Date: Fri 10-Sep-1999

Publication: Ant

Author: CAROLL

Quick Words:

Somerset-Fletcehr

Full Text:

Antiques Weekend In Somerset, N.J.

(with 36 cuts and sidebar)

By J.M.W. Fletcher

SOMERSET, N.J. -- The huge Garden State Exhibit Center was again the site for

Irene Stella, et al, to bring together over 200 exhibitors for their August 21

Antiques Weekend in Somerset. The center, air conditioned of course, provided

more than adequate lighting, wide aisles and booths, all in room settings. The

very large attendance on Saturday was easily handled by the cavernous size of

the center.

Over 200 dealers from almost all of the eastern seaboard states brought a

plethora of pottery and porcelain; formal and Victorian and country furniture;

quilts and textiles, plus lamps and fine arts; Nineteenth Century prints;

estate jewelry; books and dolls and almost all other collectibles.

In conversations with exhibitors during the afternoon, interesting facts about

the show surfaced. It was surprising to learn how many dealers were long-time

exhibitors, with the norm being 18, 17, or 15 years. There were very few

first-time exhibitors.

An interesting adjunct to visiting all the various exhibitors, a patron could

attend one or more of the several seminars offered. The seminars were held

during the show both Saturday and Sunday afternoon. A discussion about

"Roseville Art Pottery," its marks, colors and proper care and storage was

given by John R. Clark.

Jolynn Thomas and Mary Beth Temple spoke on "Identifying and Caring for

Vintage Textiles." "Speaking of Gems... Literally," was gemologist Karen J.

Adler's topic.

In addition, patrons, for a very nominal fee, could have open-mike appraisals

made on the items they brought to the show. Also, one could have items in need

of "T.L.C." looked at by the various restoration experts on hand.

Chinese Country Antiques, Boston, Mass., specializes in Chinese furniture. As

mentioned by Lynde McCormick, "We go to China and bring it back ourselves. And

sell mostly in the Northeast and New Jersey -- it is a good market for us."

McCormick, in reference to the red lacquered cabinet pictured, added, "It's

one of the better pieces we've had in about two years."

Some of the finest cabinet glass pieces available at the show could be seen in

the booth of Ellen Oppenheimer of Leonia, N.J. Brenda Farmer of Farmer

Antiques, specializes in "child related items and a general line of eclectic

items."

Roland Moore of Another Man's Treasures brought a superb turn-of-the-century

Limoges Game Bird 12 piece set with a fine large (16 inch) oval platter and

two sauce dishes. Also shown was a selection of country furniture and various

porcelains.

Third time exhibitor Olde McDonald Antiques has a very unique specialty --

barrister (the old lawyer) bookcases made in the late 1880s. "They are getting

harder and harder to find," said James McDonald.

Almost a new fish in the dealer pool, second-time exhibitor S.P.O.R. Lamp &

Antiques, Philadelphia, Penn., displayed a very fine mid-Nineteenth Century

lap desk made of three kinds of wood. Also shown was a wide selection of table

lamps including Tiffany, Duffer and Kimberly and Bradley & Hubbard. "Quality

lamps always sell," said Mark Kastrologo.

Charles and Jennifer Phalon, Last Century Ltd, Hollcong, Penn., specialize in

Twentieth Century modern. Poppy Najoan of A.P.N. Trading Co has been a Stella

show exhibitor for over 17 years. Najoan specializes in Far Eastern ceramics.

Fresh from the Stella Waterloo Antiques Fair in July, first time exhibitor

Nancy Rivers of Dan and Nancy's Antiques, Feeding Hills, Mass., brought down

many pieces of fine art, jewelry and coin silver, Webb cameo glass and fine

china.

It should be noted by the countless Stella Show patrons that some of the usual

forthcoming show dates have been changed. To obtain a current show date

listing, call Stella Show Management Co at 212/255-0020.