Susan Wirth Antiques, Union, Conn.
Review and Photos by Tom O’Hara
STURBRIDGE, MASS. – It was a Happy New Year with Dave White and about 80 of his best friends – antiques dealers all – at the Sturbridge Host Hotel and Conference Center with the opening on December 31, 2016, and then all day January 1, 2017. This is the third year for what is becoming a tradition for many of the exhibitors who are local to the vicinity and make this a part of their New Year’s celebration, with the customers joining in the fun, complete with refreshments offered during the opening evening.
At the front of the exhibition hall David Rose and Anthony Caputo share the large space, filling it with a collection of furniture that covers more than 200 years of American decorating history. Both of the dealers are from eastern Massachusetts, Rose from Upton and Caputo from Shrewsbury, where they are able to find their merchandise. Caputo quickly sold a typically New England pine top, maple base drop leaf table and a pair of bowback Windsor chairs. Soon after, he was selling a good deal of the small antiques he had available. Rose sold five pieces just as he was arriving, followed by the sale of some Victorian-era furniture, including two marble top tea tables. The show also seeded the follow-on sale of several pieces of furniture a few days later.
Janice Liljestrind, Sturbridge, Mass.
The Hartmans, East Bridgewater, Mass., were selling entirely from their collection of small antiques, according to Sue Hartman. She said they did not bring much furniture, but their experience at this show proved helpful as they did sell some fireplace equipment and early kitchenware.
Christmas was not quite over at this show. Many exhibitors were still offering their collections of the early holiday decorations. Jewell Novak, Monson, Mass., showcased decorations and also had a 100-year-old feather tree fencing.
Pantry Box Antiques, Stafford Springs, Conn., had a table filled with Christmas decorations, but that was not all. Dealer Charles Guinipero brought an assortment of 200-year-old wall hangings, including several watercolors and samplers, pantry boxes and firkins thought to be Shaker, coverlets and earthenware. What really made the show for him, however, was the shopping by representatives from Connecticut Historical Society’s Museum of Connecticut in Hartford. After careful inspection and discussion with Guinipero, they acquired two pieces of Connecticut stoneware, a 2-gallon jug made by Daniel Goodale and a double-handled ovoid crock, both of which will now be housed in the museum.
Quirky Antiques, West Brookfield, Mass., had one great customer that weekend, spending both days and buying some of her Asian small collectibles, also English porcelains.
James Johnston, Franklin, Mass., brought a modest supply of antiques for the show. His inventory included an American Pembroke table of Hepplewhite design, a Windsor side chair to go with it and several tables filled with Eighteenth Century transferware.
Pomeroy’s Antiques, Southwick, Mass., specializes in early metal objects, especially brass candlesticks. The firm’s inventory featured many pairs of mostly English sticks from the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries, but there was more, including early tools such as planes, hammers and scales.
From just around the corner, Brimfield dealer Fox Den Antiques was there with a huge collection of Stieff animals, all tame and behaving nicely. Barry Sherman, Dudley, Mass., offered a collection of industrial antiques and relics, but also displayed a couple of old wooden grave markers.
The show takes place each year on New Year’s Eve and Day. For information, www.sturbridgeantiqueshow.com or 508-488-6133.
