Several past winners of the ADA Award of Merit were photographed in 2007; from left are Betty Ring, R. Scudder Smith, Wendell Garrett, Elinor Gordon and Albert Sack.
:In real estate, it is location, location, location. But when it comes to antiques, the buzzword is ethics, ethics, ethics. At least it is to the Antiques Dealers' Association of America (ADA), which was formed in May 1984 as a nonprofit trade organization to "make more professional the business of buying and selling antiques."
According to the association's statement of purpose, the ADA "is composed of professional antiques dealers who are dedicated to integrity, honesty and ethical conduct in the antiques trade."
That one sentence is the reason why dealers selected for membership in the association prize it so highly and why buyers look for the ADA logo when buying from dealers.
In times past, there was an implicit trust between dealer and client and deals were often sealed with a handshake. Nowadays, buyers often perceive dealers with a skeptical eye.
As in any industry, a few bad apples can spoil the barrel, but the ADA, formed when dealers did not have a collective voice, seeks out and cultivates a group of high-minded dealers who are knowledgeable about what they sell, have a strong business model and are ethical in their dealings.
Membership is by invitation only and it is renewed annually, subject to review by the board of directors. The ADA requires that its members sign a certificate agreeing to abide by the ADA's bylaws, as well as to guarantee in writing their merchandise on sales receipts as to approximate age, origin, condition and restoration, if any. A standing ethics committee meets to ensure members continue to meet the ADA's standards.
It is this very guarantee and its members' commitment to honest business practices that allows customers to buy antiques with a high level of confidence from an ADA member.
The ADA Historic Deerfield Antiques Show is a much-anticipated event for both its member dealers and the buying public.
"It is very important to me at the end of the day that I can look my customers and clients in the eye. These are the people I work for, many of whom have become lifelong friends," said David Rudd of Dalton's American Decorative Arts, Syracuse, N.Y., who joined the ADA after he was recently invited to become a member..
Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the ADA is eagerly anticipating its annual fall antiques show, which is always scheduled for Columbus Day weekend. The show will take place at Deerfield Academy, October 10–11, and marks the ninth year of collaboration with Historic Deerfield. This year, the show will feature just over 50 of the country's leading dealers, who are seen at top antiques shows across the country. ADA treasurer and veteran show producer Karen DiSaia, a recognized dealer in Oriental rugs, runs the show for the ADA.
Jeff Bridgman of Jeff Bridgman American Antiques, York County, Penn., said he feels privileged to be a member of the ADA and "particularly privileged to exhibit alongside the great dealers who participate in the ADA's one and only annual show in Deerfield, Mass., which is the best quality show that I do all year and I look forward to it with great anticipation."
Phil Zea, director of Historic Deerfield, serves on the ADA's board of directors, and was presented with the association's Award of Merit last spring for his contributions to the antiques trade. The ADA runs two major events a year: the fall show and its awards dinner in April, conducted in conjunction with the Philadelphia Antiques Show, to honor the award winner. Both events are eagerly anticipated all year by members, as well as many in the trade.
