Antique Trader Blog - Antique Show

Everyone likes shortcuts

Karen — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:53:51 GMT

... especially if it's a legitimate shortcut.

So here are shortcuts to some of our latest antiques news articles and features:

Man turns childhood home into classy antiques shop

Talking Sports: A hobby is born during the Great Depression

Ask Antique Trader: Unusual adjustable slag glass lamp a real find

Don’t be a Duncan Pfool: Remember to use furniture's correct vocabulary

Postcard prices realized vary at auction

SOFA Chicago sees increase of ‘young collectors’

Vintage video game sells for $5,250

— Posted by Karen Knapstein

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If you love unique then you'll love Chicago's Modern Vintage Holiday Market

Karen — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:24:20 GMT

Image Pilots, the producers of the Randolph Street Market Festival featuring the Chicago Antique Market and Indie Designer Market, is returning this year with the 3rd annual Modern Vintage Holiday Market.

This year, the Modern Vintage Holiday Market will be held indoors at the beautiful Beaux Arts Plumbers Hall, 1340 W Washington St for two days only Nov. 21 – 22.

Shoppers can kick their holiday shopping off to the right start with gifts in all price ranges, from pennies to thousands, available in a one-stop-shopping experience. Keepsakes range from embroidered hankies, sterling spoons and festive aprons, to estate jewelry, couture formal wear and crystal goblets. Independently designed handmade and preserved vintage ornaments round out the mix. This unique and beautifully-crafted mix of smartly priced vintage and modern goods makes for a unique one-stop shopping experience for seasonal shoppers looking for memorable and custom-made gifts.

The Sunday market hours have been extended and will now begin at 10 a.m. Regular market hours will be Saturday, Nov. 21 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 22 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is $10 ($8 in advance online), which includes a $10 shopping voucher if you spend $50 or more with any vendor. Student admission with valid ID is $5 and children under 12 are free. Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.randolphstreetmarket.com. Free parking will be available in the Plumbers Hall parking lot and free gift wrapping and packaging will also be offered throughout the weekend. For additional information call 312-666-1200 or visit www.randolphstreetmarket.com.

-Posted by Eric Bradley

Free admission to antique show

Karen — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 14:23:46 GMT

I received this e-mail this morning for free admission to the Historic Alexandria Antiques Show.

It says pass along to a friend ... I'm going to pass it on to many — all of you! (Hey, it's worth a try, right?)

Click Here for Free Admission to the Historic Alexandria Antiques Show

This year's Historic Alexandria Antiques Show brings together 30 top-ranking antiques, fine art and jewelry dealers from around the US and abroad. You'll discover thousands of pieces of period furniture, paintings, prints, folk art, tapestries, textiles, carpets, lamps, ceramics, glass, jewelry and unusual decorative accessories, every one backed by a guarantee of authenticity.

The show takes place November 13-15 at the Holiday Inn Historic District. Hours of the show are Friday, November 13, 11 am-8 pm; Saturday, November 14, 11 am-6 pm; and Sunday, November 15, 12 noon-5 pm.

You and a companion can enter the show free of charge. Simply click here to print out your free pass. And be sure to forward this message to a friend!

Visitors to this year's Historic Alexandria Antiques Show can also receive free verbal appraisals of their treasures by antiques expert and professional appraiser Todd Peenstra.  Verbal appraisals will be limited to two items per visitor. It's a great chance to learn if you have hidden wealth.

The Holiday Inn Historic District is located at 625 First Street. Free parking is available. For more information and directions, click here.

Proceeds from the show benefit the Historic Alexandria Foundation.  Separate tickets are required for the preview party, November 12, 6:30 pm-9:30 pm, and for all other special events. More information is available at 703.549.5811.

— Posted by Karen

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Nov. 7 LA gallery event to benefit Linda Blair's animal rescue charity

Karen — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:14:52 GMT

LOS ANGELES - On Saturday, Nov. 7, Gallery Brown and internationally acclaimed pop artist Steve Kaufman will present "Art Goes To The Dogs," a benefit for film star Linda Blair's animal rescue charity, the World Heart Foundation. Blair will be present at the event, which will take place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the gallery, located at 140 South Orlando Ave., Los Angeles.

Steve Kaufman, "the former assistant to Andy Warhol," will feature all his colorful images including Marilyn, The Rat Pack and Michael Jackson, plus homages to Lichtenstein, Picasso, Dali and van Gogh. See these famous icons come alive on canvas.

The Linda Blair World Heart Foundation is a non-profit, 501c3 charitable organization dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating abused animals from the harsh streets of the Los Angeles area and the overcrowded and overwhelmed city and county animal shelters.

The fundraiser is open to all, and there is no charge to attend. The evening starts with complimentary valet parking, followed by cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, and a silent auction that will feature Steve Kaufman's 36-inch-tall RCA Dog, one of a limited edition of 20. Additionally, 10% of all show sales will go directly to the Linda Blair World Heart Foundation.

LA art fans won't want to miss this exciting opportunity to meet both Steve Kaufman and Linda Blair on Saturday, Nov. 7. For further information, call 323-651-1956 or visit the gallery's Web site: http://gallerybrown.com.

Visit Linda Blair's World Heart Foundation online at www.lindablairworldheart.org.

Another antique show in the Melrose & Duddy lineup

Karen — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 16:41:42 GMT

Good to see new antique shows in development:

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.—Professional Antique Show Promoters Melrose & Duddy announced plans recently for a new show in Charlottesville, Va. Antiques in Charlottesville will be held Jan. 22-24, 2010, at the University Center Holiday Inn in historic Charlottesville.

“We are confident our brand of show is a great fit for the Charlottesville market,” says partner Jay Melrose. “We’ve already experience a lot of warm support and encouragement from the community and commitments from antique and art dealers from throughout the Easter Seaboard.”

Antiques in Charlottesville will join the All Saints' Antiques Show and Antiques and Gardening at Bryn Du (Columbus, Ohio) in the Melrose & Duddy repertoire. All dealers at Melrose & Duddy shows display fine art and antiques in walled room-like settings.

Melrose says Antiques in Charlottesville will feature the popular Designer’s Choice merchandise award program, ten-minute lectures and other attractions still being finalized.

More information about Antiques in Charlottesville is available on the Web at www.antiquesincharlottesville.com. More information on Melrose & Duddy is available at www.melroseduddy.com. Anyone interested in exhibiting at the show can call Jay Melrose at 330-519-5132.

Melrose & Duddy are advertisers with Antique Trader.

Antiques will be going on in Greeneville

Karen — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:48:32 GMT

Ya gotta love a free antique show! Mark this Tennessee show on your calendars:

The Tourism Department of the Greene County (Tennessee) Partnership has announced the date for the 5th annual Antique Appraisal Fair and Antique Show. It will be held Feb. 20, 2010, at Greeneville High School on Tusculum Boulevard from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is FREE.

Local and regional antique shops will bring inventory to show and sell at the event. According to the press release, local museums and historical attractions will also be represented.

The event will feature certified appraisers that will assess the value of antiques brought in by the public for a fee of $5 per piece.

