“The Tammany Tiger Loose – What Are You Going To Do About It?” one of the most powerful political cartoons of all time, appeared in “Harper’s Weekly” on the eve of the elections of 1871. As a corpulent Tweed and a throng look on, Tammany Hall’s tiger has rampaged through the civic arena and now, teeth bared, claws the downed figure of Columbia, representing New York’s innocent citizenry.

By Kathy Schoemer

MARLBOROUGH, MASS.–“I like to judge a show by the early buyer count, for they are the ones who are really serious and are out to buy,” Nan Gurley said when talking about her recent Thanksgiving Sunday Antiques Show at the Royal Plaza Trade Center. This year the tally differed by two from 2001, and regular attendance also ran parallel to a year ago.

The show sets up from noon to 6 pm on Saturday, and early buying begins at 8 am the next day. “We are out of the building Sunday night,” Nan said, due in large part to not having walls and lights to contend with. “Those who want walls bring their own,” she added, “and a few of them do.”

This show has a real old-fashioned flavor, laced with friendly faces, a relaxed atmosphere and good pickings. “Check my list of exhibitors and you will find names of some of the best dealers around,” Nan said, “and they are here because I give them an easy show to do and bring in some buyers.”

Many of those buyers were quite active, and a good number of dealers reported strong sales. Some furniture sold, including a $4,000 hanging wall cupboard, but for the most part it was the “smalls” that kept the business of the day going.

As one dealer put it, “This show should be on the list of those seeking out good New England antiques from a great assembly of exhibitors, both from the area and from beyond.”