The NYC Pier Antiques Show opens to the public this Saturday, March 15, 2013

My goal is to publish new posts twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. However, if you don’t see a new post on Thursday, it’s because I was too busy, so please look for a new one the following Monday.

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The fantastic NYC Pier Antiques Show opens to the public this coming Saturday, March 16th, at 10 AM and continues until Sunday, March 17th, at 6 PM. This is an exciting show, with an incredibly diverse group of dealers. There will be $25 items, as well as $100,000 items, from vintage clothing, jewelry, collectibles, silver, Asian, and of course, the best French and American art glass and lamps.

The line was long before the start of a previous Pier show

The line was long before the start of a previous Pier show

The show is only two days long, so it’s more action-packed than most longer shows. People have to make up their minds quickly or risk losing the items they were considering. I’m always surprised (and pleased) with the distance attendees travel to visit the show. Japanese buyers attend regularly, as well as Europeans, Canadians, and of course, Americans from many states. Not many shows are worth the trip from almost anywhere, but this one is. My booth is near the entrance, so you can’t miss me. Please stop in and introduce yourself.

I'll have this great Gallé blownout vase for sale at the show, one of several

I’ll have this great Gallé blownout vase for sale at the show, one of several

I’m bringing an incredible selection of fresh merchandise, including wonderful French cameo glass, Tiffany glass and lamps and much more. You will enjoy the show, so make your plans, even if they’re last minute. Come early and stay late, because the Big Apple is a great playground!

Tune in Monday for the results of the show!

This wonderful Tiffany Favrile red Tel-El-Amarna vase will be for sale at the show

This wonderful Tiffany Favrile red Tel-El-Amarna vase will be for sale at the show

Click this link to view some of the new objects I recently purchased. I recently listed over 25 new items. French glass for sale. We always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on our website and at every show.

Fine Galle Plum blownout vase, just in

Fine Galle Plum blownout vase, just in

Click here to view French cameo glass for sale. We always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on our website and at every show.

This superb Galle fuchsia blownout vase has great color and just arrived

This superb Galle fuchsia blownout vase has great color and just arrived

Look around my website. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. I regularly add Tiffany vases, lamps and desk accessories, as well as French cameo glass by Galle and Daum Nancy and etchings by Louis Icart. Here’s the link. Philip Chasen Antiques.

Solid results for Tiffany Studios items at Sotheby’s 20th Century Design sale, March 6, 2013

My goal is to publish new posts twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. However, if you don’t see a new post on Thursday, it’s because I was too busy, so please look for a new one the following Monday.

Sotheby’s held a 20th Century Design sale on March 6, 2013, with very good results for Tiffany Studios lamps, glass and desk sets. The sale totaled over $3.6 million, led by a strange Ron Arad experimental “Rietveld Chair” from 1996, which sold for $194,500. Since I don’t know understand why, I’ll stick to a subject I do know about, namely Tiffany Studios.

Fine Tiffany Studios Dragonfly table lamp, Sotheby's lot #28

Fine Tiffany Studios Dragonfly table lamp, Sotheby’s lot #28

Top lot of the Tiffany Studios section of the sale went to #28, a fine 20″ diameter Dragonfly table lamp, with red jeweled eyes and beautiful wings, in excellent condition. Estimated to sell for $50,000 – $70,000, it realized $98,500, including buyer’s premium. I had a lovely spot in my home for the lamp, but it wasn’t meant to be.

Original set of four Tiffany Studios door knobs, Sotheby's lot #1

Original set of four Tiffany Studios door knobs, Sotheby’s lot #1

It’s not every day one gets to bid on a rare and unusual item, like a set of four original Tiffany Studios door knobs. I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve ever seen them for sale. The bidders agreed, sending the final price to $8,125, against a pre-sale estimate of $1,000 – $1,500. That’s over $2,000 per knob. Not bad.