“This event was very successful in 2009 with more than 850 items being appraised and 4,500 in attendance. It is a great way to get the word out about the Antique Trail brochure that tourism has created and the proceeds from the event will go toward the printing and promotion of the piece,” stated Tammy Kinser, Tourism Director for the Partnership. “Antiquing is growing in popularity throughout the country and Greene County has a wealth of wonderful, quaint antique shops. We have also incorporated our great museums and historical attractions into the event to make tourists and local residents aware of the treasures that we have in our community.”

The Antique Appraisal Fair and Show won two prestigious awards in 2007 beginning with the Pinnacle Award for Peak Performance in Tourism by the Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association and the Southeast Tourism Society’s Top Twenty Event for February.

For more information contact Tammy Kinser at the Partnership, 423-638-4111 or tkinser@greenecop.com.

Posted by Karen

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• Reference books available about your favorite collectibles HERE
• Antique Trader message boards HERE.
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Antique article shortcuts

Karen — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:57:56 GMT

Here's an easy way to get your antique news: click on the links below to read the articles:

Antique Trader breaks new ground with new “Collecting Depression Glass” online seminar

Portraits and pistols earn top prices at Garth’s

Liberace’s cousin’s estate draws standing room only

This Emilio Pucci designer dress with matching panties was sold at Liberace's cousin's estate auction in Wittenberg, Wis. Photo by Eric Bradley.

Brimfield completes Fiftieth Year Celebration

Jenkins Shows draws 20,000 for Springfield Extravaganza

Toy world mourns passing of Donald Kaufman

Depression glass collecting continues to evolve

Art Markets: Gallery label prompts investigation of attic find

Ask Antique Trader: Cheers! Robj liquor decanters worth $900

Posted by Karen

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• Reference books available about your favorite collectibles HERE
• Antique Trader message boards HERE.
• Browse the Antique Trader Classifieds or place your FREE online ads HERE.

JMK Shows to launch new Atlantic City Antiques and Collectors Show

Karen — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 21:49:33 GMT

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. – JMK Shows will produce a new “antiques and collectors” event in the Atlantic City Convention Center March 27-28. The show fills the void created by F+W Media’s September announcement it was canceling the long running Atlantique City Antiques & Collectibles Show. (Antique Trader is published by F+W Media).

The new event will be called the Atlantic City Antiques and Collectors Show. The two-day event will combine all the genres of antiques and collectibles in one location yet they will be separated within the venue. Antique furniture and furnishings in one area, toys and ephemera in another, vintage clothing will have its own designated section, as will fine art and dolls, etc.

“I am honored and welcome the opportunity to create, re-invent and re-brand an event of this caliber in Atlantic City,” JMK Shows manager Allison Kohler said in a news release.

JMK Shows runs a variety of antiques and home décor shows. Their antiques shows include the Morristown Armory Antique Show and the Birchwood Manor Antiques Show. The firm also manages a variety of doll and collectibles shows such as The Doll Show at Faileigh Dickinson University in Hackensack, N.J. and the Sarasota (Fla.) Holiday Antiques Show & Sale.

More information about the event is available at the JMK website at www.JMKSHows.com or by calling (973) 927-2794.

More antique news -

Karen — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 15:02:41 GMT

And more antique news

Africa, Oceania, Asia art showcased in LA show

Competitive changes at Nottingham Shows in U.K.

Puchsteins take over West Palm Beach shows

Antique Trader online conference Nov. 5 - the Webinar with Ellen Schroy on Collecting Depression Glass ... I'm looking forward to it!

Making shows fun again: Zurko Promotions combines ad show with Grayslake event

Chippendale tiger maple desk hits $41,400 at estate sale

Rosewood cylinder desk soars to $49,450 at sale of Kirkwood Mansion contents

Jeffrey S. Evans to sell important antique sewing collection

RIA rounds up nearly $8M in September firearms auction

Masterpieces of pin-up art in Dallas auction Oct. 27

Chamberlain’s All-Star Game uniform slams it in at $72K in Grey Flannel auction

Many of these businesses are paid advertisers in Antique Trader magazine.

From the Editor: Show changes span the world

Karen — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:53:44 GMT

This week’s issue is jam packed with show coverage, which I hope you will appreciate.

Especially notable is the topsy-turvy environment being created in the British antiques market (CLICK HERE FOR THE STORY). Promoters are working to build bigger and more sustainable shows. Both the owners of the famous Newark fair and the Arthur Swallow Fairs are changing venues and holding competing events on the same day. Time will tell whether the move will force one or the other out of business, or if the crunch just puts pressure on dealers stuck in the middle.

On our cover is an article on Zurko Promotions’ rebooted event in Grayslake, Ill. Owner Bob Zurko has been in business for nearly 40 years and it’s great to see him rolling with the economy by building a fun, new show. He had his dealers buzzing about the changes way back in July – which is always a good sign of progressive and out-of-the-box show promoting.

Enjoy!

Eric Bradley
Editor

Two more things

In honor of last issue’s feature on Woodstock collectibles, we have chosen a copy of Woodstock : Peace, Music & Memories (Krause Publications) as the grand prize for October’s Antique Trader Treasure Hunt. With more than 350 color and black and white photos, the book has personal recollections of the 1969 concert. To enter the sweepstakes, CLICK HERE.

The latest edition of our quarterly Antique Trader Traveler is now available as a free download. The issue is an excellent guide to autumn’s top museums, expos and antiques and collectibles events. Especially interesting is the feature on the recent renovations to Washington, D.C.’s Ford’s Theater, the engaging exhibits at the Museum of the Confederacy and the nation’s 650 Mile Yard Sale. To download the issue CLICK HERE.

SUBMITTING LETTERS

Letters to Antique Trader are appreciated and encouraged but cannot be responded to individually. If you are writing via e-mail, please do not use all caps and add the city AND state you live in. Send your letter to:

Mail: Letters to the Editor c/o Antique Trader, 700 E. State St., Iola, WI 54945

Fax: 715-445-4087

e-mail: eric.bradley@fwmedia.com

Okemo Antiques Show turns 16

Karen — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:31:40 GMT

It's nice to see shows hanging in there — especially shows that have been around for more than a decade and don't show any sign of giving up ... not only not giving up, but promising "to be the best ever."

I'm talking about the Okemo Antiques Show at the Okemo Mountain Resort in Ludlow, Vt.

Pat and Don Clegg of East Berlin, Pa., who promote and manage the show as Abbott House Associates, established their antiques business nearly three decades ago, specializing in American painted furniture and related items, early textiles, early lighting and wildfowl decoys. They also exhibit at about 10 shows each year, one of which is the Okemo Antiques Show.

The Okemo Show is one of five shows that make up Vermont Antiques Week in early October each year.

Among the exhibitors at this 16th incarnation of the Okemo Antiques Show: Jeff Cherry and Kass Hogan (Cherry Gallery), Lewis Scranton, Tom and Bev Longacre, Mario Pollo, Chuck White and Lynne Weaver.

