Lewis Scranton.

Ron Chambers.

– Forty-plus dealers gathered for the annual Wethersfield Antiques Show just prior to the holiday season getting underway in 2003. The show, managed by volunteers Joan Hughes and Tim Verre for the Wethersfield Historical Society, reported two active days and a well attended preview party during which a great deal of business was conducted.

This event is particularly appealing to Americana collectors as it is traditionally filled to the brim with quality country merchandise. Large crowds turned out for this popular show, beginning with a gala preview party that was attended by an enthusiastic crowd. Good eats courtesy of numerous local businesses, a nice selection of libations and good merchandise made for an enjoyable evening. Many of the dealers reported strong sales from the large number of patrons in attendance.

The show opened on Saturday morning to a good-sized crowd with management reporting an overall increase in the gate of more than 35 percent over the previous year. Sales were also reported by management as being strong for many of the dealers with Carol Wotjkun reporting “possibly the best show of her career,” according to Verre. Management also reported Derek Pulito commented during packout that he had a very good show citing numerous sales.

Just down the aisle, Field and Stream presented a patriotic theme to its booth highlighted by a large zinc eagle, an architectural ornament that had been removed at some point from its perch and was now ready for a collector’s home. The piece looked grand surrounded by red, white and blue banners and encircled with American flags.

Charles and Barbara Adams offered up their usual assortment of desirable Bennington wares including cow creamers, Toby jugs, pitchers, bowls, plates and mugs in an assortment of glazes ranging from the standard Rockingham to flint enamel.

Other early accessories seen about the floor included a nice selection of redware in the booth of Lewis Scranton, mocha displayed by Hanauer and Seidman, and pewter offered by Ron Chambers.

Changes for the 2004 event in Wethersfield include a new early buying session that will open prior to preview on Friday evening. Manager Tim Verre released a statement that said, “In the spirit of innovation to attract trade buyers that otherwise might not attend the show, the Wethersfield Antiques Show will be hosting an early buyers’ preview prior to the preview party.”

The early preview, beginning with the 2004 show, will open from 4 to 6 pm with a $10 admission, to be followed by the preview party from 7 to 9 pm for a $25 admission.