My booth at the NYC Pier show

The Fall edition of the NYC Pier show is over. Attendance was extraordinarily good this time. The place was packed, but sales didn’t quite keep pace with the level of attendance and interest. It was a good show for me, but considering how many people were there, I was hoping for better. Tiffany desk set items and lamps garnered the most interest. In asking around to other dealers, the word was mostly good, with a couple who were disappointed.

One gentleman, and I use the term loosely, came up to me and said “Cash. You know what cash is? If you give me a really good price, I’ll pay you cash.” Then he asked for the best price on a vase that was priced at $850. He offered me $500 (which happened to be my cost). I didn’t think it would be a good idea to laugh, but I wanted to. After that buildup, I thought we were talking about at least a $10,000 item.

Late Sunday at the Pier, when the crowd was dying down

It was a hoot to see the cast of characters walking around. One man, who lost one leg and walks with crutches, likes to dress up as a pirate. He comes to every Pier show. I always enjoy seeing him. Then there was a very skinny guy in his 60s, with a ponytail, who came dressed in skin-tight leotards, a bra with falsies, necklaces, bracelets and long plastic earrings. He was quite the queen. He, too, comes to every Pier show. These were only two of the very interesting attendees, and there were quite a few more.

Please send me your suggestions or questions about art glass, lamps, Louis Icart, shows, auctions, etc. If it’s interesting, I’ll answer your question in a future blog entry.

Call or write and let me know what you would like to buy, sell, or trade. philchasen@gmail.com or 516-922-2090. And please visit my website. chasenantiques.com