back and get that ice cream. And while we're at it, we'll have to check out the flea market stalls too.

If you're interested, this year the Shawano flea market is open Sundays from April 5 through Sept. 20 from 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is $2 for adults, children under 16 get in free. They have a 2-day market Memorial Day weekend, May 23-24; and a 3-day market Independence Day weekend, July 3-5.

Their final multi-day flea is Sept. 5-6 (Labor Day weekend), but this event has been moved from the Shawano Co. Fairgrounds to the Langlade County Fairgrounds in Antigo, Wis.

For more information on this event, contact Zurko's Promotions at 715-526-9769 or visit www.zurkospromotions.com.

Now if I can just get myself to the Princeton market ...

— Posted by Karen Knapstein


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Here's a sneak peek:

What was hot at AC?

According to Eric Bradley:

As for hot selling merchandise - toy dealers did well all across the board. Folks were choosy and selective, trying to buy the best toys they could afford for under $100.

Vintage sports memorabilia was the surprise growth market. We have five dealers who carry such items and all five reported fabulous shows. But the dealers sold across eclectic lines: baseball, bowling, football, cricket, trophies, curling and skiing. I suspect it was because most individual items were each priced below $400.

Several dealers reported "best ever" sales in estate jewelry, fine art and American pottery. High-quality costume jewelry ($500-$1,000) was again an extremely popular segment. One Florida dealer reported $40,000 in sales of complete sets of dinner services in fine china.

Ephemera dealers reported great sales of postcards, vintage travel posters, banners and advertising memorabilia. A dealer in comic books reported high sales and a seller of vintage and antique maps (priced $100-$500) said he was blown away at his sales volume.

Even our junk dealers reported fantastic sales as dealers across New Jersey sought fresh merchandise to spruce up their inventory before the summer tourist season starts.

Worst markets: folk art, furniture, American Brilliant cut glass, European porcelain, Tiffany lamps and vintage clothing. And if dealers weren't willing to haggle they had no sales.

Eric Bradley had this good news about Atlantique City:

The show was indeed a success despite the economic climate and the difficult operations needs. The sentiment was universal - even among dealers who didn't sell a thing. Dealers were overwhelmingly impressed with the type of buyers that came through the gate as well as the way the staff dressed the event, got them in and out and solved their problems on the floor. I talked to three dealers who skipped the show but were shopping who said they made a HUGE mistake not being there. Another dealer called on Sunday and apologized for canceling.

Most of all - The conversation among customers turned from "Is this your last show?" to "Where is the contract and when are you setting more details?" Despite the shaky economy, last weekend's show gave us a solid starting block for our next show March 27-28, 2010.

So how was Atlantique City for you?

The staff who attended the Atlantique City show this past weekend are trickling back into the office today.

I'm anxious to get their impressions of the show.

What are your impressions?

The 15th annual World's Fair Memorabilia Show is on Sunday, March 29th, 2009.  
 
The hours are 10am to 4pm and is being held at the Elk Grove Holiday Inn, 1000 Busse Road (Rt. 83 and Landmeier Rd.) in Elk Grove Village, Illinois.  Admission is $5, $4 for seniors over 64.   

We will have a special display of 1933/ 1934 World's Fair items.  Collectors and dealers will meet to buy, sell and trade items related to World's Fairs from 1876 to the present.  The main focus will be on the 1933/34 Chicago World's Fair.  There will also be items from the 1893 Chicago Columbian Exposition and other Chicago related ephemera.  There will be some items from other World's Fairs including:  1904 St. Louis, 1939-40 New York, 1962 Seattle, 1964-65 New York, Expo '67, etc.  There will be over 20 tables of World's Fair items for sale!

There will be continuous showings of home movies and newsreels on video from the 1933/34 Chicago A Century of Progress.  World's Fair collectors and fans of the fair are invited to come celebrate the 75th anniversary of the 1934 Century of Progress and relive one of the brightest moments in Chicago's history.  (Two of the stars on Chicago's flag commemorate the 1893 and 1933/34 Fairs!)

For info contact:  Rick Rann, PO Box 877, Oak Park, IL 60303 708-442-7907.  Or check our website for updates:  www.worldsfairshow.com.

2009 marks the 75th anniversary of the 1934 Century of Progress World's Fair.  We will have a special display of original 1933 & 1934 World's Fair memorabilia.  Collectors and dealers will meet to buy, sell and trade items related to World's Fairs from 1876 to the present.  The main focus will be on the 1933/34 Chicago World's Fair.  There will also be items from the 1893 Chicago Columbian Exposition and other Chicago related ephemera.  There will be some items from other World's Fairs including:  1904 St. Louis, 1939-40 New York, 1962 Seattle, 1964-65 New York, Expo '67, etc.  There will be over 20 tables of World's Fair items for sale!
 
There will be continuous showings of home movies and newsreels on video from the 1933/34 Chicago A Century of Progress.  Though there are few traces left in the area where the fair took place - between Roosevelt Road and 39th Street along the lakefront including the area where Meigs Field was located (now designated for Northerly Island Park) - Rick Rann and Bob Conidi are bringing the fair back to Chicago at this show!
 
Over 39,000,000 people attended Chicago's second World's Fair.  (The first being the Columbian Exposition held in 1893.)  The theme "A Century of Progress" referred to the one hundred year period from the founding of Chicago in 1833, to the year of the fair, 1933.  One of the guiding principles of the fair was "Progress Through Science".  Many companies had working factories at the fair, where people could see the products being produced.  Some of the items actually produced on the fairgrounds included Firestone tires, White Owl Cigars, Hiram Walker Whiskey (at the 1934 fair, as Prohibition ended at the end of 1933), Wonder Bread, and even Chevrolet automobiles.  These products were purchased at the fair and Century of Progress collectors will be buying and selling these items at the show.  
 