Daum Nancy Dragon vase, Sotheby's lot #101

Daum Nancy Dragon vase, Sotheby’s lot #101

There were very few French cameo glass lots in the sale, and they all did very well. Lot #101 was a rare, large (12″) vase with a stylized dragon, in the German manner. Crossing the block with an estimate of $6,000 – $8,000, it soared to $28,125. It wasn’t for me, as it appeared that the dragon had been repainted at a later date.

For the complete results of the sale, click here.

Fine Galle Plum blownout vase, just in

Fine Galle Plum blownout vase, just in

Click here to view French cameo glass for sale. We always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on our website and at every show.

This superb Galle fuchsia blownout vase has great color and just arrived yesterday

This superb Galle fuchsia blownout vase has great color and just arrived yesterday

Look around my website. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. I regularly add Tiffany vases, lamps and desk accessories, as well as French cameo glass by Galle and Daum Nancy and etchings by Louis Icart. Here’s the link. Philip Chasen Antiques.

Galle used mold-blowing to produce some great vases

My goal is to publish new posts twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. However, if you don’t see a new post on Thursday, it’s because I was too busy, so please look for a new one the following Monday.

It’s time for a change of pace from the usual posts about shows and auctions. Today’s post is informational on the topic of mold-blowing of French cameo glass. Blowing out the flower or animal makes the decoration three-dimensional and therefore more realistic. The technique raises the level of sophistication, making blownout vases much more desirable and valuable than those that are not mold-blown.

Mold-blown vases are sometimes called blownout vases or soufflé vases, all interchangeable terms. Gallé produced most of the known examples, while Daum produced a few. It’s possible other companies used the technique, but I’m not aware of any examples. My guess is that Gallé produced about 40-50 different models.

Two variations of Gallé's clematis blownout vase

Two variations of Gallé’s clematis blownout vase

The shape doesn’t change with different examples of the same model, but the colors can be quite variable. For instance, the clematis blownout vase may have blue flowers or red flowers (or other colors). After the vase was formed in a mold, it was covered with different layers of colored glass, at the discretion of the glassblower. Then when it was cold, hydroflouric acid was used to etch the final design.

Galle white and brown Elephant mold-blown vases

Galle white and brown Elephant mold-blown vases

Elephant blownout vases are rare and valuable. They come in two different models — the brown elephant with trees and the white elephant without.

Very rare Gallé mold-blown chandelier with fruit decoration

Very rare Gallé mold-blown chandelier with fruit decoration

The rarest example I’ve ever seen wasn’t even a vase, but a chandelier with fruit decoration. I once saw one with a blownout squirrel, but I can’t remember if this was the same one. Probably not, as that one would have had acorns or something similar. It would be nice to find one of them today.

If you collect French Cameo Glass, consider adding blownout vases to your collection. Well-chosen examples will benefit every collection. I’ve got a couple for sale at the moment, with three great examples arriving this week. Check with me for specifics.

Fine, rare Galle Water Lily blownout vase, for sale on my website

Fine, rare Galle Water Lily blownout vase, for sale on my website

Click here to view French cameo glass for sale. We always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on our website and at every show.

Fabulous, rare, Tiffany Favrile lamp with intaglio-carved insect

Fabulous, rare, Tiffany Favrile lamp with intaglio-carved insect

Look around my website. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. I regularly add Tiffany vases, lamps and desk accessories, as well as French cameo glass by Galle and Daum Nancy and etchings by Louis Icart. Here’s the link. Philip Chasen Antiques.

The results of the Original Miami Beach Antique Show, January 31 – February 4, 2013

My goal is to publish new posts twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. However, if you don’t see a new post on Thursday, it’s because I was too busy, so please look for a new one the following Monday. There will not be a Thursday post this week, as we’re on vacation. Please visit again on Monday.

