Antiques — Avalon Shows Up For the Annual Antique Show

SWAINTON — The dealers came to show off, and this year Avalon showed up for the annual Bayberry Twigs Antique Show on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. Last year it was so warm on show day that folks went straight to the beach. This year it was sunny and cool, so people showed up early and stayed late.
This event is always more than just an antiques show. It’s a social occasion. As the first event of the season, it’s a time to greet returning friends and neighbors as well as to meet and be introduced to new ones.
Lots of wonderful antiques provided the conversation pieces – folks asked questions, dealers and collectors talked, everybody walked away, if not with a new treasure, at least a little bit smarter.
When you can meet people, have fun, see beautiful things, learn something new, and at the same time help a good cause (Bayberry Twigs is the hospital auxiliary), it’s a win, win, win situation.
Lots of people were smart enough to realize that these days it’s a good thing to get an idea of the value of the things you own. I was quite busy in my appraisal area, and saw over 30 items during the four hours I was there.
Reading the price tags at an antique show is also a good way to learn the value of things. I got a chance to get around the show to check things out and take some pictures. I’ve posted some of them with this column. Enjoy them.
If you would like to have some items of yours appraised, I will be at the Teaberry Marketplace on Route 9 in Clermont (609-624-1700) this Sat., June 15, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. I’ll have my camera with me then, too. Hope you’ll show up, whatever the weather.
Arthur Schwerdt, a certified appraiser, is the author of “The Antique Story Book: Finding the Real Value of Old Things,” and co-owner of The August Farmhouse Antiques on Route 9 in Swainton. Send you comments, questions or appraisal requests to: aschwerdt@cmcherald.com,