The details: The celebration kicks off with a wine and hors d'oeuvres preview party from 3-6 pm on Oct. 2. The show continues on Oct. 3 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Additional information can be obtained by calling Abbott House Associates at 877-211-1877.

Hang in there!

Images courtesy Abbott House Associates.

Posted by Karen

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• Reference books available about your favorite collectibles HERE
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Puchsteins take full control of West Palm Beach shows

Karen — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:21:21 GMT

Puchsteins take full control of West Palm Beach Shows

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Bill and Kay Puchstein have taken over as the sole owners of West Palm Beach Antiques Festival for the upcoming season.

The Puchstein’s purchased eight show enterprise from dmg world media last December in partnership with promoters Jim and Yvonne Tucker of Missouri. The Tuckers have decided the schedule of these eight shows was more than they were willing to do together with nine shows of their company, Antique Shows of Florida.

“The West Palm Beach Antiques Festival was much more than Yvonne and I had envisioned,” Jim Tucker said in a telephone interview. “We live in Missouri as our primary home with the nine shows concentrated in two and a half months, that’s enough.”

West Palm Beach Antiques Festival is the first weekend of each month, with their Spectacular in February hosting about 800 dealers.

The Puchstein's, who also live in Florida, also run a dozen other smaller shows through the winter months in the central region of the state.

The Puchstein’s website for details of West Palm Beach Antiques Festival is www.wpbaf.com and take calls at 941 697 7475. For their other shows go to www.floridaantiqueshows.com. The Tucker’s website is www.antiqueshowsofflorida.com or call them at 941 408 3576.

-By Tom O’Hara, posted by Eric Bradley

dmg world media sells AntiqueWeek, three others in deal finalized late last week

Karen — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 17:30:27 GMT

KNIGHTSTOWN, Ind. – In a deal finalized late last week, dmg world media sold its Knightstown, Ind., publications, including its flagship antiques and collectibles newspaper AntiqueWeek. Included in the sale are publications AntiqueWest, The Auction Exchange and Collectors News and Farm World, billed as “the largest farm newspaper in the Midwest.”

The new owner is MidCountry Media, Inc., which has ties to the Mayhill family who founded AntiqueWeek in 1968 and sold it along with its other titles to dmg in 2000. dmg world media is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Daily Mail and General Trust plc, one of the largest and media companies in the United Kingdom.

Talks of a sale surfaced in October 2008 when employees were informed the Indiana titles were under contract to be sold. Since then, dmg has steadily sold segments of its antiques and collectibles businesses.

It sold the London-based newspaper Antiques Trade Gazette in October 2008. In June it sold four of the biggest antiques and collectors' fairs in the UK. In July, dmg sold back the Florida show known as “Palm Beach - America's International Fine Art & Antiques Fair” to its original owners, the Lester family.

In the case of Antiques Trade Gazette, it was employees who purchased the publication. The UK fairs (Newark, Ardingly, Shepton Mallet and Detling) are owned by a group, which includes a former dmg executive who oversaw the original acquisition in 1994.

AntiqueWeek is a national publication with The Auction Exchange and Collectors News focuses on the Great Lakes region and AntiqueWest focuses on the West Coast.

dmg owns The Avignon (France) International Trade Fair, The Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show, The Miami Beach Antique Jewelry & Watch Show, The New York Antique Jewelry and Watch Show, The Original Miami Beach Antique Show and the The Washington DC Antique, Art and Jewelry Show, which debuts Oct. 15-18.

dmg also publishes more than 40 related magazines, newspapers, directories and market reports and employs 700 people worldwide.

-posted by Eric Bradley

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• Reference books available about your favorite collectibles HERE
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Valuable marketing tool for dealers: hold a show before the auction

Karen — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:31:16 GMT

This struck me as an innovative way to generate valuable pre-auction publicity, help educate the public and be a good citizen all at the same time.

Poster Auctions International and Long Island’s Cradle of Aviation Museum are teaming up to launch an exhibition of rare, early aviation posters. The exhibition, held on location at the museum opens tomorrow and runs through Oct. 18. The exhibition includes posters from private collections located around the world as well as the museum's permanent collection

Once the exhibit wraps up, the posters (not those from the museum's permanent collection) will be returned to Poster Auctions International in time for its bi-annual auction of rare, vintage posters on Sunday, Nov. 8.

What an interesting opportunity for both experienced and novice collectors visit a new museum to see a rare collection in one place at the same time. And what a savvy method to whet the appetite of poster dealers and collectors.

From the Editor: Haggling shouldn't end badly

Karen — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 21:41:01 GMT

Where has our summer gone? Too quickly our sand beaches have given way to the first glimpses of red leaves.

I certainly hope you enjoyed your summer. Here in Wisconsin where Antique Trader is produced our summers seem relatively short due to our three distinct seasons and bitter winters. The summer was packed with all the best the outdoor show and auction season has to offer.

It is always a good day when you can spend it walking and chatting with vendors and fellow collectors.

However, sometimes things overheard in a vendor’s booth don’t always put you in a buying mood. One instance in particular happened early in the summer and I have thought about it often on the trail.

A young couple was standing in a lovely flea market booth filled with a pleasing mix of both expensive and common glassware and porcelain. The lady spied a pair of candlesticks and picked one up. She motioned for her partner to move closer and check them out. The way they were chatting about the sticks and how they were looking at the details gave away the fact that they were not dealers. The way they were dressed indicated they had probably stopped by the flea after attending a Sunday service.

“What is your best price on these?” the young lady said holding the sticks up.
The vendor responded simply: “$40.”

“Would you take $35?” was the young lady’s response.

The vendor looked her in the eye and said loudly, “How do you expect me to make my rent if all you customers keep asking for more and more discounts? This business is hard enough.”

More than one pair of eyebrows was raised. Perhaps it was a rare bit of weakness on the vendor’s part, however the response was not what I’d expect from any business owner addressing a counter offer. Regrettably, the response is not rare.

More and more as I visit shops and shows, the rate of dealers and sellers complaining to customers about the current economic climate is reaching a fevered pitch. It’s as though shop owners feel obligated to inform their customers that they are no longer making any money at buying and selling antiques.

As we head into the fall and winter indoor show season, all buyers and sellers should understand the economic hardship is affecting both sides of a transaction. Buyers as well as sellers are feeling the pinch.

The flea market vendor insulted by the young lady’s counter offer could have politely responded: “Sorry, I’m going to try to get $40.” That would have sufficed.

We need every new collector or casual buyer we can get. Turning them off when they are young may eliminate a lifelong buyer from the marketplace.
And what fun would our summers be without flea markets?

— Posted by Eric Bradley

Feel free to send your comments to eric.bradley@fwmedia.com or to Letters to the Editor, c/o Antique Trader, 700 E. State St., Iola, WI 54945.

Question of the Week: Favorite antique show features?

Karen — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 01:57:32 GMT

Question of the Week:

Many antiques and collectibles shows have added new attractions to appeal to a broader audience. What features do you like the most about your favorite antiques show?

Send your replies to eric.bradley@fwmedia.com or to Letters to the Editor, c/o Antique Trader, 700 E. State St., Iola, WI 54945.