Attendance was good on Friday afternoon

Attendance was good on Friday afternoon

The Original Miami Beach Antique Show ended on February 4, 2013, after a fairly successful run of five days. In asking around, most dealers replied “OK”, when asked “How was your show?”. One dealer from the West Coast told me “great”, but he was the only one. The consensus of the dealers I spoke to was good, but not exceptional. The overall impression I got was the results were acceptable, but nothing to write home about.

Fabulous Daum Nancy wheel-carved poppy jar

Fabulous Daum Nancy wheel-carved poppy jar, sold at the show

Personally, business was significantly better than the last couple of years. French glass was at the forefront of sales, with Tiffany glass just behind. Lamps were soft at the entire show. There were enough Tiffany lamps to choke an elephant — just too many for the number of buyers. Anyone who came to the show looking for an authentic Tiffany Studios lamp had a bewildering selection to choose from.

Attendance was good on Saturday, but sales weren't

Attendance was good on Saturday, but sales weren’t

Attendance was good most days, with the best sales happening on opening day, as expected. After all, the most motivated buyers come the first day. Business on the second day was good too, but then tailed off as the stragglers wandered in over the weekend. Monday was hit or miss for most dealers (and a hit for me).

Next year will be interesting, because the promoters of the Original Miami Beach Antiques Show purchased the Miami National Antiques Show (The Airport Show). Next year they will be promoting both shows, back to back. We’ll exhibit at the Airport Show one more time. If the new promoters can get more buyers through the door, we’ll do it again. If not, unfortunately we’ll be finished with the show.

The Palm Springs Modernism Show will run from February 16-18, 2013

The Palm Springs Modernism Show will run from February 16-18, 2013

Now we get to rest for a week and then on to California to exhibit at the Palm Springs Modernism Show for the first time. We haven’t had good luck in California in recent years, so we’re hoping the show will be good. If it isn’t, we’ll give up the entire state. That would be a shame, but we can’t afford to exhibit at shows where the buyers don’t show up. May I suggest that you come visit us? The dates for the show are February 16-18, at the Palm Springs Convention Center.

I will be posting videos on YouTube of my lecture on French Cameo Glass to the Metropolitan Glass Club. I need some time to edit the videos. When they’re ready, I’ll put the link on my website and here in my blog.

Love this French terra cotta figure by Bouraine

Love this French terra cotta figure by Bouraine

Click this link to view some of the new objects I recently purchased and listed. Tiffany glass for sale. We always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on our website and at every show.

You can buy this incredible 12" Schneider padded and wheel-carved Medallion vase at the show

You can buy this incredible 12″ Schneider padded and wheel-carved Medallion vase at the show

Look around my website. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. I regularly add Tiffany vases, lamps and desk accessories, as well as French cameo glass by Galle and Daum Nancy and etchings by Louis Icart. Here’s the link. Philip Chasen Antiques.

The Original Miami Beach Antique Show opens today, Thursday, January 31, 2013

The line to get in was huge, 20 minutes before opening on Thursday

The line to get in was huge, 20 minutes before opening on Thursday

My goal is to publish new posts twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. However, if you don’t see a new post on Thursday, it’s because I was too busy, so please look for a new one the following Monday. This Monday’s blog, with the results of the Original Miami Beach Antique Show, will be postponed until Tuesday, as the show ends on Monday.

That's Larry Zinzi's booth at the entrance to Hall D

That’s Larry Zinzi’s booth at the entrance to Hall D

The Original Miami Beach Antique Show opens to the public today, Thursday, January 31, 2013, at noon, and continues until Monday, February 4, 2013, at 6 PM. Not sure why the show ends on a Monday, but it’s not my decision. Makes more sense to begin on a Wednesday and end on a Sunday.

This view shows only ¼ of my booth

This view shows about ¼ of my booth

The show is looking great, with amazing quantity and quality. Many dealers exhibit at this show who rarely exhibit at other shows. I can’t think of another show that attracts dealers and collectors from so many countries. I’ve seen dealers from England, France, Argentina, Italy, Germany and of course, all over the US. Dealers and collectors fly in from all over the entire globe to shop this show. It’s a real happening.