The fair had many memorable buildings and attractions including the Sky Ride, Havoline's 227 foot tall thermometer tower (with neon tubing showing the current temperatures to fairgoers) and the Travel and Transport Building with a suspended roof.  It is amazing that this fair was privately financed at the height of the Depression and was one of the few World's Fairs to make a profit!
 
At the World's Fair Memorabilia Show there will be collectors and dealers selling artifacts and collectibles from the 1933-34 Chicago Fair and other World's Fairs, as well as Chicago ephemera.  There will be a special display of Century of Progress memorabilia.    World's Fair collectors and fans of the fair are invited to come celebrate the 75th anniversary of the 1934 Century of Progress and relive one of the brightest moments in Chicago's history.  (Two of the stars on Chicago's flag commemorate the 1893 and 1933/34 Fairs!)

This year the Cedar Rapids Antique Show & Collector Fair is being held Thursday-Saturday due to Easter Sunday being April 12.

It's held at the  Hawkeye Downs Main Exhibition Building  (just off I-380, Exit #17) located  at 4400 6th St  SW, Cedar Rapids, IA. The show hours will be Thursday 11 am-7 pm; Friday 11 am-7 pm; Saturday 9 am-4 pm.

For show information, call 641-832-2700 or cell no. 507-269-1473.  Check their Web site at www.iridescenthouse.com and click on shows.   

The Antiques & Collectibles National Association is headed to New Orleans in January 2010 for their first national convention and trade show since 2006.

Association members and non-members are welcome. Early registration is encouraged since discounts are given prior to June 1, 2009.

They've chosen a fantastic theme: "Help Your Future – Buy Your Past."

That says it all, doesn't it?

And they have an exciting lineup planned:

Scheduled speakers and topics for the classes include Kyle Husfloen, keynote address; Fred and Gail Taylor – Antique Furniture; Randy and Debbie Coe – Glass; DiAnna Tindell – Art Restoration; Connie Swaim – Recognizing Fakes; Barbara Mauzy – Kitchenware and Beth Walker – Silver.

For more information about the ACNA, visit their Web site at http://www.acna.us/index.php

Visited their site this morning. Looks fabulous! Another way to enjoy the weekends during the summer:

Chicago Antique Market schedule:

Show dates:
Saturdays & Sundays:
Opening weekend: May 23-24, 2009 Memorial Day
June 27-28, 2009
July 25-26, 2009
August 29-30, 2009
September 26-27, 2009

Show hours: Saturdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sundays 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Admission: $10; students $5; children free.

For more information: http://www.chicagoantiquemarket.com

Bally's Las Vegas Hotel & Casino is the new site of The Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show, which will be held May 28-June 1, 2009. More than 350 exhibitors, comprised of renowned dealers in the antique jewelry and watch industry, will be showing their wares.

They will exhibit rare and unusual historical antique and vintage pieces, gemstones, and antique watches from famous brands including Cartier, Rolex, Tiffany, Patek Philippe and more.

The Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch show is an annual event open only to the trade; a valid ID and business card is necessary for entry. Show hours are 11 a.m.-7 p.m. May 28-May 31, and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Monday, June 1. A one-time admission of $15 is valid for all five days of the show.

For more information visit www.dmgantiqueshows.com.

If you're going, drop us a line and give us your impressions. We'd love to hear from you!

Here are some shortcuts to some of this week's Antique Trader features and articles (click on the headline to read the article):

‘March Madness’ at Carlsen Gallery, March 21-22

Magic collection on the block

Economic silver lining found at Dargate auction

LL Auctions shifts focus to include online-only sales

Ken Leach to direct perfume bottles auction

Positive news from the Feb. 7 York Toy Show

Arlie Sulka to address gathering of perfume bottle collectors

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...

Brits and pieces: Antique malls, UK style

AntiqueSpider.com welcomes trade in legal antique ivory

On Sunday, April 5, 2009, the April Fools Toy Show will take place from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Nur Shrine Temple, Route. 13 / 198 South DuPont Highway, New Castle, DE.

Admission is $4, children under the age of 12 are free, $10 Early Buyers 9 a.m. admission.

April is their biggest show and will feature over 175 tables of collectible and antique toys from the 1900s to the present.

The show will also have door prizes, refreshments, and free parking. It is a rain or shine event.

Then, on July, 26, 2009: The 1st Delaware Antique & Collectible Extravaganza at Spence's Bazaar in Dover, Del. "It will be Del/Mar/Va's Largest Free Outdoor Antique Show."

For information visit www.toyshows.org or call 302-222-3030 or 856-228-7681.

... and so few pages.

Here are some new show previews for your perusal:

Antiques street fair is the place to discover treasures

Black cloth doll exhibit to be featured at California Country Antique Show

New train service makes getting to Atlantique City easier

Ocean Grove, N.J., Postcards, Books & Paper Show

59th Oregon, Ill., Antique Show

Postcard and paper show has new look, new manager

I love how our "field" includes everything historical.

Carriage Symposium in the West set for April 2-5 in Santa Ynez, Calif.

The Carriage Association of America will hold a Carriage Symposium in the West at Santa Ynez, Calif., on April 2-5, 2009.

Entitled “A Bit of the West that Was: A Symposium on Stagecoaches and Other Horse Drawn Vehicles,” the event will be held at the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum & Carriage House.

For additional information on the event, or to join the Carriage Association of America, visit www.caaonline.com, call 805-688-7889 or e-mail syvm@verizon.net.

