While most of us will not be filling our double wides with the likes of what I wanted to see, and while wifes’ purchases were very modest, it’s the thrill of seeing these incredible objects and learning all that I can about the findings these dealers were able to bring together.
Friday was the first of the three day Delefield Antique Show that I had wanted to attend for several years but just never seemed to find the time. This year it was put on our priority list. Friday evening was the kick off and I was there with pen and camera in hand to see what all the hub-bub was about. The location was in the historic Delafield Hotel in historic Downtown Delafield, WI. The perfect setting to view and learn more about Early American and English antiques from the more than seventy dealers assembled with their wonderful array of true antiques. The name plates in each booth provided the attendee’s business name and their home location. While many were from Wisconsin and the surrounding states, others traveled from Missouri, Connecticut, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Virgina, and Ohio to present their unique wares in this fashionable setting. From the looks of the early crowd, lots of interest was generated and sold tags were seen on many items, too large to hand carry out the door.
Paintings were prevalent, furniture abundant and metal objects of silver and brass, brilliantly polished.
As I toured the show, I was very impressed with the great variety of items, and played a guessing game of “the price is right” with myself, trying to determine an object’s value before looking at the price tag. (I’m not very good at this game.) And when it comes to paintings, I have no clue, guessing low on high priced masterpieces and way high on eighteenth century paint by numbers with a subject only the artist and I would think was worthy of using a good canvas and paint.
Asking questions of the dealers always brings a detailed response and I consider these events as my chance to learn from experts. I was fortunate enough to visit with a several that allowed me to photograph their booths and discuss some details beyond their inventory. Often these interviews were interrupted with questions from customers, so I try to observe more than quiz a busy person.
Several common themes arise from this show’s participants: an early interest in old things, years of collecting and later selling what they like, good contacts for locating rare antiques, and constant education. The benefits most enjoy are the returning customer base, foreign travel and camaraderie with like minded individuals.
My first chat was with Nancy Andrich of Nancy Andrich Antiques, who along with her daughter, travel to the UK on buying trips, and had lots of small decorative gems. Nancy said she had been doing the Delafield show for at least ten years and also was a participant at the Northern Illinois Antique Dealers Association Shows, and the Wisconsin Antique Dealers shows, where I remembered seeing her before.
The Harley Davidson sign in Tom and Marcia Brown’s booth caught my eye. Living in Wisconsin, we celebrate all things Harley. Marcia mentioned Willie G. had stopped to admire the sign. Made of sheet metal this fine old display piece was tempting, and I hope it found a home in our state.
This couple from Indiana live in an 1800s home and show about twelve times a year around the Mid-west. Tom has worked as a full time dealer for about twelve years, and we had a nice chat on our common interest in old homes, even if mine is but a pup compared to theirs.
Harold Cole (Antiques) of Woodbury, Connecticut has forty-five years of antique experience, featuring Early American and American folk art with a special interest in weather vanes. Harold sells through the Wales Antique Center in Wales, Wisconsin and had shops in Wiscasett, Maine and Woodbury, Connecticut.
The last interview, again shortened by paying customers, was with Randall Hopkins (Art and Antiques) with a shop in Madison, Wisconsin. His specialty of English and American period furnitures, oil paintings and decorative accessories. I was enthralled by the English silver pieces he had to offer.
Did I learn enough to join the ranks of these dealers? An emphatic NO. But we keep learning and that’s what makes for a happy collector, one that learns and understands as much as we can about our collections, so that when an item of value is offered we’ll have the insight to purchase and figure out later how to cover the check. Good Hunting my collecting community friends, hope to see you at my next shopping stop.