— Posted by Karen

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Holt-Howard, Red Wing, toleware, the list goes on ...

Karen — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 14:34:31 GMT

It took me a while to get around to blogging about my weekend, but I'm finally here! (even though we're fast-approaching another)

I can only hope all of your weekends as pleasant as mine. Any time I can squeeze in a flea market over the weekend makes me happy ... especially if the market has a lot of dealers with a lot of great antiques.

We made it up to Zurko's Shawano flea market once again on Aug. 22, and what a great day. The weather was a bit cool, but the vendors were out in force. (Of all the times I've been up to the Shawano market, I think last Saturday's was the strongest showing yet.) I was tempted time and time again by crockery of various sizes and shapes, some cute Holt-Howard kittens (even though their noisemakers were missing), and beautiful cast-iron cookware ... some of it old, all of it cleaned and seasoned.

I don't know about any of you, but I prefer to cook in cast iron. And old, properly seasoned cast iron is the best! A few years ago I bought two fabulous bail-handled cast iron pots from my uncle, who was trimming down his estate. I cook in them every chance I get. When I use them, I always remember him and my aunt. I'm so very glad that I have something tangible and useful that I can remember them by.

Of course I had to stop and read through book titles at every opportunity, too ... you just never know what you'll miss if you don't!

Now if I can just get to Princeton and Columbus! (If you're ever anywhere near it, don't miss the Columbus Antique Mall ... but plan on spending a few hours there ... It's HUGE!)

Are there any antique shows in your weekend plans? Which ones? What's your favorite show ever?

— Posted by Karen

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• Reference books available about your favorite collectibles HERE
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F+W Media cancels March Atlantique City

Karen — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 17:31:18 GMT

IOLA, Wis. – Citing the opportunity to build its online collectors marketplace and launch a Midwest antiques event, F+W Media announced Aug. 19 the cancellation of its annual Atlantique City Antiques & Collectibles Show scheduled for March 27-28, 2010.

“Given the uncertainty surrounding the current economic environment, we believe it’s in our best interest not to produce the Atlantique City event next year and to notify the antiques and collectible community of our decision now,” said David Blansfield, President, F+W Media. “The resources within our Antiques & Collectibles team will instead focus on new opportunities within our changing marketplace, and we’ll engage with the community about these new initiatives immediately.”

All dealers who signed up in advance for Atlantique City will receive a full and complete refund of their deposit monies as soon as possible. Any questions regarding deposits should be addressed to Karen Thulien, Event Coordinator. She can be reached via e-mail at karen.thulien@fwmedia.com.

“There are immediate opportunities for us to produce events in the Midwest, closer to our core communities, as well as to continue to develop Collect.com and our Antiques & Collectibles Community online,” Blansfield added. “Our focus will shift to organically growing these new businesses.”

Key initiatives include:

• The launch of an antiques and collectibles show co-located at the Iola Old Car Show and Swap Meet, July 8-11, 2010. The Iola Old Car Show and Swap Meet regularly attracts nearly 100,000 attendees annually.

• Expanding Collect.com as a worldwide collectors’ marketplace including its comprehensive prices and research database powered by the Warman’s series price guides.

• Developing Collect.com Auctions as the premier source of sports, antiques, collectibles, entertainment and music memorabilia online auctions.

• Expanding Antique Trader magazine and AntiqueTrader.com through regional reports and market analysis while providing the latest prices and auction news.

Atlantique City, sponsored by Antique Trader magazine, was started in 1986 and quickly grew as one of the nation’s most diverse and largest indoor antiques and collectibles shows. Hundreds of the nation’s top dealers exhibited toys, advertising, fine porcelain, glass and lighting, jewelry and various collectibles.

Krause Publications purchased the show from founder Norman Schaut in 2001. The shows consistently offered as much in entertainment value as in buying and selling opportunities. Special features have included the Kennedy Collection, Miss America and Treasures from the Titanic.

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• Reference books available about your favorite collectibles HERE
• Antique Trader message boards HERE.
• Browse the Antique Trader Classifieds or place your FREE online ads HERE.

Dillsboro Antiques Festival cancelled

Karen — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 18:47:37 GMT

DILLSBORO, N.C. – Show organizers announced the Dillsboro Antiques Festival, scheduled for Sept. 19, has been cancelled. “We are disappointed the festival will not be held, but an insufficient number of vendors were able to commit to the show due to current economic conditions,” according to a statement released by Dawn Hummel, proprietor of the Olde Town Inn of Dillsboro.

“Although the antiques event is cancelled, there is still much to see and do in historic Dillsboro, and ‘Art in the Park’ at our award-winning Green Energy Park will be held on the 19th as scheduled.” More information about the show and the cancellation is available at www.dillsboro-oldetowne.com or by calling 800-962-1911.

— Posted by Karen Knapstein

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• Reference books available about your favorite collectibles HERE
• Antique Trader message boards HERE.
• Browse the Antique Trader Classifieds or place your FREE online ads HERE.

And more recent antiques-related headlines:

Karen — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 22:32:05 GMT

On Pawn Stars it’s all business (my favorite!)

Regional Roundup: East

NY State malls helping shoppers justify purchases

French doll shatters world auction record (still hot news)

Collector selling Archie #1 as marriage proposal looms - Tom Michael analyzes Archie through the years ... fascinating, in-depth analysis of the development of "The Mirth of a Nation."

AT Inbox: Reader seeks help identifying father's jardiniere

Ask Antique Trader: Driftwood furniture first popular in the ’40s

To pawn or not to pawn

— Posted by Karen Knapstein

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• Reference books available about your favorite collectibles HERE
• Antique Trader message boards HERE.
• Browse the Antique Trader Classifieds or place your FREE online ads HERE.

Antique headline shortcuts anyone?

Karen — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 22:24:44 GMT

Antiques trade mourns icon’s passing

Springfield Antiques Show turns great finds

Dealers show rare and unusual items at Nashville glass show

Antique show fund raiser earns nearly $4,000 for animal shelter- (I thought this was a great idea!)

All Saints Show highly praised by dealers

Baltimore Summer Show: Designed to dazzle

Guyette & Schmidt, Inc. summer decoy auction grosses $1.3 million

Hal Hunt to auction the contents of famous Alabama antebellum home Sept. 5

Historic rifle from the Battle of Little Big Horn offered at Kaminski’s August auction

Seldom-seen antique maps, atlases offered in Old World Auctions’ online sale

Here comes the 45th Epsilon Sigma Alpha Int'l antiques show

Karen — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 16:30:42 GMT

The public has been invited to the 45th annual antique show and sale at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 911 Searcy Way, Bowling Green, KY 42103.

The show will be held Sep. 11, 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Sep. 12, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Sep. 13, 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

The event is sponsored by Alpha Theta #662 Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha International.

Proceeds will be used for Community Projects and St. Jude Children Hospital. (Nice!)

Twenty to 30 dealers from several states will be present with an array of antiques, including furniture, glassware, silver, china, jewelry, linens and other fine antiques.

