So many times during my three decades doing business in Cape May County, tourists and summer residents have asked: “You didn’t get all this (neat, beautiful, interesting) stuff from around here?”
Well, of course we didn’t. But sometimes we did. And I wish all those doubters could have been there in North Wildwood on Sat., Oct. 22 for the auction of the contents of one of those rambling old mansions on Central Avenue.
Inexplicably, auctions are rare here on the cape. Maybe this auction will change things. What incredibly interesting stuff! It certainly brought out the locals, as well as several dealers who had the taste for (and the space to accommodate) such spectacular pieces.
This week’s column is in more photos than words, but there are a few things of note I didn’t get pictures of. The three-piece wicker set, for instance went for $3,000, and is worth more. It was that intricately woven, lacey style that they just don’t make any more. A small wicker foot stool came down at $450. An unusual Victorian display case went for about $900. A red velvet upholstered vestibule sofa got $950. And a Tiffany-style lighting fixture was a bargain at $350.
Enjoy the photos and the captions.
Arthur Schwerdt, a certified appraiser, is the author of “The Antiques Story Book: Finding the Real Value of OldTthings,” and co-owner of The August Farmhouse Antiques on Route 9 in Swainton. Send your comments, questions and appraisal requests to achwerdt@cmcherald.com.
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