— Posted by Karen

Buyers at the 2009 Atlantique City show will have access to four expert appraisers March 28-29, 2009 at the Atlantic City Convention Center. Every buyer is eligible for a free appraisal with additional appraisals (as time allows) available at $10 each. Appraisals are prohibited on items purchased at the show.

This year’s spectacular line up of experts includes:

Paula Fox of Bensalem, Pa. specializes in estate jewelry and gems. She will be the gemologist and appraiser at the show. Fox is vice president of the International Society of Appraisers, Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter and a ranking member of the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers.

Mark F. Moran senior editor, antiques and collectibles books for Krause Publications in Iola, Wis. is a generalist. He has been a contributing editor to Antique Trader magazine, editor of Antique Review East magazine, producer of Atlantique City and editorial director of F+W Media’s Antiques Group. He is the author of more than 20 books on antiques and collectibles.

Linda Roberts, president of the Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the International Society of Appraisers will offer appraisals on general items. Roberts and her husband Howard own White Orchid Antiques & Appraisals in Media, Pa.

Ellen Schroy, editor of 24 consecutive editions of the Warman's Antiques and Collectibles Price Guide, will returns as a general appraiser. Beyond her work as a noted author in the antiques industry, Schroy contributes to Antique Trader and has appeared as a guest on nationally broadcast television and radio shows.

Todd Peenstra, an appraiser and consultant based in Annapolis, Md. is an expert on fine art and antiques. He has worked with both world renowned collectors and first-time art and antiques buyers at the prestigious M.S. Rau Antiques. Peenstra has years of experience as a buyer, seller and appraiser of the finest works of art and antiques on the market.

“Atlantique City is one of the few shows that offer free appraisals with such a broad range of talent,” says Show Promoter Eric Bradley. “The majority of the people who take advantage of our appraisal services are interested in learning more about an item picked up at a sale or whether a treasured family heirloom has any value.” Bradley notes that appraisals at Altantique City are professional opinions of value.

Atlantique City show hours are 10-6 on Saturday, March 27 and 10-4 on Sunday, March 28. Advance ticket holders gain access to the show at 9 a.m. on Saturday. To buy tickets and learn more about Atlantique City, visit the Web site at www.atlantiquecity.com. For Atlantique City exhibitor information call 800.526.2724.

The online box office for the March 2009 Atlantique City Show is now open for business. Atlantique City will take place March 28-29, 2009, at the Atlantic City Convention Center. We look forward to bringing you hundreds of America’s finest dealers in one easily accessible and exciting show.

Save $5 off the on-site ticket price and enjoy early admission to the show when you purchase tickets in advance.

Shopping Sprees Return!

You can win one of two $500 shopping sprees sponsored by Barbara Gerr Antiques of Galloway, N.J. Show buyers can enter a daily drawing for a $500 shopping spree in the appraisal/bookstore area of the show floor or right outside the Barbara Gerr Antiques booth #1000.

One winner will be randomly chosen each day to win the shopping spree.  You must be present to win and the shopping spree is good for purchases made at the show.

Collectors love Atlantique City

Dealers cover the Atlantic City Convention Center with 18th, 19th and early 20th century period antiques and fine arts including Tiffany lamps and metalwork, American folk art, European and American bronze, drawings, prints, fine furniture, Asian art and antiques, glass, porcelain and silver. Exhibitors will be coming from 41 states and Canada, Great Britain, Europe and the Orient.

Decorative arts from every major period will be in evidence: Art Deco, Aesthetic, Georgian, early American, Art Nouveau, Victorian, Modernism, and Arts & Crafts. Fine estate jewelry, Roseville, rare gems and important collections from every corner of the globe will be for sale. Antique and vintage toy dealers will bring cast iron, dolls, tin windup, vintage robots, cars, Victorian, paper and Baby Boomer-era items.

Experience the unusual curiosities at Atlantique City.Coin-operated machines, neat finds, advertising, medical and scientific technology, clocks and rugs – whether you can spend $5 or $500,000, you’ll go home with something from Atlantique City!

Show hours are Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Advance ticket buyers admitted at 9 a.m. Saturday.

Are you going to the Atlantique City show? Are you planning on attending another show this spring?

Feel free to log your reply here on the Antique Trader blog.

6th ANNUAL PALM BEACH JEWELRY, ART & ANTIQUE SHOW RETURNS PRESIDENTS’ DAY WEEKEND, FEBRUARY 13- 17
    Over 200 International Exhibitors Featuring Extraordinary Collections
 
(Palm Beach, FL) – The Palm Beach Jewelry, Art & Antique show has become a traditional, “must attend” event every Presidents’ Day weekend with thousands of dealers, private collectors, museum curators, investors and high-end interior decorators traveling to the Palm Beach County Convention Center to search for treasures and purchase some of the most unique and coveted fine art, jewelry and antiques in the world.

This year the Palm Beach Jewelry, Art & Antique Show will take place February 13-17, 2009 and feature over 200 renowned, world-class dealers showcasing fine art, sculpture, furniture, silver, textiles, bronze, jewelry, objets d’art, porcelain, ceramics, pottery, watches, clocks, Asian art and antiques, Persian carpets, glass, and more ranging in date from the antiquities to the 20th century.   An educational Lecture Series, free to the public, will further enhance the show each day with industry experts offering their extensive knowledge and background on a variety of captivating topics.

“The extraordinary collections available to view and purchase, all in one place, all at one time, paired with the level of expertise these dealers impart to our guests, cannot be found anywhere else in the United States.” said Kris Charamonde, Co-owner and managing partner of the Palm Beach Show Group.

An Opening Night Private Preview Party benefiting the Historical Society of Palm Beach County will kick off the show affording their supporters and guests with the first opportunity to view and purchase art and antiques before the show officially opens to the public on Saturday.

