WORTHINGTON, Ohio – The Worthington Historical Society kicked off the new year with a record attendance to its biannual antiques show at the Clarion Hotel Jan. 6-7.
Sixty antiques dealers from Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Michigan, Kentucky, Illinois and Indiana, among others, offered every thing from formal and country furniture, folk and fine art, china, silver, toys, to jewelry and porcelain.
“Although this show always does well, I think the break in the wintry weather helped with our large attendance,” said Bunny Nolt, show manager. “I screen the dealers to make sure they’re bringing quality antiques and not just collectibles.”
The shows are the historical society’s major fund-raising events. The society has sponsored the shows for 56 years, and it has become a must-see for many antiquers.
“People wait for this show,” said Nolt. “A woman from Michigan called me to tell me how disappointed she was because she wasn’t going to be able to make it for this show because of a family obligation. I couldn’t believe someone I don’t know would take the time to tell me they are going to miss it. She’ll be at our summer show.”
Pat Beck of Beck’s Bears in Columbus has displayed at the show for four years and says she enjoys it.
“This is a great show, and I usually do very well here,” said Beck. “Many people like to buy the smaller stuffed animals so I try to bring many.”
Among the wide array of bears and other stuffed animals, was a 1920 German Steiff bear priced at $5,800.
This show was the first for Sandy Rutan of Country Antiques in Warren, Ohio. Rutan commended the Worthington Historical Society for its hard work in creating a popular show.
“It’s been a lovely show,” said Rutan. “The crowd has been wonderful, and there is a great assortment of antiques.”
She said many visitors to her exhibit were interested in an early 1800s Hepplewhite game table that carried a pricetag of $1,895. The top folds out into four sections and swivels.
Tim and Barb Martien, owners of Choice American Antiques in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, offered many fine pieces of formal furniture and coverlets. The Martiens travel throughout Ohio, New York and New England looking for that special focal piece.
One eye-catching piece was a 36-inch, 18th century Chippendale slant-top desk. It was ticketed at $5,800.
Paul Fischer and Dannie Chandler of Indianapolis offered Georgian and Victorian jewelry, R. S. Prussia, Pietra Dura, Victorian umbrellas and miniatures. The men say miniatures are fast becoming best-selling items. One miniature in particular, a brewery wagon, was very rare.
“The wagon came from a pub in England. It probably held miniature kegs,” said Fischer. “It has working brakes and a harness for a horse. It comes from the ’50s or ’60s.”
The decorative wagon was priced at $895.
Rare Indian artifacts are some of David Kucker’s most prized possessions. Kucker, from Galena, Ill., displayed many artifacts including saddle blankets, dolls, tools and burden baskets.
“The squaws would wear these burden baskets when out collecting food. They had bones or shells attached to them so they could be heard. If someone from the village couldn’t hear the bones, they would go looking for them to see what had happened to them,” said Kucker.
The burden basket was priced at $950.
Robert B. Davis Antiques in Clarksburg, W.Va., specializes in American period furniture and accessories. The booth featured many children’s pieces, including a pine child’s secretary from 1820. The piece, approximately 36 inches tall, was priced at $1,975.
Juidth Berg, owner of Country Fair Antiques in Chicago, specializes in prints. She says many women collectors enjoy prints of flowers and vegetables. Many of Berg’s prints are from the 18th century and feature potraits of children or family settings.
S. Harding’s 1785 Rural Innocence was created in London and is priced at $625. A mezzotint by W. Pether in 1797, Felicity, is priced at $675.
Majolica, a 15th century Italian pottery, has become a popular trend at most antiques shows, according to Mark Stulginsky of Whimsy Antiques in Pennsylvania. The pieces vary in shapes, design and color, and every collector is looking for something different, Stulginsky said.
Gifts of majolica were given to celebrate life’s most momentous occasions such as weddings, births and betrothals.
“The secret to its success is its contemporary designs,” said Stulginsky. “These pieces will never go out of style.”
Bunny Nolt is hoping for the same for the Worthington show.
“The show grows every year. I think the quality gets better every time as well,” said Nolt. “This show has a lot to offer any collector.”
The society’s summer show will be held July 7-8. For more information, call Bunny Nolt at 614-885-1673.
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