Tag Archives: Baltimore Antiques Show

What is the future of antique shows?

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I am now publishing once a week, on Monday.

Remember the Pier Antique Show in NYC?

What is the future of antique shows? Will they fail or survive? It’s an existential question for antique dealers like myself. We used to exhibit at more than twenty shows per year. Now we’re down to six. Important shows have folded, like the Pier Show in NYC, which I really miss. It’s amazing that we have no show in NYC.

The Baltimore Summer Antiques Show is held in the Baltimore Convention Center

The recent Baltimore Summer Antiques Show was the smallest it’s been in decades, as the attrition rate among dealers is high and increasing. Most antique dealers are in the age range of 60-80, with very few younger dealers coming in to take the places of the older ones retiring or dying. If 50-100 dealers a year drop out of important shows like Baltimore, the shows will reach a critical mass, below which they will fold. Personally I never saw this day coming until I had an inkling about 10 years ago.

Auction houses, on the other hand, are doing brisk business. Many of the baby boomers, who form the majority of collectors, are aging out. Their children consign their estates to auction, many without reserve. Auction houses don’t really care what they’re selling, as long as they’re selling. If items have no reserve, they’re guaranteed to sell and the auction houses are guaranteed to make their commissions.

Morphy Auctions in Denver, PA, is doing a brisk business

I never intended to retire from the antiques business, but the business may retire me. I’m switching tactics and trying my best to do more business from my website. If I could replace the income generated from antique shows with income from my website, I’d be a happy camper. Since a lot of the action has shifted to auctions, I utilize those too.

The future of the antiques business for me is murky. The changes are happening quickly and I’m trying to adjust accordingly. Only time will tell, so keep tuned.

No shows until Antiques + Modernism Winnetka (IL), November 1-4, 2018. We always look forward to our twice yearly exhibits in the greater Chicago area. But remember we’re still very much in business between shows, so please don’t hesitate to email or call. 

I recently listed some of the new items on my website and will list more every week. Click Philip Chasen Antiques to take a look. I will make every effort to actively list new items as often as time permits. I always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on my website and at every show. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. And remember to keep reading my blog.

The results of the Baltimore Summer Antiques Show, August 30 – September 2, 2018

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I am now publishing once a week, on Monday.

There were a couple of hundred people at the opening on Thursday

Thursday, 6:50 PM Opening day is almost over. More or less, it’s been like other opening days for me in Baltimore — namely, lots of interest, but very few sales. However, it was a good day because we sold a Tiffany 7-light lily lamp to a new client, plus I made important private sales by email. If history repeats itself, business should be just fine later in the show. That’s my plan, but el hombre propone y Dios dispone.

We sold a Tiffany 7-light lily lamp at the show

Our booth was crowded early on Thursday afternoon

Friday, 3:10 PM The day started off with good attendance and interest, but slowed down dramatically by mid-afternoon. We made one Tiffany vase sale and hope to make another before the day is over. We’ll see.

We sold this lovely Gallé vase at the show

Friday, 6:30 PM A “be-back” (that’s what antique dealers call people who say they’ll be back) came back and purchased a very nice Gallé vase, so the day was decent (except for all the hours of sitting around crawling out of my skin).

Saturday, 2:30 PM Attendance and interest has been good at the start of every day, but the sales haven’t been coming as fast as they should. We sold a small KPM plaque to start the day and nothing since, but I’m optimistic the day will end well.

Saturday, 6:30 PM I was incredibly busy during the day with inquiries. At times I had to speak to several people simultaneously, but it only resulted in a couple of small sales. However, the day ended well, mostly because I made several important sales to my private clients by email. Thank goodness for my private clients.

We sold this beautiful Tiffany Studios Linenfold table lamp at the show

Sunday, 6:30 PM The show is over and I’m very pleased. Attendance was lighter today and there was less interest, but I sold a Tiffany lamp to a new client and a pair of candlesticks to another. Sales to new clients is very important.

