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!)

Are these the droids you’re looking for?

Manion’s International Auction House announces special Sci-Fi collectibles auction – Star Wars, Star Trek, Godzilla, Ultraman, X-Men, and more . .

Two non-militaria related special auctions for Manion’s International Auction House, Inc. in a month? Manion’s brand new special Sci-Fi auction is online now, coming hot on the heels of their collectible toy auction — their first non-military related auction in many years.

“Everyone knows Manion’s International Auction House is synonymous with military collectibles,” said company VP John Conway. “We’ve come across some other interesting collections lately, and thought we’d feature them on our online auction website.”

The results were encouraging.

“Our collectible toy auction went very well,” said Conway, “and a Sci-Fi collector contacted us about consigning.”

Manion’s accepted the consignment, and contacted a couple collectors of similar items.

“Just like that, we had a new special auction,” Conway said. “Few companies enjoy our versatility, and the ability to put a special auction together so quickly.”

While several special auctions are featured on a regular basis, online auctions close 365 days a year on their website: www.manions.com.

“The Sci-Fi special auction features hundreds and hundreds of Star Wars action figures and vehicles,” said Conway. “Other Sci-Fi areas of interest include Godzilla, Ultraman, Star Trek, X-Men, and many more.”

Manion’s special Sci-Fi auction closes April 26, 2009 at 8:30 p.m. CST on the online auctions website www.manions.com.

Continue to count on Manion’s for militaria, but begin to look towards the longstanding company for other areas of collecting. On the horizon, Manion’s is planning several special auctions in diverse areas of collecting: Public Enemy Number One – Maffia Memorabilia, Military Medical, and Sporting Collectibles.

Have something to consign – military or otherwise? Visit www.manions.com and call 866.626.4661 to learn more.
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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.   

On my way back north from Kenosha, Wis., yesterday, we passed the 7 Mile Fair site between Racine and Milwaukee. Of course, "field trip" popped into my head.

After a little checking on their Web site, I found out the 7 Mile Fair flea market is open Saturdays & Sundays, April through October, 7am-5pm, and November through March 9am-5pm. Admission is $1.50; seniors $1; children under 11 free with paid adult. And parking is free.

I'll wait until it gets a bit warmer, but then I'm heading back south for what promises to be an exciting day.

If you would like to learn more about the 7 Mile Fair, visit http://www.7milefair.com/

Have you been there? What has your experience been?

Here are some of the articles we posted on AntiqueTrader.com this week:

2,000 lots to cross the block in 3 days of Weiss auctions

Victorian lamps and antique glass highlight Woody auction, April 4

Rock Island Auction Company’s Regional Sale proves gun prices are on the rise

Hal Hunt sells Belter bed for big bucks

The best of the Victorian era offered at Fontaine’s April 4 auction

What has happened to eBay?

Stoneware: The Tupperware of the 19th century

Did Napoleon need a nightlight?

The Antique Detective: Revival furniture styles pose problems

Art Markets: President's image on campaign poster subject of lawsuit

Privy to history

And of course there's so much more ...

In this week's edition of Antique Trader, we're running a story on collector Rick Weiner of Allentown, Pa. You might say Rick acquires his collection "the hard way"; he digs 19th century outhouse pits for his finds.

Click here to read the story Privy to history: Digging 19th century outhouses for historic glass

Digging in old privies for vintage items is kind of an odd hobby.

Do you, or someone you know, have an offbeat collection or hobby?

Post a reply here, on the Antique Trader message boards, or e-mail sandra.sparks@fwmedia.com.

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

Ask Antique Trader wants to put you to work

Every week, “Ask Antique Trader” receives scores of inquiries from readers, seeking more information about a recent find, a gift from a friend or relative, or an oddity that’s been sitting on a shelf for years.

We pass all of these questions along to our panel of experts, but once in awhile, we get a question about an object that stops us in our tracks. We want to share these unusual treasures with readers in the hope that they’ll offer their opinions and perhaps enlighten us all.

“Ask Antique Trader” will feature these oddities on a regular basis in the print and online editions of the magazine. Post a reply here or send your comments to AskAT@fwmedia.com.

