Antiques on New Year's Day at the Venus De Milo

SOMERSET, MASS.

:Fall River, Mass., antiques show promoter John Domigoes has been producing the popular New Year's Day show at the Venus De Milo for more than a quarter of a century. This local event, which takes place three times annually, draws in all the local antiques dealers as exhibitors and customers.

Domigoes has room for about 85 dealers in the spacious and somewhat garish function hall. The setup is simple - no walls or electricity at this casual show. That does not stop the dealers - many of whom are among the most active and well known in this part of the antiquing world - from bringing a terrific mix of Eighteenth and Nineteenth Century American and European rarities. Certainly, there was plenty of good Twentieth Century merchandise, as well as jewelry, decorative items, lots of terrific dolls, great "smalls," Oriental rugs and American Indian objects.

Antiques show promoters and dealers Ferguson and D'Arruda, who have a shop in Providence, R.I., were among the exhibitors present for the show. They had a Nineteenth Century American formal mahogany chest in great condition. They also brought a crisp and vivid state of Maine black and red grain painted blanket box with green and gold striping. The chest sold for $750.

The importance of the show to the local dealer/collector crowd can be seen by the active preshow selling. Even with an electrical problem, which forced Domigoes to stay up all night to make sure it was resolved - and which forced the show to open a little late - the crowd was intense and focused. A quick glimpse down the line revealed all the major players in this part of New England. Prominent fine art dealer Bill Varieka, who has an upscale gallery on Newport, R.I.'s chic Bellevue Avenue, was among the first through the door, scouring the floor for some good paintings. Bill Taylor, a private dealer in Attleboro, Mass., was seen examining an Eighteenth Century American tavern table in the first rush.

Sales seemed to be plentiful, and buying was enthusiastic. During the preshow period, an American Nineteenth Century hooked rug was scored by an antiques dealer who quickly spirited it away. Camille Buda and Matt King, who were exhibiting at the show, were already doing pretty well by the time the show opened to the public. Robin Jenkins, an antiques dealer from nearby Bristol, R.I., was seen writing up sales, including an early iron mat with hearts.

Mike Collins, from Rehoboth, Mass., sold a colorful and interesting red, white and blue beer barrel, probably a political item, dating from around the late Nineteenth Century for $750 during the show's early buying period. Collins was also showing an Eighteenth Century American raised paneled hanging cupboard to an eager customer as the show opened to the general public.

A Quiet Place from Westport, Mass., displayed many period dolls, including rag, wooden and other examples. Carol Siegal from Seagull Antiques in Acton, Mass., was exhibiting two small French end tables, which were hand carved and priced at $995. There were lots of decorated stoneware, American patchwork quilts, early bottles, vintage designer jewelry, including examples of the great Danish and Mexican makers and lots of costume jewelry.

It is easy to see why this fun, user-friendly show has survived all these years and remained an important part of the local New England antiques scene.

For information, 508-679-3572.