Overall we’re quite pleased. Interest and sales in Tiffany lamps and glass were strongest. The show was smaller, but attendance was good, so the dealers benefited. Whatever buying power the public brought was spread over fewer dealers. I did hear a few complaints, but most dealers I spoke to were pleased.

Now we’ll take some time to smell the roses, but we’re always doing business, so keep in touch!

No shows until Antiques + Modernism Winnetka (IL), November 1-4, 2018. We always look forward to our twice yearly exhibits in the greater Chicago area. But remember we’re still very much in business between shows, so please don’t hesitate to email or call.

I recently listed some of the new items on my website and will list more every week. Click Philip Chasen Antiques to take a look. I will make every effort to actively list new items as often as time permits. I always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on my website and at every show. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. And remember to keep reading my blog.

The Baltimore Summer Antiques Show opens to the public this Thursday, August 30, 2018

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I am now publishing once a week, on Monday.

It was busy in my booth last year

Seems like it was just a few months ago that we last exhibited in Baltimore. Time passes in a blink. The much anticipated Baltimore Summer Antiques Show will open to the public this Thursday, August 30th, at noon, and continue until Sunday, September 2nd at 6 PM. I always look forward to this show, especially since there aren’t many great shows left. Many guests travel great distances to visit this show and that includes Europe and Japan. Where else can you see an international selection of the finest antique dealers, all in one location? The show is truly worth a trip from wherever you are. Baltimore has great restaurants, the Inner Harbor, street performers, fine stores, the National Aquarium and of course the best antique show money can buy.

I’ll have this important Louis Tiffany Favrile vase at the show

Personally I’ve been buying and buying since our last show in Chicago in May. I’ll be bringing those items to complement the finest selection of French and American art glass and lamps. It will be the first time the new items will be exhibited for sale.

It’s not too late to make plans. I just looked up a 3-day stay on Hotwire for Baltimore Inner Harbor. There are bargains galore. Excellent hotels were available from $67 to $79/night. The locations are a very short walk to the Baltimore Convention Center, where the show is being held.

You can print this form or click on it

If you’ve never visited the city of Baltimore and especially the show, you’re really missing out. The show is wonderful. You have my personal guarantee. Maybe a couple of free tickets to the show will help you make up your mind. Either print the form above or click on it to redirect you to a form you have to complete. You’ll receive one free ticket to the show, good for two.

Monday’s post will have the results. Tune in again.

We’re still very much in business between shows, so please don’t hesitate to email or call. I recently listed some of the new items on my website and will list more every week. Click Philip Chasen Antiques to take a look. I will make every effort to actively list new items as often as time permits. I always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on my website and at every show. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. And remember to keep reading my blog.

The results of the Baltimore Summer Antiques Show, August 24-27, 2017

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My goal is to publish new posts twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. However, readership slows down in the summer, so I will only publish on Mondays until the weather gets cold and readership picks up.

There were quite a few people in our booth on Friday afternoon

The Baltimore Summer Antiques Show finished its four day run yesterday, August 27, 2017. The show was smaller this year, but the attendance was good. Hopefully the show won’t continue to shrink as that could cause it to fail. I’ve got my fingers crossed that that won’t happen.

We sold this beautiful Tiffany Nasturtium lamp at the show

Personally our show went well. We ground out business by making several small sales every day. Then Sunday we had a good day, including the sale of a major Tiffany lamp. All that added up to a better show than last year. We sold across the board, including bronzes, paintings, art pottery, French cameo glass, Tiffany desk sets, American glass and lamps.

This rare and beautiful Daum Blackbird vase was one of several French cameo vases we sold at the show

In asking around, most dealers were pleased with their results. A few complained, especially West Coast dealers who had higher expenses because of the distance. I’ll be preparing a video blog of the show including interviews with quite a few dealers. It will be available for viewing with my Thursday blog this week, so make sure you don’t miss it.