WHAT:        Palm Beach Jewelry, Art & Antique Show

WHEN:        February 13 – 17, 2009
        
HOURS:        Friday, February 13          Preview Party, by Invitation Only
        Saturday, February 14         11am-7pm
        Sunday, February 15         11am-7pm
        Monday, February 16         11am-7pm
        Tuesday, February 17         11am-6pm

WHERE:        Palm Beach County Convention Center
            650 Okeechobee Boulevard
            West Palm Beach, Florida

ADMISSION:    $15 daily, $25 for a 4-day pass

FOR MORE INFORMATION:  Call 561.822-5440 or visit www.palmbeachshow.com

29TH ANNUAL BALTIMORE SUMMER ANTIQUES SHOW PRESENTS OVER 550 INTERNATIONAL DEALERS, 60 ANTIQUARIAN BOOK DEALERS
The largest summer antiques show in the nation returns
to the Baltimore Convention Center September 3-6, 2009

(Baltimore, MD)— Art and antique aficionados from across the country and around the world will celebrate the final days of summer at the 29th annual Baltimore Summer Antiques Show, September 3-6 at the Baltimore Convention Center.  Guests will have the unique opportunity to view and purchase from the collections of over 550 international dealers drawn from the United States, Canada, France, Italy, and England all in one place, all at one time.  Showcased collections of fine art, jewelry, silver, porcelain, American folk art, decorative accessories, furniture, glass, textiles and more ranging from the antiquities to the 20th century will line aisle after aisle at the largest summer antiques show in the nation.  The show also includes a 60-dealer Antiquarian Book Fair offering rare books, first editions, fine manuscripts, autographs, and unusual bibliographical material.

Adding to the event’s cultural experience, the Baltimore Summer Antiques Show will once again present an educational lecture series that is free to the public as well as show attendees.  The lecture series includes presentations on a wide variety of topics by respected dealers and industry experts.

The incredible diversity of dealers combined with the solid quality of items as well as educational programming makes the Baltimore show a significant event for guests and exhibitors alike.  

WHAT:            29th annual Baltimore Summer Antiques Show
    
WHEN:            Thursday, September 3 - Sunday, September 6, 2009

HOURS:            Thursday, September 3     12 pm – 8 pm
            Friday, September 4           11 am – 7 pm
            Saturday, September 5     11am – 7 pm
            Sunday, September 6        11am – 6 pm

WHERE:              Baltimore Convention Center
                Downtown at the Baltimore Inner Harbor
                One West Pratt Street
                Two Main Entrances:
                West Pratt Street Lobby
                Charles Street Lobby
            
ADMISSION:         Tickets:  $12.00   Good for all show days

FOR MORE         Call the Palm Beach Show Group at 561-822-5440 or visit
INFORMATION:        www.baltimoresummerantiques.com.

INAUGURAL D.C. SPRING ANTIQUES SHOW DEBUTS MARCH 2009

Largest International Antiques Show of its Kind in the Nation’s Capital
to Showcase Fine Art, Jewelry and Antiques


(Palm Beach, Florida) – The inaugural D.C. Spring Antiques Show will open its doors at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center March 6-9, 2009 with a showcasing of fine art, jewelry and antiques premiering as the largest antiques show of its kind to be presented in our nation’s capital.  

Over 300 of the world’s most renowned antique dealers, including A.B. Levy, William Cook, The Silver Fund, Mark J. West, Toulouse Antique Gallery and T.K. Asian Antiquities will present impressive collections from every genre including fine art, jewelry, glass, Political memorabilia, porcelain, furniture, decorative accessories, carpets, Americana, sculpture, silver, textiles and more dating from the antiquities to the 20th century.  Additionally, an educational lectures series will feature an all-star lineup of speakers, from published authors to industry experts, covering a wide range of topics and genres.  

The D.C. Spring Antiques Show is owned and operated by the Palm Beach Show Group, one of the nation’s leading producers of fine art, antique and jewelry shows.  Scott Diament, co-owner and Chief Operating Officer of the Palm Beach Show Group, recognized the need for an antiques show in D.C.  He stated, “I was surprised to find that our nation’s capital, a significant destination for historical enthusiasts and serious art collectors, lacked a large high-end antique show.  D.C. is a natural choice for our next antique show and we are excited to introduce our nation’s capital to some of the finest collections of antiques, art and jewelry available for purchase in the world.”

Exhibitor and craftsman Dino Pampillonia of Pampillonia Jewelers in Washington, D.C. shares, “We’ve been doing shows with the Palm Beach Show Group for years and the caliber and reputation of their shows is extraordinary and one of the best in the industry.  D.C. has needed a large, quality antique show of this size for years and we’re happy to be a part of it.”

WHAT:        D.C. Spring Antiques Show

WHEN:        March 6 – 9, 2009
        
HOURS:        Friday, March 6          11am-7pm
        Saturday, March 7         11am-7pm
        Sunday, March 8         11am-7pm
        Monday, March 9         11am-6pm
        
WHERE:        Walter E. Washington Convention Center
        801 Mount Vernon Place, NW
        Washington, D.C.

ADMISSION:    $12 admission, good for all show days

FOR MORE INFORMATION:  Call 561.822-5440 or visit www.dcspringshow.com

If you're in the area March 14-15, you'll probably want to check out the spring Fox Valley Antiques Show.

Here's the press release:

 
As we celebrate the 200th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln’s birth, we in the Land of Lincoln take special pride in our connection to the 16th President. While he was an extraordinary man, he came from ordinary circumstances.  A chronology of his life indicates that on March 14, 1849, Lincoln deposited $21 collected from a legal fee in Springfield and later ‘shopped local’.

