In a hall only about the size of large garage, more than 35 dealers filled cabinets, tables, shelves and floors with extensive collections of Nineteenth Century mechanical banks, still banks, early cast iron toys, military collectibles, dolls and Steiff stuffed animals on January 1 and 2. There were early fire apparatuses, some electric trains and a good deal more. Customers attended, having been drawn to this small storefront by trade journal advertisements, from as far way as Delaware, Pennsylvania and New England for the weekend event, Bohemia Country Antiques and Collectibles Show.
Preshow advertisements focused in part on the early banks and other early cast iron toys. Al Baker, the show manager and also one of the exhibiting dealers, was offering a collection of several hundred remarkable early banks. There was the banker at the front door, circa 1873 †when you give him the coin, he and your money disappear, actually swiveling inside the bank and dropping the coin. It was offered in very good original paint decoration. In other 1870 examples, a frog “swallows” the coin and †in a piece Baker considered one of his best †Punch and Judy throw the coin.
Antique and vintage fire apparatuses comprised the collection of another of the exhibitors. Tom D’Arcangelo from nearby Central Islip, a part-time firefighter, was offering a variety of objects, including several early American fire tools, such as a leather water bucket paint decorated with the name of the original home town, fire hose nozzles, which have become highly sought after as collectibles, and a variety of firehouse trophies.
The collection of the late Jerry Baker was offered for liquidation at this show. The father of show manager Al Baker, he had passed away some time ago, but during his lifetime was an avid collector of early iron mechanical toys and Masonic paraphernalia. There were several vertical displays filled with horse-drawn vehicles from the Nineteenth Century, several hundred pieces all for sale. In addition, another display case was filled with Masonic material, including an assortment of ceremonial fezzes.
Several exhibits featured early military collectibles. In one exhibit there were World War I and II gear, while the more highly prized pieces were featured in a display case. One of the dealers, American Military Antiques and Collectibles, is a local dealer from Brookville. N.Y., so this is a primary outlet for his collection.
Luke’s Antiques and Collectibles, Center Moriches, N.Y., was selling midcentury comic books. Lenny Pearson, a dealer from Bohemia, was offering a large collection of early dolls and Steiff animals. Early trains and midcentury metal toys were inventory for Larry’s Antiques of Sayville, N.Y.
Baker said he plans to repeat this show again throughout the year, but has not finalized his schedule. For information, 631-648-9371.