Next year the show moves back to the Labor Day weekend. All I heard was complaining from the dealers. No one wants the show to return to that weekend, but the management, as usual, thinks they know better, so they won’t listen. Maybe they’ll listen if many of the dealers don’t return signed contracts. We’ve already signed ours, so we’ll do the show no matter the weekend, but we’re not happy about it.

Click Philip Chasen’s new items to check my website for the latest items and to look around. I recently added several new items and I’ll be adding more this week. They’re some of the best items I’ve ever had, so please take a look.

I will update it as often as time permits. We’re still very much in business between shows, so please don’t hesitate to email or call. I always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on my website and at every show. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. And remember to keep reading my blog.

The results of the Baltimore Summer Antiques Show (video version)

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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’ve been working hard on the video version of my post from last Monday about the results of the Baltimore Summer Antiques Show. I’ve been using a software program from Serif called MoviePlus X6 Digital Edition. Some programs have steeper learning curves than others and this one has been a challenge. Anyway I was able to create a beginner’s video. It’s got lots of mistakes and is far from polished, but it will give you a lot more insight into the show than my normal blogs. Click here to view the video on YouTube. Hope you enjoy it.

Please let me know if you’d like to see more videos and I’ll try to create them. (This is not a generic question. I really need to get some feedback and this means you!) I’m sure as time goes by, they’ll get a little more professional.

I want to publicize this first video, so I will leave this post for the entire week. There will be no new post this Thursday.

winnetka-2016Our next show will be in Winnetka, Illinois, November 4-6, 2016. We always look forward to exhibiting in the greater Chicago area. We have lots of friends and clients. Put it in your calendar. It’s a lovely show!

Click here to check my website for the latest items and to look around. I will update it as often as time permits. We’re still very much in business between shows, so please don’t hesitate to email or call. I always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on my website and at every show. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. And remember to keep reading my blog.

The results of the Baltimore Summer Antiques Show, August 25-28, 2016

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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 were approximately 300 people on line at the opening on Thursday morning

There were approximately 300 people on line at the opening on Thursday morning

The 2016 edition of the Baltimore Summer Antiques Show is now history. It’s changed somewhat from the recent past. First and foremost is that the show was smaller. I heard reports that there were 100 fewer dealers. Attrition is a big problem in the antiques business as both the dealers and the public are aging. Not sure why so many dealers dropped out, but I could speculate retirement, health, death, disappointment with previous shows, etc. The show was still outstanding with really fabulous merchandise from an international group of dealers. I don’t think any of the buying public was disappointed, except possibly the smaller size.

There were times when our booth was quite busy

There were times when our booth was quite busy

I spoke to several dealers about their results and recorded them on video. I just bought a new software program to edit video (Serif MoviePlus 6) and I’m learning, but it definitely has a learning curve. If you’re an expert, please contact me as I have a few questions. I hope to have a reasonable video of the show with firsthand interviews with several dealers for my Thursday blog. You won’t want to miss my first attempt at video, so tune in Thursday. (UPDATE – MONDAY)

One of the fine Daum vases we sold at the show

One of the fine Daum vases we sold at the show

For those who want a quick summary, here goes. Most dealers I spoke to did fairly well. Personally we had a good show, but not great. It was 20% off from last year, but 50% ahead of the year before. Attendance was fairly good most days. If you want specifics, visit my blog on Thursday. (UPDATE – MONDAY)

winnetka-2016Our next show will be in Winnetka, Illinois, November 4-6, 2016. We always look forward to exhibiting in the greater Chicago area. We have lots of friends and clients. Put it in your calendar. It’s a lovely show!

Click here to check my website for the latest items and to look around. I will update it as often as time permits. We’re still very much in business between shows, so please don’t hesitate to email or call. I always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on my website and at every show. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. And remember to keep reading my blog.

The Baltimore Summer Antiques Show opens today, August 25, 2016

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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.