This little fellow is about 4 inches tall, cast iron and appears to be a contortionist. His hat comes off and we think he’s a match holder, but the rest of his lineage is a bit cloudy.

Any thoughts?

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.

Terms of age are oftentimes relative.

I have an old house. It was built about a century ago. Pretty old, huh?

Not really. Not when it's compared to the Fairbanks House (built circa 1637-1641), which has the highly honorable distinction of being the oldest standing timber frame building in North America.

It's really quite remarkable that the house is still standing when you think of all the things that can and do happen to obliterate a house. It's a shame when old homes are neglected, as mine was as you can see in the picture.

Here's an opportunity to learn about the Fairbanks House:

“The Fairbanks House:
New Discoveries at America’s Oldest Timber Frame House”
Lecture, March 12

Dr. Alex Service, Director and Curator of the Fairbanks House, America’s Oldest Timber Frame House, will be the guest speaker on Thursday, March 12, 7:30 PM, at the Dedham Historical Society.  Service will share the results of recent studies of the “old Fairbanks homestead,” including the 2002 work that reinforced the Fairbanks House’s claim to be the oldest standing timber frame building in North America. The cost of the lecture is $5 per person, free to members.

The circa 1637-1641 house in Dedham was home to Puritan immigrants and eight generations of their descendants, until the house opened as a museum in 1904.  It has long been celebrated as the best-preserved example of early English colonial architecture in New England, and it continues to reveal new insights to this day.

Dr. Service has been Director/Curator of the Fairbanks House since April 2006. Her previous positions have been with Haley Sharpe Design,  Limited, Williamsburg, Virginia as Research Development Coordinator, Historic Jamestowne Project, the Hot Springs County Museum and Cultural Center, Thermopolis, Wyoming as Director, the Fort Caspar Museum, Casper, Wyoming, and many others in related fields.

She holds a Ph.D. from the Centre for Medieval Studies, University of York, England, 1998; an  M.A. from the Centre for Medieval Studies, University of York, England, and a B.A. in East Asian Studies from the University of California at Los Angeles.

She has authored numerous publications.

— Posted by Karen

A question to ponder, and perhaps you all can voice your opinions as well:

Is there a proper place for reproductions? If they are properly - and permanently - marked, can they be used as "placeholders" in a collection? Or simply as decorator items?

Of course, there's always the risk of an item being altered by the unscrupulous to be passed off as genuine ...

Do any of you have strong feelings one way or the other about reproductions?

And how about fantasy pieces? Will they just cause problems for future collectors?

— Posted by Karen

... 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

Earth Day is April 22
Celebrate!
Buy old, not new!

Share your green living poem here!

We just got this press release from the National Auctioneers Association:

The National Auctioneers Association <http://www.auctioneers.org>  (NAA), the nation’s leading association of auction professionals, reported today the results of its 2008 industry survey. In 2008, approximately $268.4 billion in goods and services were sold at auction in the United States, a decrease of slightly less than 1% compared to 2007.
 
Growth in 2008 was limited to five sectors of the industry: agricultural machinery and equipment, commercial and industrial machinery and equipment, land and agricultural real estate, residential real estate, and charity auctions. Significant decreases in gross revenue were reported in art, antiques and collectibles (-9.3%), automobile (-5.4%), and personal property (-5.1%) auctions.
 
“The results of the industry survey are consistent with what we continually hear from auctioneers across the country. While some sectors of the industry have been impacted by the economy, others have grown or held strong,” said NAA President Randy Wells.  “Consumers continue to attend auctions to find treasures and sellers continue to utilize professional auctioneers to help turn their assets into cash.”
 
Agricultural machinery and equipment auctions led the industry with gross sales revenue increasing 1.9% in 2008. The commercial and industrial machinery and equipment sector also witnessed growth last year. In addition to increased interest in auctions, growth in this sector can be associated with consumers choosing to purchase used equipment at auction, in place of buying new.  
 
