Antiques: Potpourri of fine things from the past

Between them, the Philadelphia Antiques Show and the Original 23d Street Armory Antiques Show will offer two interesting exhibitions, 93 excellent dealers, and myriad opportunities to become better acquainted with fine old things.

The buying and selling begins today and runs through Sunday at the Armory Show. The Philadelphia Antiques Show opens to the public tomorrow and runs through Tuesday at a new location, the Philadelphia Cruise Terminal at Pier One at the Navy Yard.

Closely tied to the Philadelphia Antiques Show's new venue is its 2008 loan exhibit, "Fore & Aft - Philadelphia Collects Maritime," which celebrates the city's seagoing past. On display will be a Charles Willson Peale portrait of a sea captain, an 1840s "Jack Tar" shop figure, nautical instruments, and sailor art.

Eighty-seven artifacts from local public and private collections were assembled by Craig Bruns, curator of the Independence Seaport Museum. Special events Sunday include a morning breakfast and tour of the museum, followed by an afternoon lecture by Bruns on Philadelphia's importance as a port city.

Many of the show's 50 dealers will be bringing antiques that tie into the theme, but several are specialists in the maritime field. Diana H. Bittel of Bryn Mawr always has a fine selection of sailor's valentines created from shells. One is inscribed "For my Pet," and you can bet that didn't mean the ship's cat.

Earlier this year, I met up with show exhibitor Paul Vandekar at the Palm Beach Fine Art and Antique Fair, where he explained the intricacies of "woolies," or yarn pictures depicting sailing scenes. Apparently, sailors were much given to needlework in their spare time at sea. Spot some woolies among Vandekar's fine porcelains.

Antiques dealers like stability, right down to having their booths in the same spots each year. So the Philadelphia Antiques Show's change of venue will both shake things up a bit and add some excitement to your hunt.

Exhibitors are generally positive about the new facility and its amenities. Sumpter Priddy III of Alexandria, Va., said he loves the historic character of the building. You'll be able to find him near fellow furniture dealer Leigh Keno.

Marcy Burns, a New York exhibitor of American Indian arts, talked to me about the abundance of light from the new hall's clerestory windows.

"I think it's better for the customers because it's a much more cheerful space," Burns said. "I like my booth on the end - it's going to be fine."

Philadelphia's own John Levitties, of John Alexander Ltd., says the cruise ship terminal is "the easiest building in Philadelphia to find. You get on Broad Street and stop when you hit the water."

The Philadelphia Antiques Show has four new dealers this year, including Kelly Kinzle of New Oxford, Pa., who has exhibited at the site before, as part of another event.

"It's a great facility with good security," he said. "The nicest thing about it is when you drive past the guardhouse at the gate."

Also exhibiting for the first time are silver dealer S.J. Shrubsole of New York and Brant Mackley of Hummelstown, Pa., who carries American Indian art. Look for David Good and Sam Forsythe of Columbus, Ohio, a duo with a great eye for Americana.

Over at the 23d Street Armory, show manager Frank Gaglio is delighted with his 43-dealer roster. Thomas Brown Antiques of McMurray, Pa., is rejoining the show after a short hiatus, bringing American furniture, tall case clocks, and decorative arts.

Also back is Stephen Douglas Antiques of Rockingham, Vt., whose booth will be filled with wonderful smalls - trade signs, redware, stoneware, textiles and original painted furniture.

Chuck White, formerly of Pennsylvania and now based in Warwick, N.Y., will be new to the armory show this year, exhibiting painted country furniture, weathervanes, pottery, and decorative arts.

New exhibitor Roberto Freitas American Antiques of Stonington, Conn., will be bringing early American portraits, formal furniture, and looking glasses. Brad Reh Fine Estate Jewelry of Southampton, N.Y., plans to showcase a dazzling inventory.

The armory event is offering a winning exhibit on the floor this year: "Best in Show: Cats and Dogs in American Folk Art."

As any collector will attest, there are wonderful regional examples to be found, from chalkware cats to spectacular cast-iron lawn dogs made at Pennsylvania foundaries.

The Philadelphia Antiques Show runs tomorrow through Tuesday at the Philadelphia Cruise Terminal at Pier One in the Navy Yard, 5100 S. Broad St. Hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m tomorrow and Tuesday, 11 a.m-6 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday. Admission: $15; $12 seniors; $7 students. Information on shuttle buses and special events:

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The Original 23d Street Armory Antiques Show runs today through Sunday at 22 S. 23d St. (between Market and Chestnut). Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. today, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. tomorrow, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday.. Admission: $15 today, $12 tomorrow and Sunday. Information on shuttles and special events:

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