There will also be someone on-site for crystal, glass, porcelain and pottery repair and restoration.

The cost of admission is $5 for all three days and parking is free; also, food will be available.

The Web site is www.bgantiqueshow.com, but visit it with caution; when I tried to visit the site a warning popped up warning that the site may harm your computer.

Are Military Shows Your Mania?

Karen — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 00:24:06 GMT

From the Military Trader Web site (http://www.militarytrader.com):

Biggest military weekend of the year

No matter where in the U.S. you live, the weekend of Aug. 7-8 has something going on for military enthusiasts.

In Wisconsin, it is the annual Iola Military Vehicle and Gun Show featuring Old Working Wheels. Check out their web site at www.iolavms.com.

Further east, in Evansville, Indiana, the Military Vehicle Preservation Association is holding its annual international convention. Log onto MVPA.org.

In Toledo, Ohio, The Great Lakes Military Collectors Show is taking place. For info: www.mvpa.org/glmca .

Out on the east coast, the 13th Annual All-American Military Vehicle Show and Flea Market takes place in Webster, Massachusetts.

And in Montana, its the 54th Annual Original Missoula Gun Show at the Adams Center (www.hayesotoupalik.com).

Log onto www.militarytrader.com/events/ to find all the military shows in your neck of the woods.

Brimfield antiques shows owners headed to trial

Karen — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 23:25:03 GMT

It was reported this afternoon the owners of several Brimfield Antiques shows will take their suit against the village to trial. Town Meeting voters rejected changing the way emergency services fees are charged to owners, arguing the fees are the only way the village can provide such services and not go in the red.

More than 20 promoters run shows in May, July and September in Brimfield, Mass., along Route 20.

As first reported by The Republican, May's Antique Market, Inc., filed the original lawsuit in 2006. Owners claim the emergency services fees the town has collected from the 20 show owners have sometimes been more than $100,000 higher than the cost of police, fire and ambulance protection provided during the shows.

A second lawsuit seeking the overturn of the emergency services fees was filed in March by the owners of Mahogany Ridge, Shelton Antiques and The Meadows New England Motel & Antique Market.

Rare Delaware sampler at All Saints’ Antiques Show

Karen — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 16:57:44 GMT

REHOBOTH BEACH, Del.— A rare New Castle County Delaware sampler will be offered in the booth of John Tompkins of Richmond, Va., at the 60th Annual All Saints' Antiques Show next week. The sampler was worked by Priscilla Talley of Talleysville, in 1839, when she was 15. A sampler is a piece of embroidery produced as a demonstration or test of skill in needlework.

"The quality of the composition and colors belies the fact that it was made by a young girl," says Tompkins. "It has the folky qualities of something made by a much more mature craftsman."

Tompkins explains that the pot of flowers with hearts, the strawberry border, twin squirrels roosters, are all motifs encountered in Delaware Valley objects of this period, but rarely in such lush abundance.

The sampler was discovered in Richmond, still in the home of a direct descendant.

"It was kind of an Antiques Roadshow moment," he says. "The owner brought me in to see some pretty average furniture, and here was this amazing object hanging on the living room wall."

The verse Priscilla stitched seems appropriate for a minister's daughter, although other young women wrought similar verses to:

"This work in hand my friends my have
when I am dead and in my grave
and when the work each time you see
I with my Saviour hope to be

The work I leave to those I love
when I have flown to world above
When all my sorrow will be ore
When friends will need to part no more"

"There are a great many samplers out there for sale," says Tompkins, "but it is rare to find one with such lush composition and color, and with a great history as well. There are many Pennsylvania samplers, but Delaware examples are rarely on the market."

Held at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center, the show will officially launch 6 p.m., July 29 at the preview party. Tickets to the preview party are $30, which offers unlimited attendance over the three-day show. The show will be open to the public from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. July 30 and July 31, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 1. Admission is $7.

The show’s sponsor, All Saints' Church, is the only church in Rehoboth Beach on its original site and maintaining its original design. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places it was constructed in the 1890s to meet the needs of a growing number of Episcopalians migrating to the area.

Show managers Melrose & Duddy bring 25 years of antiques show experience to the All Saints’ show and have successfully managed antiques shows since 2007.

Additional information is available on the web at www.rehobothantiques.com.

Photo courtesy Rehoboth Antiques.

— Posted by Karen Knapstein

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• Reference books available about your favorite collectibles HERE
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Question of the Week: Tell us about your favorite rummage sale find

Karen — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 22:16:18 GMT

Big or small – what is your favorite rummage sale or yard sale discovery?
Send the story behind your most memorable find by Labor Day, Sept. 7, and our judges will award the best story a copy of the 2010 Warman's Antique & Collectibles Price Guide, with bonus DVD.

Send your stories to eric.bradley@fwmedia.com or to Found Treasure, c/o Antique Trader magazine, 700 E. State St., Iola, WI 54945.

Iola Vintage Military & Gun Show is Aug. 8-9

Karen — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 13:53:03 GMT

Iola, Wisconsin, home to Military Vehicle and Military Trader magazines, will host a vintage military and gun show Aug. 8-9.

Billed as one of the nation’s largest historical displays of special equipment, the 18th Annual Iola Vintage Military Vehicle and Gun Show will include an array of vintage military vehicles and equipment, as well as vintage tractors, trucks and related equipment.

This Korean War-vintage M38A1 is representative of the types
of vehicles on display at the Iola Vintage Military & Gun Show.
(John Adams-Graf photo)

New at this year’s event is a presentation Saturday morning on Native American Code Talkers. The day will also include a USO-type show. Opening the show will be the Oneida Nation Dancers with an honor guard presentation. Fashions of the time will be shown, followed by The Justmann Band – Big Band Show. A dinner is offered for an additional charge.

Vintage tractors and equipment are an important display of the show. This display will feature a multitude of old tractors and trucks that played a big part in making American agriculture production and transportation efficient. It will include better-known, old-time tractors, such as John Deere, International Harvester, Oliver, Allis Chambers, Fordson, Massey Harris, Minneapolis Moline, etc., but also other tractors representing less well-known companies.

The Iola Vintage Military & Gun Show promotes the conservation, preservation and display of historic military equipment. The shared public display of military history includes vehicles, equipment and arms, and is a recognized activity for the study and understanding of the important role military veterans and their equipment have made for peace and freedom.

The huge array of vintage military vehicles and equipment, particularly of the World War II and Korean War era, will continue to be one of the major features of the show.

Representative uniforms from several nations will be worn representing not only the U.S. services, but also other nations.

The two-day event also includes parades, a swap meet, living history encampments and World War II- and Vietnam-era battle reenactments.

The Gun Show, started 13 years ago, continues to be a convenient indoor exhibit on the grounds.

The weekend of the show will also include the Fire in the Sky show on Saturday at 11:30 a.m., in which pyrotechnics and a helicopter will be used. On Saturday morning, The Community Blood Center will hold a blood drive.

Daily gate admission to the Iola Vintage Military & Gun Show is $6 for Adults and $4 for Children (ages 6-12).