Part of the extensive display of Tiffany, Handel and Pairpoint lamps in our booth

Part of the extensive display of Tiffany, Handel and Pairpoint lamps in our booth

The Baltimore Summer Antiques Show begins today, August 25, 2016, as you read this post. Setup went smoothly and the booth looks great.

Butler & Butler are one of the fine dealers at the show

Butler & Butler are one of the fine dealers at the show

All dealers walk around the show floor during the two days of setup buying from each other. I was able to purchase several wonderful Daum, Gallé and Argy-Rousseau vases during setup, which I’ll have at the show. Early buying is one of the advantages of being an exhibitor, which sometimes works out very well.

Some of the wonderful Daum Nancy vases that I bought at the show

Some of the wonderful Daum Nancy vases that I bought at the show

I brought one of the best collections of French and American glass and lamps to the show. Here’s hoping the show will go well. Tune in Monday for the results.

baltimore-8-2016(3)Click on the image above to obtain two free tickets to the show. It will redirect you to a form that you have to complete. You’ll receive one free ticket, good for two, to the show.

We don’t have a show scheduled for quite some time. We probably won’t exhibit at the NYC Pier Antiques Show, now that it’s become a very expensive version of the old show. The original show folded and was replaced by a show from the Palm Beach Show Group, who were forced to move after being shut out of the NY Armory.

Click here to check my website for the latest items and to look around. I will update it as often as time permits. We’re still very much in business between shows, so please don’t hesitate to email or call. I always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on my website and at every show. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. And remember to keep reading my blog.

The Baltimore Summer Antiques Show opens this Thursday, August 25, 2016

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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.

A previous year in our booth

A previous year in our booth

The much anticipated Baltimore Summer Antiques Show has arrived! It opens to the public this Thursday at noon and continues until Sunday at 6 PM. It’s probably the best show of the year, especially now that the Miami shows will be in a tumult this coming winter. Both exhibitors and attendees come from all over the world, including Europe, South America and Japan. So wherever you are, you don’t have a good excuse. Baltimore has great restaurants, the Inner Harbor, street performers, stores, and the National Aquarium.

baltimore-8-2016(2)There’s still plenty of time to make arrangements to visit the show. I like to use Hotwire for the best deals on hotels. I just checked a 3-day stay in the Baltimore Inner Harbor area (walking distance to the show), starting on Thursday and departing on Sunday and found two 4-star hotels for $102 and $103/night, respectively. That’s a pretty great deal.

baltimore-8-2016(3)I’ll even offer you two free tickets to the show by clicking on the image above. It will redirect you to a form that you have to complete. You’ll receive one free ticket, good for two, to the show.

We'll be exhibiting his 10½-inch spectacular Daum scenic vase at the show

We’ll be exhibiting his 10½-inch spectacular Daum scenic vase at the show

We are bringing one of the best selections of French and American glass and lamps that we have ever brought. You will not be disappointed! Hope to see you there.

Thursday’s post will be from the floor of the show and Monday’s will have the results. Tune in again.

We don’t have a show scheduled for quite some time. We probably won’t exhibit at the NYC Pier Antiques Show, now that it’s become a very expensive version of the old show. The original show folded and was replaced by a show from the Palm Beach Show Group, who were forced to move after being shut out of the NY Armory.

Click here to check my website for the latest items and to look around. I will update it as often as time permits. We’re still very much in business between shows, so please don’t hesitate to email or call. I always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on my website and at every show. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. And remember to keep reading my blog.

What’s new at Philip Chasen Antiques?

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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.

Killer Tiffany Favrile red Tel el Amarna vase

Killer Tiffany Favrile red Tel el Amarna vase

Spring is an unusual time for my business because of various opposing forces. First the weather gets nice and summer vacation approaches. People spend less time indoors, so they spend less time at their computers searching for antiques and more time planning for the summer. Opposing that is the glut of merchandise that comes onto the market in June. Every auction house, major and minor, in the US and in Europe, has a June Decorative Arts sale.

