For some reason, dealers seemed relaxed and smiling more than usual during setup at the Cross River Antiques Show. At least, this was the case at Cord Shows Ltd’s most recent edition of the show, Sunday, March 6, at John Jay High School.
Perhaps because it is only a one-day show, dealers pack accordingly, leaving the larger, heavier pieces of furniture at home, and start setting up their booths in earnest around 8:30 am, even 9 am, a mere hour before the show opens.
Diversity seemed to be the word of the day here. Furniture was sparse as there were mostly smalls, but interesting items and rarities abounded.
The “modern” look was liberally sprinkled throughout the show. Sally Wittman, Danbury, Conn., offered a “Broadway” chair in an unusual marbled green-brown color that was nicely paired with a glass table, also Italian, while Pat Frazer of Vintage Couture Jewelry, Easton, Conn., offered a pleasing assortment of “mod” jewelry. A sinuous silvertone three-section necklace and black and white bracelets were fetching attention in her booth.
Jewelry offerings encompassed many styles and eras. A Victorian mourning pin for the owner’s mother, who died November 1843, was attracting a lot of attention at Darvick Antiques, Ridgefield, Conn. The pin had a lock of hair in the center compartment surrounded by a row of teardrop pearls and black onyx. A German Art Deco necklace was eye-catching and priced to move quickly at Catherine Benham, Derby, England.
Antique Trails, Chappaqua, N.Y., featured a hand carved hanging cupboard from England, dating to 1890, that featured fine carving, as well as a circa 1850s spice box from Newark, N.J., retaining its original decoration and with maker’s name at the bottom. A grouping of Nineteenth Century platters was also pleasing.
Despite the remaining few snow piles outside, spring is on its way, so Katonah, N.Y., dealer AMR Antiques and Art was well-timed in presenting a fine assortment of outdoor furniture. Wonderfully weathered wooden lounge chairs vied for attention with a rare cast iron table and spring chairs and other table sets.
Butchen Boys, Wantagh, N.Y., rang many customers’ bells with its diverse collection of early tools and rarities, not the least of which was a prizefighting bell, whose clear and loud “ding” could be heard clear across the cafeteria where the dealers were set up. Often traveling to France to feed their inventory, the dealers have an interesting and varied collection. An 1888 Stevens “Bull Dog” bank was in fine condition, as Larry Butchen eagerly demonstrated, showing how the dog would open its mouth to “swallow” the coin. A French cardholder and a pair of metal shutter openers were also outstanding.
Aimed at women shoppers, Back In Time Antiques, Mahopac, N.Y., offered fine vintage clothing, while A Little Bit of This, A Little Bit of That, Middletown, N.Y., had a nice grouping of mesh purses.
Cord Shows’ next show will be its vintage clothing event April 9 in Danbury, Conn. For information, 914-273-4667 or www.cordshows.com .