For information, contact: Iola Vintage Military & Gun Show, P.O. Box 1, Iola, WI 54945; phone 715-445-4005; E-mail: mary@iolaoldcarshow.com; or go online to: www.iolavms.com.

— Posted by Karen Knapstein

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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Theater used in Dillinger shootout up for sale

Karen — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 20:29:53 GMT

A South Bend, Ind., theater that was the site of a shootout after John Dillinger's last bank heist is going up for auction.

The historic State Theatre still bears bullet holes from police as they fired at Dillinger and his gang on June 30, 1934. A police officer was killed during the shootout. Dillinger is back in the public eye with the recent release of the movie "Public Enemies."

The theater will be sold by NAI Global of Albuquerque, N.M., in an online auction which ends July 30.The former owner is a minister who bought the theater three years ago for Christian entertainment but who now faces a foreclosure threat.

Dillinger was shot and killed by FBI agents in Chicago less than a month later.

Penn Auctions wins six NAA marketing awards this week

Karen — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:31:49 GMT

The National Auctioneers Association has awarded Rich Penn Auctions six different first place marketing awards at its annual convention and conference in Overland Park, Kan. this week.

The annual competition is presented July 13-18 in partnership with USA TODAY and this year judges reviewed over a thousand entries.

Penn Auctions was named first place in the categories of color catalog for antique auctions, color catalog for liquidation auctions and color printed material for automotive auctions as well as for online catalogs for both antique auctions and liquidation auctions and for black and white newspaper advertising.

Penn’s company specializes in auctions of country store, drug store, petroliana and advertising antiques.

Pa. dealers launch street fair to promote antiques

Karen — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:21:55 GMT

Don't miss this on Saturday. Antiques dealers and enthusiasts in Quakertown, Pa., are banding together Saturday, July 18, to launch a street festival around collecting and enjoying antiques and collectibles.

“Rock the Corners” features food, line dancing and “bargains galore” for collectors and casual buyers. The day long event is scheduled for the corner of East Broad Street and Hellertown Avenue (Routes 212 and 313).

Owners of the shops Antiques at 200 East and East Broad Antiques are holding open houses and 30 additional dealers will set up exhibits. Appraisal expert Ellen Schroy, will hold a signing of her latest book Carnival Glass, published by Krause Publications, as well as provide free appraisals.

Toy train expert Joel Lazarus will also be on hand to provide free appraisals and oversee on-site repairs. Quakertown has about 8,900 residents and is located 30 miles north of Philadelphia.

Take a break and play with some toys

Karen — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 21:50:12 GMT

Make plans to visit this show in Dover, Del., on July 26. Toy shows like this are a great out-of-mall experience. They bring back great memories or introduce you to something you never knew you wanted.

The Delaware Antique and Collectible Extravaganza will transform Spence's Bazaar, 550 S. New Street, Dover, Del., into what's being billed as Delaware's largest free outdoor antique and collectible show.

Managed by promoters Toyshows.org, the show attracts antique and collectible dealers from the east coast who sell a wide variety of merchandise. Vintage furnishings, artifacts, jewelry, porcelain, ephemera, glassware, advertising collectible's and toys will be featured.

Admission is free. Show hours 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sales are prohibited before the 9 a.m. opening Rain date is scheduled for Aug. 2. For more information on attending or participating in the show, go to our web site, Toyshows.org or call 856-302-3606.

As always, Antique Trader urges attendees to contact the promoter before traveling extreme distances.

Now's the time to invest

Karen — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 22:24:06 GMT

This week's issue had a few articles devoted to 'affordable' collections as well as a column on how to collect without cash.
The two themes were the subject of this week's editor's note. They reminded me of our current economic crisis and how it should not deter veteran and novice collectors from getting out and enjoying the hobby.

You can’t escape the economy no matter how hard you try. Unemployment. Rising prices. Store closings. It’s to be expected that people are worried more about their mortgages than they are about adding a new gem to their collection.

This week’s issue is devoted to the idea that a quality and interesting collection does not require a seven-figure bankroll. Now more than ever collectors need to be reminded that the precious objects in their home are a source of escape, education and excitement.

As Mark Roeder explains in his column on page 14, to be a collector is not synonymous with being a ‘horder’. Being a collector means to be inquisitive, a researcher or an aficionado of fine design, among other things. Nor should ‘affordable’ be translated as ‘cheap.’ Many important collections were started with rather modest means. Important collections are built by people willing to spend time learning about their collection and preparing for the next purchase. That means reading reference books, talking with experts and inspecting items you already own.

“Most are so busy seeking out new additions that they don’t pay attention to what is right there in front of them,” Roeder writes. “Enjoying what you already have can not only be just as enjoyable as adding a new piece.”

Rearranging your collection or putting others away to make room for long forgotten treasures is a fulfilling way to get reacquainted with your items. Everyone has an item or two (or more) that could use a bit more research. Perhaps it’s time to weed out a few items.

Our cover this week focuses on two diverse, yet similar, collecting areas that are seeing ‘green shoots’ among collectors.

Nostalgic ceramicware items from the 50s and 60s can be found at most every antiques show, country auction or flea market. As you’ll see in Walter Dworkin’s piece, excerpted from his book “Price Guide to Holt-Howard Collectibles,” every collector can afford many vintage pieces. While it is true values for Holt-Howard’s Pixieware collectibles are on the rise, an afternoon at any one of the nation’s larger flea markets or antiques malls will result in a find. Remember to take Dworkin’s advice when shopping: Never pay top dollar for a chipped or damaged collectible.

Melody Amsel-Arieli’s article on canning labels is an interesting look at the history and art of a relatively new collecting genre. Most labels can be found in every price range and a majority of them are valued at $10 or less.

Canning labels are just now entering an era of their own. Amsel-Arieli writes that collectors are charmed by their beauty or historical value. Like vintage ceramicware, can labels can be found here and there however an Internet search will generate many more leads.

No matter what your collecting passion may be, don’t let a temporary economic downturn steal your enjoyment in antiques and collectibles.

Get out and enjoy the hunt.

Eric Bradley
Editor

Quick links to Antique Trader articles

Karen — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 13:55:42 GMT

For your convenience:

Sunny skies greet shoppers at Centreville, Mich., market
Going green with antiques at Marin County Antique Show
Barnes & Noble outlet hosts vintage book fair
Jackson’s death sparks surge in collectibles prices
Collect.com Auctions scores strong debut
Antique advertising association schedules annual convention
Third Reich rarities highlight July Affiliated auction

We have a lot of great information that's new on AntiqueTrader.com this week. There's even more information in the magazine.

You can subscribe to the print version for just 63 cents an issue! http://tinyurl.com/lsl677

— Posted by Karen Knapstein

Regional collectors club conventions

Karen — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 22:01:10 GMT

American Cut Glass Association Annual Convention to be in Vienna, Va.

The American Cut Glass Association will hold its ACGA Annual Convention on July 24-26, 2009, at the Sheraton Premiere at Tysons Corner Hotel, in Vienna, Va.

