“It was tremoundous,” stated Melvin “Butch” Arion following his Original 168th Semiannual York Antiques Show and Sale, held Feb. 3 to 5 in Memorial Hall East on the York Fairgrounds in York, Pa. “I’m very thankful and pleased,” continued Arion. A lot of business was conducted at the three-day show, and attendance both Friday and Saturday was good. The weather cooperated the duration of the weekend, which immensely helped both exhibiting dealers and traveling showgoers.
More than the normal amount of replacements were needed at the show due to illness. One first-time exhibiting dealer was southern dealer Roger Williams of Edenton Antiques Gallery. “It’s been a good show, and I hope I can come back,” said Williams, who is opening a shop in Edenton, N.C. From Cape Cod, Mass., dealer Mo Wajselfish of Leatherwood Antiques was another new Arion show dealer.
As most market observers and active showgoers realize, the one reality in today’s trade is uncertainity. Furniture, as a whole, has softened in price. Some excellent examples of both painted and formal furniture at the show were reasonably in accordance to the current marketplace. The full-time dealers who are forced to follow the market and price material to sell in order to be relevant and make expenses, did so. This is also a high quality show for ceramics enthusiasts; whether Staffordshire china, Delft, mochaware, or Pennsylvania redware, the Arion show had it.
Unlike some large shows today, where one-third of the dealers do well, one-third okay, and one-third poorly, the vast majority of dealers were not complaining about the amount of sales or energy of the crowd. One dealer who did have a strong show was Florida dealer Michael Wittemore. “I sold my cow weathervane, eight trade signs, five pieces of furniture, four pieces of stoneware, a portrait of a girl, and smalls,” said the dealer. There remains an interest in both paint-decorated Pennsylvania German items and quality tiger maple furniture. Kelly Kinzle sold a rare Berks County, Pa., paint-decorated chest, and Hilary Nolan sold a New England tiger maple highboy.
“I didn’t hear many dealers complain,” commented Kinzle following the three-day show.
For those in the Mid-Atlantic region who didn’t make it the winter edition of this major show, they should mark their calendars for the fall version. It will take place Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Sept. 22, 23, and 24.
As announced over the intercom prior to opening, Melvin Arion informed dealers of the passing of longtime dealer Vera Charles of Lancaster, Pa. She was 85 and survived by her husband, Eugene.
To learn more, call Melvin Arion at 302-875-5326 or visit www.theoriginalyorkantiquesshow.com.