Doggone Antiques, West Lebanon, NH
Review and photos by Tom O’Hara
NEW LONDON, NH – For the first time, Goosefare Promotions ran the 51st annual New London Antiques Show on Saturday July 28th, with a long list of exhibitors from the Northeast and hundreds of buyers. Previously, the show was run entirely by volunteers. One brief affair, from early morning to four in the afternoon, there was a large and appreciative audience on the green of this university town where the show was being organized, with good weather helping all day.
Iron Renaissance, based in Damariscotta, Maine, sold antique patio furniture and accessories and has been busy with customers from the start of the show. The collection on display included an early 20th-century wicker ensemble of sofa and two chairs, several garden planters, and iron furniture for outdoor use.
Jeff and Murray Westen’s father-and-son team from nearby Ware, Mass., Finds wares in the area as well as on Jeff’s frequent trips to England. For this weekend the team sold a large collection of garden ornaments and planters made of cast stone.
Since this show can only be set up in the early morning, many dealers focus on bringing easy-to-manage small antiques. Kathy Zink, Ashby, Mass., Had showcases filled with small pieces of silver and was busy explaining what each piece was and negotiating the final price. Art Bennett, Waitsfield, Vt., Filled their tables with 18th century English silver, including sterling, coin and Old Sheffield plates. Susan Lotz, of Windsor, Connecticut, offered a collection of early silver necklaces and religious jewelry. and Donna Grant of Grantiques of Winchester, Massachusetts, sold silver containing a selection of Victorian and Edwardian hollow ware.
Susan Lotz, Windsor, Conn.
However, some dealers also brought furniture with them. Dealer Martin Ferrick of Lincolnville, Maine showed American furniture from the 18th century, including a well-made cherry stand with inlays. Susan Azodi, Newbury, NH had a wide selection of late 19th century furniture including a large rolling table in excellent condition with full shutters. Painted furniture was Pam Peters’ main staple. As 5 Corners Antiques, Essex Junction, Vt., Where she has a shop, her inventory is of 19th century cottage furniture – all largely in their original finish, which to some extent peel and peel off depending on age sell well.
Michael Weinberg, representative of West Pelham Antiques, Pelham, Massachusetts, sold 18th century earthenware. His collection included a pretty miniature Staffordshire piece – an infant in a cradle usually considered a christening gift – in excellent condition.
Kay Baker, Amherst, Mass., Offered science prints along with small household items from 200 years ago.
The members of the New London Garden Club had their own exhibition in one of the tents. It consisted of donations and had a great variety from Staffordshire to carnival glasses, some furniture and silver, and even some carpets. Sales were good, the gardening club members said, and they were quick to point out that the money raised will be used to fund the club’s charities and maintain the city gardens.
Goosefare Promotions will be running the show again next year. The traditional date of the show is the fourth Saturday of July, July 27th.
For more information, please visit www.goosefareantiques.com or 800-641-6908.