The convention gives ACGA members a great opportunity to learn about glass and extra time for sight-seeing in the area. There will be a spectacular display of some of the world’s most elegant cut glass, plus lectures by leaders in cut glass and related fields.

For additional information on joining the American Cut Glass Association or about the Annual Convention, visit www.cutglass.org.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Fenton Glass Collectors to meet in August for convention

The 19th Annual Convention of the National Fenton Glass Society will be held on Aug. 1-3, 2009, in Marietta, Ohio.

The convention headquarters will be the Comfort Inn. Glass displays and seminars are open to the public. Members and their guests will enjoy a dinner cruise aboard the Valley Gem Sternwheeler, participate in Glass ID, attend the NFGS annual meeting, play Fenton bingo, and enjoy the banquet followed by a whimsey auction.

For more information on the NFGS convention or the National Fenton Glass Society, visit www.fentonglasssociety.org.

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Carriage Association of America to hold 2009 conference in Leesburg, Va.

The Carriage Association of America will hold its 2009 CAA Conference on June 17-20, 2009, at the Morven Park Equestrian Center in Leesburg, Va.

For additional information on The Carriage Association of America or the upcoming 2009 conference, visit www.caaonline.com.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sewing Machine Collectors to meet in Charlotte in 2009

The International Sewing Machine Collectors’ Society will hold their annual convention in Charlotte, N.C., on Oct. 17-18, 2009.

The convention will include a sewing machine auction and row upon row of sales tables, plus tours and other activities.

For additional information visit www.ismacs.net/events.html or e-mail Graham Forsdyke at graham@ismacs.u-net.com.

— Posted by Karen Knapstein

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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Star of the North will shine soon

Karen — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 13:53:02 GMT

Star of the North antique show at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds June 26-28, 2009.

The antique show will be held in the Education Building located near the entrance of the fairgrounds.

According to their press release:

The Star of the North has something to offer for every collector from beginning to advanced. You will see an exciting array of wonderful antiques in every category from Civil War, Historical, Political, advertising, coins, fine art glass, fine porcelains, flow blue china, paintings, Moser, jewelry, sterling silver matching service, art pottery, holiday collectibles, prints, decorative antiques, carnival glass, cut glass, Fenton glass, Cambridge, Royal Bayreuth, Royal Doulton, Nippon, hatpins, napkin rings, match safes, bookends, door stops, notary seals, postcards, ephemera, furniture, primitives, reference book seller and much, much more.

Show Hours: Friday: 11 am – 8 pm; Saturday: 11 am – 7 pm and Sunday 11 am – 4 pm. Admission is $6 and is good all three days of the show – MENTION THE STAR OF THE NORTH NEW RELEASE AND RECEIVE $1 OFF ONE ADMISSION AT THE DOOR.

For show information, call 641-832-2700 or 507-269-1473 or e-mail sales@ iridescenthouse.com

— Posted by Karen Knapstein (karen.knapstein@fwmedia.com)

Vintage market opportunity

Karen — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:48:02 GMT

The SoWa Antiques Market (Boston) is open every Sunday (except holidays) through Oct. 25 (open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; free admission; free parking).

Looks like a great opportunity for those in the area to browse and pick up a "selection of antiques and quality collectibles, including vintage fashion, Art Deco, Mid-Century Modern furniture, jewelry, books, art glass and more."

Held at 540 Harrison Ave., Boston.

For information call 781-862-4039 or visit http://www.sowaantiques.com.

If you go, please let us know what you think. Is it worth the trip? Did you find a treasure to take home?

Post a reply here or drop us a line ...

I'll quote my niece when I once gave my husband a five pound Hershey's chocolate bar: "Share - share - share!"

— Posted by Karen Knapstein (karen.knapstein@fwmedia.com)

P.S. Thank you Shaun for the heads-up!

Brooklyn Flea expands - again

Karen — Thu, 28 May 2009 16:03:17 GMT

... this time under the Brooklyn Bridge. At Brooklyn Bridge Park, to be exact.

According to a press release, dozens of vendors will take advantage of this venue every Sunday from June 14 through October. Since the Brooklyn Flea's launch in 2008, it has boasted continued and increasing success.

From their official press release:

“It’s an honor to be expanding The Flea to a second location with the stature and history of the Brooklyn Bridge,” said Brooklyn Flea Co-Founder Jonathan Butler. “In these tumultuous economic times, it’s also particularly gratifying to create another opportunity for the hundreds of small businesses in the Flea family to continue to grow.”

For more information on the Brooklyn Flea, visit www.brooklynflea.com.

For more information on the Brooklyn Bridge Park, visit www.brooklynbridgeparknyc.org.

By the way, if any of you visit the flea, please share your experiences and post your impressions here.

— Posted by Karen Knapstein

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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Question of the Week: Brimfield anyone?

Karen — Wed, 20 May 2009 22:50:39 GMT

This week, Antique Trader would like to know:

“Did you attend the antique shows in Brimfield during the middle of May? What were your impressions of the state of the market there?”

Would you like to share your experiences at Brimfield - either buying or selling? We'd love to hear from you!

Post a reply here on the blog, in the Antique Trader message boards, or you can e-mail us your comments at sandra.sparks@fwmedia.com or mail comments to Antique Trader Inbox, 700 E State St, Iola, WI 54945.

— Posted by Karen Knapstein

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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A week from today: Grayslake "Late Nite" Flea

Karen — Sat, 16 May 2009 14:05:41 GMT

Sure enough, one week from today, on May 23, Grayslake, Ill., will host its "Late-Nite" Flea Market. The event is scheduled to run from 5 p.m.-midnight at the new Lake County Fairgrounds at 1060 E Peterson Rd., Grayslake. [CLICK HERE for Google Maps.]

Zurko promotions advises that market attendees bring flashlights, but food and snacks will be available throughout the event.

Admission is $5; kids under 16 are free with parents. Parking is free.

Need more info? Contact Zurko Midwest Promotions at 715-526-9769 or visit www.zurkopromotions.com.

Armacost "Brighten Your Home" contest

Karen — Mon, 11 May 2009 16:01:01 GMT

This is kind of exciting ... a good way to develop "new" antiques enthusiasts ...

Washington, DC-based antiques show producer Armacost Antiques Shows today announced a new contest, “Brighten Your Home with Antiques.”

Anyone may enter the contest by posting a comment on the firm’s blog at AntiquesShows.blogspot.com before 12 midnight ET on July 1, 2009. One winner will be chosen at random to receive a mid-19th Century English candlestick made of hammered brass (properly called a “chamber stick” by collectors). The number of times an individual may enter is unlimited and no purchase is necessary. The winner will be announced July 4 on the firm’s blog and elsewhere.

Brighten Your Home with Antiques.

Our contest celebrates the fact that antiques are an affordable and earth-friendly way to add brilliance to any home. We chose this time to offer the contest, because young couples who want to brighten their homes with antiques have an unusual buying opportunity, thanks to the bargains that prevail Antiques are for everyone, not just the rich Lots of great antique chests, tables and chairs are being sold today for under $1,000, affordable to young people furnishing a home. And innumerable pieces are available in the $500 range that can be displayed in homes as objects of art—small carved and painted wooden figures, pottery, candlesticks, clocks, quilts, samplers, boxes and baskets. I will always buy this bureau back from you, if you want to put the money toward another piece. And in four or five years, I can probably give you back your full purchase price.