Exactly 160 years later, to the day, you can follow our 16th President’s example by attending the Spring Fox Valley Antiques Show & Sale in St. Charles, Illinois where antiques from the 17th, 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries will be offered.   Each piece tells a story of humankind and has been prudently conserved and recycled . . . not just for a greener earth, but just as importantly, for the preservation of our cultures.

Continued is the tradition of presenting mini-lectures on antiques throughout the show at no extra charge.  Saturday at 2 p.m. Jan & Bob Campbell will speak on “Make-dos,” followed at 3 p.m. by Dennis Raleigh on “Silhouettes and Portrait Miniatures of the 19th Century.”  Lastly, at 4 p.m. Helen Siegel and Joan Stein will speak on “Antique Jewelry.”  A special treat on Sunday, noted Lincoln collector, Ray McCaskey, member of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Museum Foundation Board, will speak at noon on “Collecting Lincoln”, sharing some items from his personal collection.   Another added value, Mad Anthony Books, offering reference books on a variety of antiques-related topics, will be joining the show for the first time.

Produced by the Chicago Suburban Antiques Dealers Association, the show celebrates our heritage by collaborating with its sponsor, Garfield Farm Museum in LaFox, Illinois.  This museum is the only surviving, historically-intact Illinois farmstead being restored as a working 1840's living history farm and inn, a true asset for teaching American history.

Show hours are Saturday, March 14, 10 – 6, and Sunday, March 15, 10 – 4, at the Kane County Fairgrounds, St. Charles, Illinois (located on Randall Road between Routes 38 and 64)  For further information visit www.foxvalleyantiqueshow.com or call (815) 838-0606. 

We've received more news from our own Mark Moran, who is at the Brussels Antiques and Fine Arts Fair, the second largest of such shows in Europe.

You can check out his latest pictures here.

And don't forget to check out: In European antiques trade, timing is everything

In the article, Mark talks with 20-year antiques veteran Victor Werner, who shares his insights in the antiques market.

Free Antiques and Collectibles Event Listings Still Available in Marketplace of Rising Prices

IOLA, Wis. — Antique Trader, the national antiques publication delivering news, commentary, and advertising for the antiques market, continues to offer free publication of antiques auction and antiques show listings in print and online.

Even in these tough economic times, when the cost of living and the costs of operating a business continually inch upward, Antique Trader is continuing to offer the free placement of auction and show listings in its publication and online at AntiqueTrader.com.

Antique Trader’s show and auction calendars are valuable resources for both antiques event organizers and attendees. Listing a show or auction in a national publication reaches a much broader, interested audience.

There is an immediate benefit in listing an auction in the auction calendar if online bidding opportunities exist. A direct link to the auction company’s Web site is placed with their listing in the auction calendar, giving readers a shortcut to online bidding.

“The show and auction calendar pages are consistently ranked in the top 10 most visited pages on AntiqueTrader.com,” stated Karen Knapstein, Antique Trader’s online editor, “showing us there is a definite interest in the antiques community to find out what antique events are taking place nationwide.”

To have your event included at no cost in an upcoming issue of Antique Trader and listed online at www.AntiqueTrader.com, send your show or auction information to deb.schellin@fwmedia.com.

To view the current Antique Trader auction and show calendars, visit www.antiquetrader.com/events/ and click on the calendar link for the type of event calendar you would like to see.

About Antique Trader
Antique Trader, a newspaper published in Iola, Wis., has served the antiques and collectibles community since 1957. Today’s Antique Trader is known for its timely news coverage, collector profiles, in-depth articles on general antiques topics, auction reviews and antique-show reports delivered via its print product, Web site (www.antiquetrader.com), and two free weekly e-newsletters. Its loyal following includes antique dealers, antique show promoters, shop and mall operators, and collectors, some of whom have subscribed to the paper since its inception.

About Krause Publications
Krause Publications, based in Iola, Wis., is the world's largest publisher of leisure-time periodicals and books on collectibles, sewing and quilting, hunting, and fishing.  Chet Krause, a long-time collector of coins, published the first issue of Numismatic News on Oct. 13, 1952, with nearly 1,000 readers. Today, Krause Publications, owned by F+W Media, offers over 40 periodicals, 10 hobby shows, 750 reference and how-to books, and web properties. F+W Media, an ABRY Partners, LLC company, also operates book clubs, conferences, trade shows, interactive media and education programs.

Contact:
Karen Knapstein
Online Editor, AntiqueTrader.com
karen.knapstein@fwmedia.com
715-445-4612 ext. 13627

According to a news story on the Worcester Telegram site (www.telegram.com), Brimfield selectmen met (twice), voted, and passed unanimously the motion to drop the vendor rate for the Brimfield Antique & Collectibles Shows from $30 to $20.

Selectman Thomas C. Marino stated: “It’s just my feeling that given the difficult road we’ve had and the concerns you’ve (antiques show owner/operators) expressed and it’s the 50th year anniversary — and the declining attendance — it would be my recommendation that we reduce the fees in any way, shape or form that provides assistance to you in terms of promoting the shows ... and we intend to reduce the other fees as well.”

You can read the full article here.

Please make sure you read the comments that were posted after the story (click here to read the comments) and let us know what you think ...

If you're in the Grand Rapids area, you won't want to miss the Grand Rapids Antiques Market this weekend.

Antiques Roadshow appraiser (and Atlantique City alum) Caroline Ashleigh is slated to appear and speak on Saturday about using antiques as investment opportunities (that is, of course, for those of us who need a reason other than "love" to rationalize buying antiques).

Ashleigh is but one of many speakers scheduled to appear at the market, in addition to the offerings of 130 booths with 200 dealers.

You can read more about the G.R. Antiques Market by clicking here.