Wonderful Daum Nancy vitrified floral vase

Wonderful Daum Nancy vitrified floral vase

Then there is the business of antique shows. Historically there have been very few shows in the spring. The result is lots of merchandise to buy and very few people to sell it to. Dealers with the deepest pockets have the easiest time smoothing out spring’s rough ride. Business gets better in the summer, with a couple of antique shows (there used to be more), including the important Baltimore Summer Antiques Show at the end of August (which I always eagerly look forward to).

Superb mini Daum Nancy Fall scenic vase

Superb mini Daum Nancy Fall scenic vase

What does it all mean? I’ve been buying like crazy, all over the world, both at auction and privately. The new merchandise is mostly fine French cameo glass by Daum Nancy, Gallé, A. Walter and Argy-Rousseau, but also includes Tiffany Favrile glass and several fine lamps by Tiffany, Handel and Pairpoint. The new items have all been hand-selected by me and meet my high standards. You know you can buy from me with confidence.

Rare Gallé blownout Fig vase

Rare Gallé blownout Fig vase

I’m trying to list many new items but it’s been difficult because we’re packing for our Denver show (where it will all be on display). I did list a few items and will continue to list more as time permits. Please check my site often or email me with your requests.

Denver, July 15-17, 2016

Denver, July 15-17, 2016

The Denver World Wide Antique Show is close at hand, July 15-17, 2016. If you’re in the area, please make the time to come and visit. In the meantime, we’re very much in business, so call or email me with your wants or items for sale. If you have what I’m looking for, I’m paying the highest prices. My decisions are quick and my payments just as quick. Just snap a photo and email it to me.

I always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on my website and at every show. I will continue to list more as often as possible. Please click here to take a look.There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. And remember to keep reading my blog.

The Baltimore Summer Antiques Show begins this Thursday, August 20, 2015

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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.

Last year in our booth

Last year in our booth

The much anticipated Baltimore Summer Antiques Show is finally upon us, opening to the public this Thursday at noon and continuing until Sunday at 6 PM. It’s one of the largest and best shows of the year. Think of it as the Miami Beach show of the summer. Both exhibitors and attendees come from all over the world, including Europe, South America and Japan. If you’re just a mere 3000 miles away, it’s not too far.

We'll have this rare Daum Nancy Rooster vase at the show

We’ll have this rare Daum Nancy Rooster vase at the show

There’s still plenty of time to make arrangements to visit the show. I like to use Hotwire for the best deals on hotels. I just checked a 3-day stay in the Baltimore Inner Harbor area (right by the show), starting on Thursday and departing on Sunday and found a 4-star boutique hotel for $73/night. It doesn’t get any better than that. So what’s your excuse?

baltimore-8-2015(3)You can even get a free ticket to the show by clicking on the image above. First locate the Enter promotional code, which you’ll find just above the Order Now button. Then enter the code PBSG15 in the box. Hit Apply and then register. You’ll receive one free ticket to the show.

Inside the National Aquarium

Inside the National Aquarium

Some of you may remember the unrest in Baltimore a few months ago. You don’t have to be concerned as it’s totally quiet now and never was near the Inner Harbor in the first place. Be calm and you’ll enjoy the show and Baltimore. There are great restaurants, Harbor activities, street performers, stores, and the National Aquarium. Come to the show and let me know what you think.

Thursday’s post will be from the floor of the show and Monday’s will have the results. Tune in again.

nyc-big-flea-9-2015Our next show will be The Big Flea Market at Pier 94 in New York City, September 26-27. Last year was the first time for this show and it was good. The attendees were completely different than the established Pier Antique Show that takes place in November and March each year, making it a totally different experience.

Click here to check my website for the latest items and to look around. I will update it as often as time permits. We’re still very much in business between shows, so please don’t hesitate to email or call. I always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on my website and at every show. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. And remember to keep reading my blog.