Heading South for Americana

I have been on the antiques trail for most of this early part of the year, in parts south of Connecticut. Given the weather, that’s not such a bad thing. On recent weekends we have been in Chantilly, Va., and Atlanta, Ga., and as I am writing this I am returning from Nashville, Tenn.

Interestingly, sales in these last few weeks have been very strong when compared to the last two years, with buyers going for small objects in great quantity, as well as early American furniture of varying styles.

The main Nashville show, held Feb. 16 to 18 at the fairgrounds, was a show dedicated to Americana. The exhibitors gathered American-made home furnishings and accessories, and the shoppers — a national audience that waits all year for this show — came by the thousands. They arrived looking for special antiques that they will add to their collections, home décor or personal accoutrements.

This was the show where attendees found a table made in Talbot County, Maryland, around 1715, a tea table from Connecticut circa 1750 and a piece of outsider art from Georgia made by an unknown artist in 1989. Unusual silver for the dining table and a complete silver service from the 19th century was available, and many sets sold. One customer just had to have four sterling silver muffineers (sugar shakers), all 100 years old or more and costing more than $1,100 total.

Painted furniture was very popular with the buyers, and this was the best show of the year to find it. A blue milk-painted corner cupboard sold for more than $2,000, and so did a blue milk-painted hutch and a blue milk-painted chest of drawers. And a blue child painting, oil on canvas circa 1800, sold too. The selections were that good.

On The Trail with Tom O’Hara focuses on art, auctions, antiques and home décor.