TALK OF THE TRADE Busy day of shopping By Randall Decoteau A dreary February afternoon is as good a time as any for antiques shopping. On this particular Sunday, snow was in the forecast for later in the day, so anticipating cabin fever, I decided to check out the sale at Sturbridge Antiques Shops. As it turned out, I wasn’t the only one. When I turned into the lot, I discovered two dozen cars and vans whose owners had the same idea as I did. I poked through hundreds of antiques on two floors and interviewed six shoppers who seemed to be having a pretty good time. Joanne Carey, Worcester, MA I’ve been collecting antiques since about 1970. I usually buy what appeals to me. I like furniture, paintings, vintage textiles and generally things that are old and unique. I bought furniture even before I had a house to put things in. Shopping today is ok, though it’s harder to find good things at a price. I try to stay away from reproductions, which is more and more difficult. It’s really quite a problem. This is my third shop today, and I think I’ll do one more. I haven’t bought a thing yet, but I saw a painting I like, and at my vintage textile place I found a fantastic hat. I think I’ll call the dealer and ask her if I can get a better price. I buy and sell. In the trade, I’m what they used to call a picker. I’m noticing bargain pricing in country furniture, but that area took a tumble because of all the reproductions. I’ve kind of switched to rare books lately. It’s quite a hard search, but I get good buys. And about a month ago, I got a bunch of little salt shakers with silver tops for only three dollars. I’ve got to get back to get that fabulous hat. Joanne Carey, Worcester, MA Brian Mahan, North Brookfield, MA Barbara Pursell, West Warren, MA Christina Serpa, South Windsor, CT David St. Pierre, Lenox, MA Pat Vilnit, Blackstone, MA Brian Mahan, North Brookfield, MA I like history and have been involved in antiques for over 35 years. Actually, I stopped by the Charlton Flea Market earlier today. There was a decent crowd for a cold morning. I made some good finds. One of them was a small ginger jar with a Chinese warrior scene, probably Chinese for the Victorian market. At one time, I had a business specializing in Native American and military items. I always keep an eye out for Colonial-era stuff, odds and ends, powder horns, pewter spoons and other items. You know how it is when the antique bug bites. When I see something out of my area at the right price, I sometimes just buy it. And I’ve got no complaints this weekend. Yesterday, in Spencer, I came across a nice Native American paint stone which had traces of paint residue. Once I heard the price, I bought it immediately. This is my last stop today; I’ve been out since 7:15 this morning. Over the past few years, I have to say that I’ve seen more bargain-pricing than previously. People have to list a price that the market will bear. I see people buying more middle market these days and less low and high end than before. Mid-range rules today. Barbara Pursell, West Warren, MA I’ve always liked old things, but I’ve only been collecting for 25 years. When the kids were younger I didn’t have the time. I started with flea markets and gradually worked my way up to Brimfield, and now here I am. This is a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon. I like country and primitive things. I gravitate toward kitchen smalls, toys, old tins and children’s items. I’ve got my eye on an architectural cornice over there. I might get it. Usually, I stop at several antiques shops when I’m out and about. Today I’ll work my way through Sturbridge and finish up at Brimfield Acres North. I like the idea of sales and try to catch all of them this time of year. My last great find was at Brimfield. It was a bride and groom cake-topper with a military groom. I paid $20 for it and I know they go for at least double that amount. I think I did very well. often price things sharply. I often shop abroad when I travel for business. Some of my best buys have been in Europe. Pat Vilnit, Blackstone, MA I’ve always liked antiques. My parents were collectors and I simply followed in their footsteps. The shopping is going well. We’ve just found a few carnival glass pieces that we like and will probably buy them. I like the green and blue opalescent the best. Red is the rarest and hardest to find. Carnival glass is one of the items we look for all the time. We like Depression glass; we have a collection of carolers; we look for bright and pretty things. I pick up vintage stemware, homemade doilies and I like small pieces of very delicate furniture. When shopping, I go to at least three shops in an outing. This is one of the bigger shops in the area. We like this one a lot. Maybe we’ll go to Fairgrounds next. They usually have carnival glass. Sometimes we go to flea markets, but not as much. You have to go through a lot of junk and have to spend a lot of time looking. I don’t think pricing has changed that much recently. Don’t think much about prices. If you find something you really like, get it. You won’t be sorry. Sturbridge Antiques Shops, 128 Charlton Road, Route 20, Sturbridge, MA 01566, (508) 347-2744, www.sturbridgeantiqueshops. com. Christina Serpa, South Windsor, CT I’ve been shopping for antiques for several years now. It’s my first time here and they have beautiful things. The shopping looks good. I look for household decorations. I like useful things for the kitchen, candle holders, old style collectibles. I stay away from electronics. I’d rather bake a cake using an old flour sifter and a vintage bowl and mixing spoon. The old stuff is the best. They made it to last. I’m not sure what I’ll buy today, but I saw some jewelry that caught my eye. If I have time, I’ll catch a second shop today. I like to visit multiple locations. You never know what you’ll find. Some of the items in shops today seem pricey to me. I like looking for bargains. Pricing in antiques is generally high, but if you look, you’ll find good deals. I’m about due to find something great. David St. Pierre, Lenox, MA I’m visiting a friend and, as usual, we’re shopping for antiques. We just got here. I’ve been buying antiques since 1971. I have too many things, but I’m still collecting anyway. I like pottery a lot and buy all kinds of bowls, vases, plates and other items. I like glass, furniture and lots of other categories. I don’t collect in the classic sense. I just buy what I like. I like to visit one large shop and spend a lot of time there. Sometimes I go to a second shop, but today, we will probably spend plenty of time here. This is a nice shop with lots of things to see. I think pricing has dropped a little, and the economy has had its effect. Because people need to turn goods faster, they be sure to say you saw it in ANTIQUES NORTHEAST 1-800-432-3505 24 Water Street Palmer, MA 01069 www.northeastantiques.com Page 24, Northeast Antiques, March 2010