Over 160 antiques dealers from 10 states will assemble under one roof at THE GREATER BOSTON ANTIQUES FESTIVAL at the Shriner’s Auditorium on Saturday and Sunday, January 17-18, 2009, showcasing thousands of sought after items including furniture from many periods, European ceramics, American pottery, sterling silver, folk art, mid century modern and jewelry of all types from fine antique estate to mid century costume. The Greater Boston Antiques Festival features dealers who have been screened for the quality of their items. Antique collectors of all levels can browse New England’s finest antiques collections in one easy stop without dealing with Boston’s parking and traffic problems. The Greater Boston Antiques Festival has something for everyone from the casual collector to the experienced investor to the person who is looking to decorate a home.

Admission to The Greater Boston Antiques Festival is only $8 per person (16 and under free.) Hours are Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Shriner’s Auditorium in Wilmington, MA, just 15 minutes north of Boston off interstate 93. Directions to Shriner’s Auditorium: Rte 93 to Exit #39 (3 exits north of the I-95 and I-93 interchange in Woburn). Take a right at the end of the ramp onto Concord St. Take your first left onto Fordham Rd. The Shriner's Auditorium is located on the right hand side at the end of Fordham Rd. For more information call (781) 862-4039 or visit www.NEAntiqueShows.com. Free parking is available for 1,500 vehicles.

The Greater Boston Antiques Festival is managed by Marvin Getman of New England Antique Shows.

Over 800 outdoor dealers selling their merchandise on the first Sunday of every month at the former Alameda Point Naval Air Station in Alameda, California. Everything sold at our show must be at least twenty years old and there are no reproductions allowed. The Alameda Point Antiques and Collectibles Faire entered its fifth year as of September 2003. The show has grown in leaps and bounds, giving Northern California the largest antiques and collectibles faire ever. In 1998, the show started out with 250 booths and an attendance of about 3300 antique shoppers.

This year, we broke all of our records with 800 booths and a growing attendance that recently topped out at 10,000 customers. No pets are allowed as we are adjacent to a National Wildlife Refuge. We have grown in reputation as well as size. The Alameda Point Antiques and Collectibles Faire has been featured in Sunset Magazine, as well as Home and Garden Television's antiques show, "Flea Market Finds," and attracts buyers from as far away as Japan. The Alameda Point Antiques and Collectibles Faire is co-produced by Betsy and Jerry Goldman and Allen Michaan and Sandra Michaan.

Click here to visit the Antiques By The Bay Web site.

Sounds like my kinda show ...

It's a tough economy, but if you have the money, whether you're in the market for stocks, real estate, or antiques, it's a buyer's market. Here's a great opportunity to exercise that fact ... and when you throw in free parking and free admission, it only makes the deal all the better. (The Dec. 4-7 show has free admission.)

Read on ...

Charlotte, NC—The Metrolina Tradeshow Expo continues its long-standing tradition of hosting one of the most extensive, exceptional monthly antique shows in the region with its new International Collectibles and Antiques Shows, beginning December 4-7, 2008.

With 98,000 square feet of shopping and more than 2,000 vendors, rare and unique treasures await show attendees at every turn, including high-end antiques, home décor items, vintage jewelry, silver, glass, pottery and ceramics, fine art, toys and memorabilia of all varieties.

Hundreds of experienced, professional antiquities dealers will travel from across the country to present the finest offerings in the Antique Village – 13 free-standing ‘storefronts’ presenting the finest quality crafts, antiques, unfinished and finished furniture, rugs and more.

These monthly shows will also feature the East coast’s largest flea market, with more than 3,000 outdoor exhibit spaces, offering one-of-a-kind items at unbelievable prices.

Guests will also find unique riches on Piccadilly Lane, where more than one hundred permanent vendors display their distinctive wares, including homemade and gourmet specialty foods and goods, as well as a variety of food and refreshment vendors to help fortify them as they shop.

Guests are also encouraged to bring their family antiques and personal treasures to the spring and fall ‘Classic’ shows, which will include professional antique appraisals and auctions similar to those found on the popular television series “Antiques Roadshow”.

Additionally, for the first time in Metrolina’s 30 years of operation, guests are offered free weekend admission, a $25 value, to the inaugural International Collectibles and Antiques Show, December 4-7, 2008, as part of the grand opening celebration weekend.

Show schedule:
December 4-7, 2008 – grand opening celebration weekend
January 1-4, 2009
February 5-8, 2009
March 5-8, 2009
April 1-5, 2009 – spring ‘Classic’ show
April 30-May 3, 2009
June 4-7, 2009
July 2-5, 2009
July 30-August 2, 2009
September 3-6, 2009
October 1-4, 2009
November 4-8, 2009 – fall ‘Classic’ show
December 3-6, 2009

Hours:
Monthly shows: Thursday-Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Classics: Wednesday-Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Sunday: 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

Tickets:
FREE for December 4-7, 2008 grand opening celebration weekend

All other monthly shows, excluding ‘Classics’: children ages 12 and under – free admission; general admission - $4, seniors - $2 (Friday-Sunday); early shopper four-day pass available - $15 (Thursday-Sunday)

‘Classics’ admission: children ages 12 and under – free admission; general admission - $6, seniors - $3 (Friday-Sunday); early shopper four-day pass available - $20 (Thursday-Sunday); sneak preview, five-day event pass - $30 (Wednesday-Sunday)

Season pass for all 12 shows, including ‘Classics’ - $45

Parking:
Free parking for all shows

For additional information, visit www.icashows.com, or call 704.663.1500.