This is a small portion of the really great French Cameo Glass I have for sale

This is a small portion of the really great French Cameo Glass I have for sale

My booth is bursting with not only the most I’ve ever brought, but the best quality I’ve ever brought. For instance, take a look at the big, fabulous Gallé Lake Como vase that I bought yesterday. It’s truly spectacular. The two 14″ Tiffany Studios Dragonfly lamps look great next to the new Handels, Pairpoints and other Tiffany lamps. I’ve got way more than I can describe in this blog. It’s not too late to make plans to come to the show. Come on down, enjoy the weather, eat in the great restaurants and shop the best antique show of the entire year!

I will be posting videos on YouTube of my lecture on French Cameo Glass to the Metropolitan Glass Club. I need some time to edit the videos. When they’re ready, I’ll put the link on my website and here in my blog.

Love this French terra cotta figure by Bouraine

Love this French terra cotta figure by Bouraine

Click this link to view some of the new objects I recently purchased and listed. Tiffany glass for sale. We always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on our website and at every show.

You can buy this incredible 12" Schneider padded and wheel-carved Medallion vase at the show

You can buy this incredible 12″ Schneider padded and wheel-carved Medallion vase at the show

Look around my website. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. I regularly add Tiffany vases, lamps and desk accessories, as well as French cameo glass by Galle and Daum Nancy and etchings by Louis Icart. Here’s the link. Philip Chasen Antiques.

The Miami National Antiques Show begins this Friday, January 25, 2013

My goal is to publish new posts twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. However, if you don’t see a new post on Thursday, it’s because I was too busy, so please look for a new one the following Monday.

I'll have this wonderful Tiffany Studios Curtain Border floor lamp in my booth

I’ll have this wonderful Tiffany Studios Curtain Border floor lamp in my booth

December is always a slow month. Some people are looking for a $1,000+ antique for a Christmas gift, but most people are looking for a sweater or an iPad. January and February in Miami is another story. Instead of slow, there’s the opposite — action. The world’s most interested buyers fly down for a week or two to enjoy the sun, the beach, the restaurants, and most of all, the concentration of great antiques. There’s no place else where so many important dealers congregate with their best offerings. It’s brilliant. Give everyone a warm, fun city to go to, in the middle of winter, and assemble the best dealers with the finest antiques — and you have the formula for success. That’s why we’re smiling before we head down to Miami.

miami-national-2013

The Miami National Antiques Show is first, starting this Friday, January 25, 2013, at noon. It will have some of the best dealers with great offerings, but your help is needed. Please attend the show and consider making a purchase. It will insure the show continues. It’s the same problem for most antique shows — they’ve all gotten smaller over the years and need more buyers.

Stupendous Daum Nancy wheel-carved poppy jar

Stupendous Daum Nancy wheel-carved poppy jar

If you come to Miami a few days early, you can accomplish a lot. First you’ll be in Miami, in the middle of winter. That should be enough of a motivation. Second, you can shop the Miami National Antiques Show and see the same antiques that will be on display the following week at the big, important, Original Miami Beach Antiques Show. Of course, there will more dealers and merchandise on display at the second show, but you can get first crack at a decent percentage of it.

Wonderful Daum Nancy wheel-carved vase with Black-Eyed-Susan flowers

Wonderful Daum Nancy wheel-carved vase with Black-Eyed-Susan flowers

Personally, I’m bringing the BEST. I’m loaded for bear. I’ve been very busy since the November antique shows, adding to my already large inventory of fantastic French cameo glass and Tiffany glass and lamps. I guarantee you’ll like what you see. Please come to the show, visit me, and let me know if I had anything to do with your decision to come to Miami early. See you soon!

I will be posting videos on YouTube of my lecture on French Cameo Glass to the Metropolitan Glass Club. I need some time to edit the videos. When they’re ready, I’ll put the link on my website and here in my blog.

