Armed with little more than backpacks, canteens of water and energy bars, a group of specially trained people woke early Saturday May 26th to finally accomplish what they'd been working towards for months.
After months of research, special training and practice, those who can only be described as the elite in their field, strolled, hopped, skipped and jumped their way through the Christie Antique Show & Sale.
It was a licensed event so there was a little crooked meandering as well.
I am proud to say that I, my sister and my mother were all part of Team Antique at Christie's this year. We were joined by what is scientifically referred to as a "bunch" of other people. Scientifically speaking.
We were going to invite the fella but frankly, none of us thought he could handle it. Crossfit? Heh. Antiquers EAT Crossfitters for breakfast. On a Blue Willow plate.
If you want to get what you looking for you can't be passive or indecisive. I lost a beautiful pair of black iron candelabras that way. If you want to be a successful antique show shopper you need to possess a combination of stealth, weaponry, charm and decisiveness. Being a little shifty doesn't hurt either.
It was a quick run through this year that left one of our team members down for the count by hour 4. She received hydration and is expected to be out for the rest of the season.
The rest of us worked through the pain and pressed on.
Here's a little of what we saw.
A lot of people complain that Christie's is overpriced. And indeed ... some items are. You get that many people in a confined space, all frothing at the mouth for something unique, old and decrepit, there's bound to be a little price gouging.
But there's also a lot of opportunity to get some great buys. The smart dealers who go are set up at Christie's Antique Show are also there buying.
The 6th or 7th picture down from the top shows my sister holding a bust. A bust. Not her bust. It was one of a pair. As are most busts. I thought they were hideous. She loved them. And I have to admit they're very her and would look great in her house. After a bit of debating (she knew they were a bit odd looking but loved them anyway) she slapped down the $50 for the pair of them (a girl head and a boy) and continued to wander around. We bumped into a very knowledgeable antiques dealer we both know and showed him what she got.
Turns out ... she did quite well for herself. They're Victorian era (probably around 1890) bisque busts worth ... about $450. So there are deals to be had at Christie's. Another lesson here is to just buy what you love. Don't worry about it's value or sometimes even it's cost. If you love it ... buy it.
For those of you thinking of attending the fall show, I have 3 words of advice. Drink plenty of water, get lots of rest and eat well. If it doesn't prepare you for Christie's you'll at least be fully prepared should you ever become a celebrity and need an acceptable lie for how you stay looking so good.
The fall Christie Antique Show & Sale is being held on Saturday, September 8th.
I've already begun my new training regiment. This time I'm gonna do it Hunger Games style.
looks like the photos on this post are a little screwy? very small.
OH dear, i should not have read this post, because i was going to go this spring (had it written on my calendar, even!)and somehow forgot, (insert kicking of my ass here !!)I have wanted an antique Judy for ever-ish, and seeing the one in your pic ....well i just wanted to kick myself in the ass again but harder this time! I'll bet it sold, but I should go in the fall to see if Judy pops up again, thanks Karen, now I will torture myself further, by checking out your other post about your Christie Haul..buh bye ;-(
I love Christies. I am not a morning person but for some reason the morning of Christies I'm up early with coffee and bagels in hand - at the gate at 8am! Eventhough I didn't buy anything this year (loved the dogs though) I have bought tons in the past. As for the prices, just barter - at the end of the day I got a huge Pine cabinet for $200 (less than half of sticker) just because the dealer didn't want to take it home. Can't wait for September.
That looked like fun! I'm with you on the sister, bust one word UGLY! I don't care how much their worth. Lol!
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I so want to reach into my computer and move those door knob thingies so I can see that doll and doll buggy that's just barely visible. And I about fell out of my chair, AGAIN, when I saw those darling busts your sister scored! I adore them. I would have bought them in a second. We have White Cloud the first weekend in May and the first in Oct. It started in this cute little town where the main street ends up running right into the Missouri river. It was originally just in that town but now all the towns along the way have joined in and it's over ten miles long of one booth after another. Even when it was just at White Cloud it took two days so it's not possible to see it all and it doesn't cost to get in because when you are driving along, you are in. I have a friend who makes those baskets, Karen. It is very easy and I'll be expecting a FYI the day after you show us what you bought. You know that Martha Stewart had a huge collection of Jadite. I wonder if she sold it. She is having big time money problems, you know. I got that from a blogger who was going to work for Martha's show and then she laid off over half of her staff so the new hire never got her foot in the door. Now, aren't you glad your staff wears running shoes and looks like a hunk? Speaking of eye candy, this is a great post! I think I'll go look at all of it again.
Karen, not to change the subject or anything but how do I post my pic on here when I post a post ??? ;o)