The Avalon Antique Show has always been more than just an antiques show. Held every Memorial Day weekend for decades, it has become something of a social occasion, a time to greet returning friends and neighbors, and to meet and be introduced to new ones.
That was especially true this year, because, not only was the event held in two days instead of one, an evening wine and cheese gala was held from 6 to 8 p.m. on the first night. This show benefits Cape Regional Medical Center, so hospital donors, executives, doctors and their wives and guests were on hand.
Lots of wonderful antiques provided the conversation pieces on both days of this show, and what a wide variety of things there were – from religious items to cash registers, from elegant silver to the grill of an old jeep. In all, it was a fine representation of the endlessly fascinating world of antiques and the kind of variety that can be found in the local shops.
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 about 30 items during the four hours I was there. I posted photos of some of them here along with others of some items that were for sale at the show.
Thanks to the show’s manager, Dr. George Zitnay, and the hospital auxiliary volunteers, this was one of the most successful shows in recent years. More than that, it was a hopeful example of what’s to come. Get yourself a 2015 calendar and mark this event down for Memorial Day weekend next year. And dealers – if you’re smart you’ll sign up for space in advance; you won’t get too many opportunities like this to strut your stuff. Contact gzitnay@comcat.net.
Don’t miss the next column, two weeks from now on July 2. It’s my 28th annual Top Antiques of the Season.
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.
West Cape May – The amount of TV shows airing is getting out of hand. Less movies are being produced today than ever before. Instead, people are glued to watching shows that most people never heard of.