Love this French terra cotta figure by Bouraine

Love this French terra cotta figure by Bouraine

Click this link to view some of the new objects I recently purchased and listed. Tiffany glass for sale. We always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on our website and at every show.

You can buy this incredible 12" Schneider padded and wheel-carved Medallion vase at the show

You can buy this incredible 12″ Schneider padded and wheel-carved Medallion vase at the show

Look around my website. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. I regularly add Tiffany vases, lamps and desk accessories, as well as French cameo glass by Galle and Daum Nancy and etchings by Louis Icart. Here’s the link. Philip Chasen Antiques.

My 2012 year in review

My goal is to publish new posts twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. However, if you don’t see a new post on Thursday, it’s because I was too busy, so please look for a new one the following Monday.

2012 was an exceptionally good year. Period. End of blog. OK, OK, just kidding, about the end of the blog, not the year.

Incredible, sold, Gallé seagull vase -- one of the best I've ever owned

Incredible, sold, Gallé seagull vase — one of the best I’ve ever owned

French glass was especially strong, with excellent sales for better examples of Gallé, Daum and pâte-de-verre. Collecting interest was primarily American, but with good international participation.

Tiffany Studios Wisteria table lamp, sold in 2012

Tiffany Studios Wisteria table lamp, sold in 2012

The Tiffany glass and lamp market was also in top form. Sales were excellent both privately and at auction, with more than a few record prices.

Wonderful Schneider padded and wheel-carved floral vase,sold in 2012

Wonderful Schneider padded and wheel-carved floral vase, sold in 2012

In some areas that had been weak, interest (and sales) strengthened. Specifically, I’m referring to Le Verre Francais and Schneider glass, Pairpoint puffy lamps and Handel reverse-painted lamps. Better examples showed life, with good sales privately and at auction. Pairpoint puffy sales were especially good at various shows around the country.

jmk-shows

Here’s hoping that 2013 will continue the strong trend. This weekend we will be exhibiting at our first show of 2013, at the Birchwood Manor, in Whippany, NJ, Saturday and Sunday, January 5-6. We will be bringing all of our new and exciting purchases. We’ll have them all on display. Then on to the all-important Miami shows at the end of the month. If you can’t see us in New Jersey, don’t miss us in Miami.

I will be posting videos on YouTube of my lecture on French Cameo Glass to the Metropolitan Glass Club. I need some time to edit the videos. When they’re ready, I’ll put the link on my website and here in my blog.

Incredible Tiffany Favrile red decorated paperweight vase, just in

Incredible Tiffany Favrile red decorated paperweight vase, just in

Click this link to view some of the new objects I recently purchased and listed. Tiffany glass for sale. We always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on our website and at every show.

Fine Gallé clematis blownout vase, recently acquired

Fine Gallé clematis blownout vase, recently acquired

Look around my website. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. I regularly add Tiffany vases, lamps and desk accessories, as well as French cameo glass by Galle and Daum Nancy and etchings by Louis Icart. Here’s the link. Philip Chasen Antiques.

Some good results at Bonham’s 20th Century Decorative Arts auction, December 11, 2012

My goal is to publish new posts twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. However, if you don’t see a new post on Thursday, it’s because I was too busy, so please look for a new one the following Monday.

Every year all the major and many secondary auction houses hold a 20th century decorative arts auction in December. This year Bonham’s New York was the first of the majors. They held their 20th Century Decorative Arts auction on December 11, 2012. Christie’s was next (this Thursday’s blog) and Sotheby’s was last (next Monday’s blog). Bonham’s results were good, but not superlative.

Good Tiffany Studios 20-inch diameter Dogwood table lamp, Bonham's lot #2047

Good Tiffany Studios 20-inch diameter Dogwood table lamp, Bonham's lot #2047

Two Tiffany Studios lamps tied for top lot of the sale. #2047 was a nice 20″ diameter Dogwood. Estimated to sell for $80,000 – $120,000, it realized $104,500 — within the estimate.