NAWCC Chapter 59 in San Diego announces that its annual "Southwest California Regional" in Del Mar, a massive, multi-dealer sale of antique and collectible watches and clocks, will be open to the public for one day only, Saturday, November 22, at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in Del Mar, California. SAN DIEGO, CA, November 06, 2008  -- The San Diego Chapter of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors (NAWCC), Chapter 59, is pleased to announce that the Southwest California Regional will be opening its doors to the public for the first time ever. The Southwest California Regional is an annual sales event for collectors of antique and vintage watches and clocks. The public will be admitted Saturday, November 22, from 9 am to 3 pm. Saturday-only admission costs $10 at the door.

"This is a great opportunity for anybody who's interested in collectible clocks and watches to come get a preview of what's available to NAWCC members," says Mark Weaver, General Chairman of the Southwest California Regional. "You'll get unlimited access to all the dealer tables, resources, and bargains."

"If you're at the Fairgrounds for the Del Mar Antique Show, come check us out in the Wyland Center," Weaver says. "Especially if you're looking for antique and vintage watches and clocks - we'll have the place filled with them!"

"And, of course, we'd love you to join the NAWCC," Weaver adds. "We'll have plenty of applications on hand."

The Southwest California Regional is a three-day event, held November 20-22, 2008, at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in Del Mar, California. The Mart, which is the sales part of the event, attracts horological sellers and buyers from all over the world, all seeking treasures and making deals over more than 250 tables jam-packed with watches, clocks, spare parts, watchmaking and clockmaking tools, reference books, watch and clock accessories, and more.

Many antique dealers attend the Southwest California Regional to replenish their inventory of vintage clocks and watches, making it one of the few major events at which the average collector can discover true "wholesale" deals on collectible timepieces. And now, this once-private event is open to the public for one day only.

"We'd love to see a lot of people take advantage of this opportunity," Weaver says. "This is the first time we've ever opened the Mart up to the public. And Saturday - it's the last day of the Mart, so dealers would rather sell stuff than pack it back up. It's traditionally been a good day for bargains."

"Come on down!" Weaver says, with a wide, welcoming smile.

The Southwest California Regional will also have a display of antique and vintage watches and clocks.

For more information about the Southwest California Regional, visit http://www.nawcc59.org/regional.html.

About NAWCC Chapter 59
The NAWCC is a non-profit organization, and Chapter 59 is the San Diego chapter of the NAWCC. It produces and manages the annual Southwest California Regional every November with its co-host, Chapter 136. Chapter 59 members come from all over San Diego County. Visit NAWCC Chapter 59's website at http://www.nawcc59.org to learn about monthly meeting times and member benefits.

HADA Fall 2008 Show Cancelled

The Mayor has this morning cancelled all events in the George R. Brown Convention Center. Therefore, the Houston Antiques Dealers Association (HADA) has regretfully had to cancel our September 2008 Antiques Show and Sale. This is due to the recent Hurricane Ike, which left most of the Houston area without power. We greatly apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

For nostalgia lovers young and old, the D.C. Big Flea promises two days of treasure hunting Sept. 20 & 21, 2008.

The D.C. Big Flea is held at the Dulles Expo Center.

Whether your area of interest is general store collectibles, vintage advertising, folk art, vintage toys or anything old, if you're in the area, it's worth checking out.

Hours for the show are: Saturday Sept. 20th 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday September 21st  11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.. Admission is $8, good for both days. The address: Dulles Exposition and Convention Center, 4368 Chantilly Shopping Center Chantilly, VA 20151.

Only 10 minutes from the Dulles Airport.

Well, folks, Labor Day is two weeks away. That means, of course, the end of summer. Kids head back to school and we can look forward to cooler weather, shorter days, and autumn colors sool following.

Labor Day also means antique shows. The York Antiques Show runs from Aug. 29-31, there are many holiday antiques fairs, shows, markets and fleas also running through the Labor Day holiday weekend all over the country...not to mention all the auction opportunities.

But let's not forget about the collectibles dedicated to this century-old holiday itself! Robert Reed wrote this week's Antique Trader cover story on Labor Day collectibles.

Visit www.antiquetrader.com and check it out! (Or you can click on the cover image below.) And don't forget to check out the story "An antique collection can save the day when times get hard" — it's a MUST read.

Just gone to the press - yesterday, that is... Here's what you can expect for the 4-16 issue...

After two long weeks away from my beloved AT blog, I am finally back in the office and ready to get back down to regular posting. I'm tired from a 5-hour layover in the hotbox of Chicago's O'Hare airport, and beat from 5 days of straight running at the show, bu otherwise fine, thanks...

First, however, I have to decompress for about 5 minutes from the Atlantique City show, and then put together an entire paper before the end of the day. This should be fun, but I will definitely put some stuff up today hopefully, but for sure tomorrow. My co-blogger and web editor Karen (who has done a fabulous job in my absence, I might add) will hopefully continue to post as well, keeping us the most prolific and fast-moving blog in the biz.

It's good to be back.

Howdy folks. We made it through Day One of the March 2008 Atlantique City Antiques Show and, if I may speak for the staff and crew of Atlantique City - and I reckon that I can - Day one was pretty fantastic.

By the 9 a.m. early opening we had at least 2000 people lined up outside the door, many of them grabbing copies of Antique Trader and our various publications at the show, and the trafic flow was steady all day. While official numbers aren't available yet, I'd say we had at least 5,000 people come through the convention center and they seemed interesting. Quality is high, and uniform, and we heard some good comments from dealers.

The appraisal event went very well, too, highlighted by a superb Judy Garland dress, straight off the MGM lot, that ended up in - of all places - Milwaukee, WI. We have to wait and see if the pics cvame out, but I'll post them if I will.

