Dunham Tavern Show, Cleveland, Part I

Every year, a large and long-standing antiques show sets up in a nearby school building. Dealers bring country furniture, some formal furniture, and accessories of all kinds, from pressed glass, lamps, and silver napkin rings to country store stuff, books, and toys. Specialist dealers have whole booths filled with jewelry, military antiques, prints, political items, golf memorabilia, or silver to match your old set.

Dealers did a brisk business with each other during setup and had a good first day, but then unusually beautiful weather and a big local sports event made Sunday attendance dismal. Still, we were told, especially by specialists, that they sold their regular customers enough for a profitable show. Bargains we bought included a sterling matchbox cover from the 1940s. It had a slit to show the rough striker side of the box, and a carved lapis lazuli decoration on top. At $12, it was a steal-because although it was unmarked, we recognized it as a handmade piece by Potter Studio, an important shop in Cleveland. We also got a set of Santa Claus salt and pepper shakers and four matching mugs marked Holt-Howard to put on our kitchen shelf with the other Holt-Howards. Price for all six pieces: $12.

to be continued next month …