The NYC Big Flea
September 27th, 2015
New York City
The second edition of the NYC Big Flea came to the Big Apple on the heels of Pope Francis’s visit, and good spirits and well-mannered crowds prevailed during the two-day show on September 26 and 27.
A steady stream of antiquers (including many vintage clothing and jewelry lovers) journeyed to Pier 94 on Manhattan’s far west side to explore what several hundred dealers from around the country had to sell. Art, jewelry, silver, porcelain, vintage clothing, collectibles, and furniture were displayed throughout the sprawling pier.
NYC Big Flea, owned and managed by Dee Dee Sides, was “created to offer quality design and inspiring antiques.” The promoters like to “mix everything up,” therefore vendors aren’t grouped together by category. Other Big Flea events take place in Virginia and Washington, D.C.
John Lane of Vintage Studios uses old cranks and gears to build tables and lamps and sells them to bars and restaurants and also residences. The table was priced at $1295; the lamps ranged from $125 to $250. Vintage Studios is based in Durham, North Carolina.
Ellen Wedner of 20th Century Vintage, Miami, Florida, offered these school lunchboxes and kids’ books, ranging from $1 to $60. She specializes in paper, particularly vintage advertising.
One area of the show that was grouped together, however, was black memorabilia. Several vendors, under the auspices of Dr. Lindsey B. Johnson, promoter of the Gaithersburg Antique and Collectible Show and the annual NYC Black Memorabilia, Fine Art & Collectible Show, were selling slavery artifacts, historical documents, black dolls, books, autographs, stamps, coins, toys, advertisements, paintings, jewelry, and civil rights, sports, and entertainment memorabilia.
“Just browsing the items for sale is an education on the African American experience in itself,” wrote Dr. Johnson in the show catalog. Adding a personal touch was the presence of several players from the Negro baseball leagues.
This carousel horse was in the booth of Kelly McDermott of Echo Supply Company, New York City. She asked $699 for it.
Sage Antiques, Monroe, New Jersey, was one of a handful of folk art dealers at NYC Big Flea. Owner Susan Goldsweig posed with a “crow over the moon” weathervane, 1900, from Pennsylvania, tagged $675. The 12" x 20" carved hardwood sea chest with initials “M H” from the mid-19th century was priced at $385.
Food and drink at the show was elevated to a new level. Vendors from Chelsea Market, the well-known indoor food hall in Manhattan, were on site as were coffee companies and patisseries. Grey Lady, an oyster bar on the Lower East Side, set up a large bar at the entrance to the show.
Several dealers from the New York area were busy selling. They included Drucker Antiques, Jeffrey Henkel, Alexander Gallery, Framont, Michele Fox, Philip Chasen Antiques, Barbara Gerr Antiques, Jamie’s Antiques, Sage Antiques, and Milne’s At Home Antiques. All are experienced and know what will appeal to their customer base.
The next Big Flea in New York City will be held January 23 and 24, 2016. More information is available online at (www.thebigfleamarket.com/nyc-show).
Many stick-and-ball hat and coat shelves filled the wall in the booth of Syracuse, New York, dealer Designs & Dreams Antiques. Co-owner Pat Maffei said the shelves with brass are marked with dates, most from the 1880s, with asking prices of $110 to $450.
Preserved botanicals were displayed by Bryan McRae of Botanica, Charlotte, North Carolina. The ones on the table were tagged $429.
Michele Fox of Weston, Connecticut, asked $175 for this black bottle doll from the 1930s.
These are three of many Rose Cabat “feelies” available from Barbara Gerr Antiques, Galloway, New Jersey. They ranged from $300 to $1300. Feelies are what Cabat called her porcelain narrow-necked vases and small bowls with satin matte glazes. The ceramist died in January 2015 in Tucson, Arizona, at age 100.
Originally published in the December 2015 issue of Maine Antique Digest. © 2015 Maine Antique Digest