Tiffany Studios Miniature Wisteria table lamp, Bonham's lot #2049

Tiffany Studios Miniature Wisteria table lamp, Bonham's lot #2049

Lot #2049 was a Tiffany Miniature (Pony) Wisteria lamp. It carried the same estimate as the Dogwood lamp and brought the same result.

Daum Nancy Blackbird and Frog vase, Bonham's lot #2072

Daum Nancy Blackbird and Frog vase, Bonham’s lot #2072

The top French cameo glass item of the sale was a rare 14¼” Daum Nancy blackbird and frog vase, lot #2072. It was bid well past the pre-sale estimate of $15,000 – $20,000 to a final price of $43,750, including the buyer’s premium. I thought it was ugly and wouldn’t have paid $5,000, but apparently two bidders disagreed with me. (They should have asked.)

For the complete results of the sale, click on the following link. Bonham’s 20th Century results.

I will be posting videos on YouTube of my lecture on French Cameo Glass to the Metropolitan Glass Club. I need some time to edit the videos. When they’re ready, I’ll put the link on my website and here in my blog.

Incredible Tiffany Favrile red decorated paperweight vase, just in

Incredible Tiffany Favrile red decorated paperweight vase, just in

Click this link to view some of the new objects I recently purchased and listed. Tiffany glass for sale. We always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on our website and at every show.

Fine Gallé clematis blownout vase, recently acquired

Fine Gallé clematis blownout vase, recently acquired

Look around my website. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. I regularly add Tiffany vases, lamps and desk accessories, as well as French cameo glass by Galle and Daum Nancy and etchings by Louis Icart. Here’s the link. Philip Chasen Antiques.

Solid results at James D. Julia, Inc. Lamp and Glass auction, November 28-29, 2012

My goal is to publish new posts twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. However, if you don’t see a new post on Thursday, it’s because I was too busy, so please look for a new one the following Monday.

James D. Julia, Inc. held its semi-annual Lamp and Glass auction on November 28-29, 2012. According to Dudley Browne, head of the Lamp and Glass division, it was the best sale he’s had in 10 years at Julia’s. Total sales were over $1.6 million, including the buyer’s premium. Two weeks prior to the sale, Dudley was concerned that the auction might not even reach $1 million in sales. Then Michaan’s had an awful Tiffany sale in California (don’t miss Thursday’s blog). Ultimately his fears were unjustified. Interest was solid across the board, even in categories that had been weak in recent sales. Part of the success was due to the re-emergence of many bidders who had been absent for several years. They probably helped increase the percentage of sold lots to a near all-time high for the division.

Tiffany Studios Venetian table lamp, Julia’s lot #1314

Top lot of the sale was #1314, a fine Tiffany Studios Venetian table lamp. Estimated to sell for $60,000 – $80,000, it realized $103,500, including buyer’s premium. In general, lamps were resurgent, from unsigned leaded to Pairpoint puffies to Tiffany Studios.

High-quality Galle marquetry vase, Julia lot #1200

The Gallé selection of glass was strong, anchored by several high quality marquetry examples. Lot #1200, a fine Gallé marquetry vase, sold for $25,875, above the high estimate of $20,000. The majority of Gallé vases sold within or above their pre-sale estimates.

Daum wheel-carved vase, Julia’s lot #1235

The top Daum lot of the sale was #1235, a beautifully wheel-carved example. This was the type of vase that used to sell very well to Japanese buyers, but not to American ones. On this day, the vase was well-received by Americans (an assumption on my part). It sold for $23,000, against an aggressive pre-sale estimate of $20,000 – $30,000.

For the complete results of the sale, click on the following link. Julia’s Lamp and Glass results. You will have to login (gratis) to see the prices.