“Our contest celebrates the fact that antiques are an affordable and earth-friendly way to add brilliance to any home,” says Bob James, president, Armacost Antiques Shows.

In recent months, recession-driven price-cuts have put antiques dealers’ inventories within reach of even moderate earners. “We chose this time to offer the contest, because young couples who want to brighten their homes with antiques have an unusual buying opportunity, thanks to the bargains that prevail,” James says.

“Antiques are for everyone, not just the rich,” says Dave Krashes, director of the Princeton, MA-based organization Every Collector Add a Collector. “Lots of great antique chests, tables and chairs are being sold today for under $1,000, affordable to young people furnishing a home. And innumerable pieces are available in the $500 range that can be displayed in homes as objects of art—small carved and painted wooden figures, pottery, candlesticks, clocks, quilts, samplers, boxes and baskets.”

For more information on Armacost shows, visit http://www.armacostantiquesshows.com.

60s & sunny: perfect flea market weather

Karen — Sun, 03 May 2009 16:51:01 GMT

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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Pulp Fiction convention in the Windy City

Karen — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 00:14:23 GMT

The guilty pleasures of tough guys and bad girls ... and Chicagoland (Lombard, Ill., to be exact) is lining up for a weekend (May 1-3) packed with such pleasures.

The press release we received touts:

The three-day event will celebrate the uniquely American form of popular literature. Attendees will hear from pulp fiction historians, see vintage pulp cover art, watch films inspired by the great pulp writers and find rare issues of such seminal publications as The Shadow, Spicy Detective, Amazing Stories, Black Mask, Weird Tales and thousands more.

Highlight of this year's convention is a celebration of the once infamous now highly regarded (and considered relatively innocent) Spicy pulps. In their heyday, such titles as Saucy Movie Tales, Spicy Mystery and Private Detective set depression-era men's blood pumping with risque covers featuring scantily clad damsels in distress (oft “dressed” in high heels and sheer negligees) and deliciously illustrated snappy stories explaining the devilish details.

The first Spicys hit the newsstands in 1934 from the ironically named Culture Publications whose owners soon gained far more renown and respect as the publishers of the clean cut Superman comics.

The 25 cent Spicy of the 1930s – usually sold under the counter to avoid corrupting innocent youth and incurring the censor's ire – is now a coveted collectors item, bringing hundreds for a single issue and thousands for an original painting.

The salute to the Spicys will include an exhibit of rare pulp cover art (including many by the King of the Spicy covers, HJ Ward), rarely seen feature films inspired by the Spicy pulps and special exhibitions and panel discussions about the unique genre.

ADMISSION is $35 for all three days; $25 on Friday; $25 on Saturday; $15 on Sunday. Ages 13 and under free with parent. Fee includes access to all convention events and program book containing pulp articles and reprints.

SHOW HOURS: FRIDAY 5/1: Noon-Midnight; SATURDAY 5/2 9am-Midnight; SUNDAY 5/3 9am-4pm.

LOCATION: Westin Lombard Yorktown Center, 70 Yorktown Center, Lombard Il 60148 888-627-9031.

For general information visit the Windy City Pulp site: www.windycitypulpandpaper.com or Doug Ellis at 847-217-4241; email: info@windycitypulpandpaper.com.

A pulp and fiction show that is open until midnight — Looks like a lot of fun ...

If any of you go, drop us a note here and let us know how it was.

— Posted by Karen Knapstein

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• If you really like what you see, get your own subscription to Antique Trader HERE.

This week's Antique Trader comin' at ya

Karen — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 18:11:50 GMT

Here's a sneak peek:

Some of the articles in this week's Antique Trader:

Speaking of Dolls: Chinas: Out of the shadows once again

Ask Antique Trader: These mugs have come a long way

Drink up – Coca-Cola collectors have good taste

Fill up the tank, check the oil: Antique gas pumps

Business Profile: Mill Creek Antiques, Paxico, Kan.

Collector Spotlight: This toy story has a happy ending

The sound of money mixes with music at slot machine, advertising and juke box show

Trouble brewing in Brimfield

Karen — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 16:06:13 GMT

Here is a developing story out of Brimfield. Mass. Brimfield is home of the famous Brimfield Antiques Shows, a collection of more than 20 shows held three times a year May, July and September. May's installment is universally seen as ground zero for the antiques trade and the kickoff to the outdoor antiques show season nationwide.

It seems the town of Brimfield wants show promoters to pay up to five years of back taxes on "emergency services" at the event. Naturally, promoters are not taking this request lightly and have rightly filed a lawsuit fighting the levy.

The amount in question is a sizable $144,501.55. Brimfield promoters submitted 5,617 vendor permits in 2008 which generated $168,510 in fees. This left the city with a surplus of more than $22,000 - but the town is looking for more.

As every antqiues show promoter faces an increasingly challenging environment, it's a no brainer to say this is the wrong year to try to tap these businesses. Dealers from the Midwast and West are already stressed by the economy. If the landowners are forced to pass another fee increase on to Brimfield dealers they might think twice about the trip. The towns of Brimfield and Sturbridge both gain so much in economic impact of the dealers and attendees that there should be another solution to cover these costs.

-Eric Bradley, Atlantique City Show Promoter

Observations from Atlantique City

Karen — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 21:50:37 GMT

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.

How was Atlantique City for you?

Karen — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 21:48:17 GMT

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?

Atlantique City

Karen — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:56:25 GMT

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?

Chicago World Fair fans won't want to miss this show

Karen — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 22:09:04 GMT

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!)

Cedar Rapids Antique Show & Collector Fair

Karen — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 16:35:49 GMT

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.

Expect the unusual at Atlantique City!

Karen — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:22:51 GMT

Dealers bringing amazing finds to New Jersey's greatest event

Dealers have been searching all winter long to provide collectors, decorators and curiosity seekers a new cure for cabin fever.

Atlantique City, New Jersey's largest indoor antiques & collectibles event, will return to the Atlantic City Convention Center March 28-29, 2009. The annual event, a 23-year fixture on the Northeast's antiques scene, will showcase hundreds of exhibitors of art, furniture, jewelry and vintage fashion, pottery, porcelain, glass, dolls, toys, silver and more.

Thousands of buyers flock to Atlantique City to view the wide range of antiques and collectibles exhibited by dealers from across the United States, Canada, France and the United Kingdom. "You see things at an antiques show that you don't see anywhere else," Show Promoter Eric Bradley said. "Our dealers have searched all winter long and they bring their most amazing discoveries to Atlantique City. Most of our dealers do not sell online so March is the only chance this year to experience their great finds."

CLICK HERE for More Information and to Purchase Your Tickets!

CLICK HERE to download a free listing of the Atlantique City dealers (38.44 KB PDF)