At the end of the day we also hosted a gathering to fete Ellen Schroy and thank her for all her hard work - 28 years worth - on the Warman's Price Guide. Nice stuff, and Ellen is a great lady. She'll be missed on Warman's, but it's a good opportunity for Trader to get her byline in the paper, as we did with the 4/9 issue.

Sunday is usually a bit slower at shows, but there can be some serious buying going on, so we're keeping our fingers crossed for our dealers and ourselves, for a good day today, a smooth load-out tonight, and a nice easy flight home tomorrow morning. Last October we got delayed in Philly for 12 hours. Yuck.

Looking forward to getting home, getting back to work and regular blogging, and seeing my family. I love the East Coast, and have a lot of good memories from these shows and my childhood summers spent here, but I want to get back to Stevens Point, WI - wide open spaces, nice people and great beer - and get back in the swing of day-to-day life and work.

See you there.

Howdy!

After a long week of vacation last week - agonizing, as you can imagine, spending so much time with my lovely wife and daughter in Phoenix and Las Vegas - I got into Atlantic City last Wednesday night. Travel was 13 hours from Vegas, with a few nighmarish waits in TSA lines at all airports.

It's time for good antiques and the Atlantique City Antiques Show.

We have spent two exhausting days getting the show ready, but as I write this morning, the show floor at the Atlantic City Convention Center looks beautfiul, there is a crowd of 2000 people waiting outside the door and we are hoping for a good show. We know it looks good, and quality is ubiquitous. Now we are waiting for the buyers.

The weather here is a bit chilly and overcast, which means good weather for antique buying, and the attitude seems to be optimistic, which is half the battle when there are such problems with the economy. I don't, however, have to tell any Trader readers that.

What I can tell you is that I'm excited for the opening of this show, proud of the hard work we've done and ready to see this thing come off a success.

If any of you out there are coming today or tomorrow, or go this weekend and read this later, give me a holler and let me know what you think.

I'll post more later today, hopeufully with some pics, but no promises...

From Sandy … not Noah or Karen!

Postcard collecting is alive and well

That was the feeling I got when I attended the 30th annual Michiana Regional Postcard Show on March 15 in South Bend, Ind. The doors opened at 9 a.m., and by the time I got there about 10:15, the aisles were already crowded with shoppers. It sometimes took quite a while before a dealer could break away from customers to chat with me.

To find out more about the show, postcard collecting and Postcard Collector magazine visit www.postcardcollector.com

Interesting little twist out of NYC, courtesy of Here Be Old Things.

A guy bought a box of photos, with a bunch of Diana Arbus photos in there. A dealer paid him $3500 for them. They're expected to auction for multiple hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Name of the game? Dishonest dealer? You decide.

This is breaking news inside the building where I work, and where the Warman's title is based, edited and published. I have it on good authority that Warman's and longtime writer, appraiser, antique-lover and all around cool lady, Ellen Schroy, have decided part ways. I understand an official announcement will be forthcoming.



I want to say on a personal note, and as a fan of Ellen's prolific body of work over the decade - almost three of them - that she is one of the most knowledgable and personable folks in the business. Most of all, she's honest with her opinion, which is invaluable. It was my pleasure to work with her on the Atlantique City Antiques Show last October, and it will be a pleasure again to emcee the appraisal event this coming March 29 and 30. We will be able to properly fete Ellen at the show. Get her to sign those books if you got them.



Ellen is a class act. I hope I will be able to tempt her to write some things for Trader in the months to come. As many have said to me about her, Ellen has forgotten more about antiques than I'll ever know.

This is not good news by any stretch, either for dealers or buyers.

This was one of three shows that anchored Philadelphia Antiques Week, with The Philadelphia Antiques Show as the centerpiece.

The piece pasted in below is something I wrote this morning, and which you've probably read about either on the Bee or on our digital front page here.

Nonetheless, here it is again. There will be more to come once I get the official press release from Promoter Barry Cohen and, hopefully, hear from a few others in the business as to what this does or does not mean.

I do know that Antiques Week in Philly has hard a hard time adjusting to the movement of the big show, which cause quite a stir in itself, and much speculation. I, however, am a terrible mind reader and choose not to comment on motives, or lack thereof.

Philly takes another black eye

Antiques Philadelphia, April 12-15, cancelled

Noah Fleisher, editor

Philadelphia Antiques Week, anchored by The Philadelphia Antiques Show, April 12-15, has taken another hit in the wake of an announcement by promoters Barry Cohen and Jim Burk that Antiques Philadelphia: Spring Show at East Falls, scheduled for April 11-13, has been canceled.

The show was formerly called Antiques at Philadelphia’s Navy Pier, showcasing itself for two successful years in a cruise terminal at the Naval Business Center.

The show moved its venue when The Philadelphia Antiques Show announced that it was changing its longtime venue at the 33rd Street Armory downtown – due to construction – to the cruise terminal at the Navy Yard.

Cohen and Burk secured the new location for the show, attracted the Philadelphia Ballet as a charity beneficiary, and made plans to continue. Dealer support, however, was difficult to secure in an untested venue and, the pair said in a press release, the move by the Philadelphia Show – which has been the subject of great scrutiny by local Philadelphia media and in the antiques press – had, “financially (undercut) Cohen's relationship with the management of his venue.”

“Not enough (dealers) were willing to risk the move to an untried facility," Cohen said.

For information, 703-914-1268 or www.b4rtime.com .

Here's a first look at our March 19 issue, a special for the Atlantique City Antiques Show, which is owned by Trader's parent company, F+W Publications.

It'll be a glossy front with an extra 5,000 copies distributed at AC on March 29-30, 2008 at the Altantic City Convention Center.

I'll be there. If you are around and want to say hi, please do...

Here's your weekly sneak peak at the upcoming Trader, that literally just went to press.