I will be posting videos on YouTube of my lecture on French Cameo Glass to the Metropolitan Glass Club. I need some time to edit the videos. When they’re ready, I’ll put the link on my website and here in my blog.

Just purchased this unbelievable Gallé seagull vase — one of the best Gallé vases I’ve ever owned

Click this link to view some of the new objects I recently purchased and listed. French glass for sale. We always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on our website and at every show.

Wonderful Schneider controlled bubble vase with wheel-carved Art Deco handles, recently acquired

Look around my website. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. I regularly add Tiffany vases, lamps and desk accessories, as well as French cameo glass by Galle and Daum Nancy and etchings by Louis Icart. Here’s the link. Philip Chasen Antiques.

The results of the NYC Pier Antiques Show, November 17-18, 2012

My goal is to publish new posts twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. However, if you don’t see a new post on Thursday, it’s because I was too busy, so please look for a new one the following Monday.

First a final update on Hurricane Sandy. We got power back 13 days after the storm hit and we got TV, Internet and land telephone back 18 days after the storm. Then we were introduced to irony. While everyone was dealing with no power, we had power from our generator. While some were dealing with flooding, we were dry. Three days ago the heat and hot water magically stopped working. I called the oil company for service, but they were so busy they couldn’t come until the next day. So we went one night without heat. The next day, the serviceman came to fix the problem. As soon as he left, a pipe from the hot water heater burst, causing a major flood in the basement. Servicemen (plural) returned a few hours later to fix the problem, but then we needed a “dryout” crew to clean and dry the basement (paid for by the oil company). So while everyone was dealing with heat, we had none. While everyone was dealing with a dry basement, we had a wet one. If that isn’t the definition of irony, I don’t know what is. The good news is that everything is returning to normal and normal feels great.

My booth

Back to business. The NYC Pier Antiques Show ended yesterday, November 18, 2012. In asking around, most dealers told me they only had fair shows, but there was a wide range of opinions. Two dealers told me they had the best shows ever at the Pier. Another told me he only made one sale, and that was to me, pre-show — not a single item sold to the public. Ugh! Another dealer described his show in one word — “terrible”. There’s always a normal distribution curve of dealer results, but this time it was skewed a little toward disappointing. Some sales were strong at the show, including Handel and Pairpoint lamps — a welcome change.

A wonderful Tiffany red Favrile vase, sold at the show

Personally, my show was moderately good, but less than the previous two shows. It could get better if sales develop later this week, as suggested by several clients. Sales and interest were best in French cameo glass (Daum and Le Verre Francais), Tiffany glass, a Pairpoint puffy lamp and a good painting.

Saturday afternoon at the show

Attendance was good on Saturday, and almost as good on Sunday, but sales and interest were better for me on Sunday. Brooke Shields, Justin Timberlake, and Joan Rivers visited the show. (I’m a sucker for celebrities. I think I inherited it from my mother.) The problem was they didn’t come to my booth and buy anything. What’s wrong with them?

No more shows in 2012, so we’ll be spending the time buying treasures for the 2013 antiques season which begins with the Birchwood Manor Antiques Show in Whippany, New Jersey, January 5-6, 2013. (We might also find a little time for R&R.) After that we’ll be traveling south for the important Miami shows in late January and early February. In the meantime, we’re still in business, so keep the inquiries coming. Let me know what you’d like to buy, sell or trade. If you need a Christmas present, NOW is the time. I’ll be adding many new items to my website this week.

Just purchased this unbelievable Gallé seagull vase — one of the best Gallé vases I’ve ever owned

Click this link to view some of the new objects I recently purchased and listed. French glass for sale. We always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on our website and at every show.

Wonderful Schneider controlled bubble vase with wheel-carved Art Deco handles, recently acquired

Look around my website. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. I regularly add Tiffany vases, lamps and desk accessories, as well as French cameo glass by Galle and Daum Nancy and etchings by Louis Icart. Here’s the link. Philip Chasen Antiques.