Since the NAA began tracking the industry in 2003, gross receipts from real estate auctions have increased each year. Last year, residential real estate auctions increased 1.1%, along with land and agricultural real estate, which grew 0.5%. Commercial real estate dipped 1.4% last year. Real Estate Owned (REO) properties were also a major contributor to the industry’s growth in 2008. Banks frequently contract professional auctioneers to sell foreclosed properties at auction, as well as refer auctioneers to customers with troubled assets and use them to sell their own foreclosed properties.  

Winterthur Museum & Country Estate has initiated new tour offerings and pricing options to provide visitors with greater opportunities to enjoy its world-class collections of American decorative arts.  

Winterthur will now offer visitors a single ticket option, providing them with full access to the Winterthur Garden and Galleries as well as an introductory tour showcasing some of the most spectacular rooms in the 175-room house. The new adult general admission rate will be $18, a $2 savings from Winterthur’s former two-tier pricing structure of $15 for Garden and Galleries admission plus an additional $5 fee for a house tour. The tours will be offered daily with first tours of the house departing at 10:30 am and final tours departing at 3:30 pm. Admission tickets are valid for two consecutive days.  

In addition, Winterthur will now offer specialized one- and two-hour reserved tours on a rotating schedule. Tour topics will change seasonally and will provide in-depth opportunities to focus on specific parts of the 85,000-object collection or on special themes.  In March, the one-hour tour will be “Distinctive Collections,” providing a wide overview of the collections amassed by Henry Francis du Pont, and providing visitors with opportunities to appreciate the collection in period-era settings.

Two options will be available in March for two-hour tours.  “Living with Antiques I” and “Living with Antiques II” will provide detailed looks at specific objects in Winterthur’s collection of American decorative arts, showcased in period rooms throughout the house. The one- and two-hour tours will depart at scheduled times throughout the day.  Details on tour times and offerings are available by contacting 800.448.3883 or by visiting winterthur.org.

“These new admission offerings will make it easier for first-time visitors to sample all of the wonderful facets of Winterthur and will also provide return visitors with fresh, new ways to explore the collections,” said Jeff Groff, director of public programs.  

Winterthur’s general admission also provides opportunities to enjoy special exhibitions, narrated garden tram tours (weather permitting), the Campbell Collection of Soup Tureens, and the Enchanted Woods children’s garden.

Full general admission pricing is as follows:

$18 adults
$16 students and seniors
$5 for ages 2–11
Children under 2 are admitted free with a paying adult.
General admission for Members is free.
Group discounts are available by contacting 800.448.3883.
Tickets are valid for two consecutive days.

###

Winterthur Museum & Country Estate—known worldwide for its preeminent collection of American antiques, naturalistic garden, and research library for the study of American art and material culture—offers a variety of tours, exhibitions, programs, and activities throughout the year. Winterthur has been named one of the country’s “10 great places of historic proportions” by USA Today and “one of the 10 grandest mansions in America” by Budget Travel.  

 Museum hours are 10 am to 5 pm, Tuesday–Sunday. Winterthur, located on Route 52, six miles northwest of Wilmington, Delaware, and five miles south of U.S. Route 1, is closed Mondays (except holidays and during Yuletide), Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. Winterthur is committed to accessible programming for all. For information, including special services, call 800.448.3883, 302.888.4600, or TTY 302.888.4907. Online, visit winterthur.org.

Just how much are these cookbooks worth?

Well, it really doesn't matter, I guess, because someone's going to win them for free! Yes, that's right — FREE!

You see, for the March Antique Trader Treasure Hunt Sweepstakes, we're giving away a selection of cookbooks along with the Antique Trader Collectible Cookbooks Price Guide.

I have to tell you, it was a lot of fun sitting down and looking through all these books. Just so there's no misunderstanding: these books are NOT new. Most of them were purchased at auction. And now, someone who enters the Antique Trader sweepstakes in March is going to win them, along with the price guide and a copy of The Tasty Trader, which was published in 1998 and is subtitled: Culinary Delights from the Employees of Antique Trader Publications, Inc. It makes me hungry looking through it, and it may just become a favorite book for the winner.

Make sure you enter once each day for your best chance of winning!

You can click on the banner below to enter the sweepstakes.

GOOD LUCK!