Antique Collecting 101

Local exhibitors from The Philadelphia Antiques Show share some tips.
By Maryanna Phinn

Every spring, the most respected antiques dealers and fine art galleries in the nation set up shop at The Philadelphia Antiques Show to exhibit rare period furniture, folk and fine art, ceramics, porcelain, silver and textiles. Collectors travel from around the world to attend the renowned show, often cited as the finest national exhibition for American antiques and decorative arts (see sidebar for show information).

Several local dealers participate every year, transforming their passion for antiquing as a hobby into distinguished careers. If you are interested in collecting antiques and plan to start or build upon your own collection, here are a few tips to consider from several local professionals.

Tip #1: Educate Yourself
“The best way to learn about collecting is to attend recognized antiques shows, like Philadelphia’s and talk to the dealers,” notes Patrick Bell, of Olde Hope Antiques, Inc. in New Hope. Bell co-owns the gallery with Edwin Hild, which they established in 1976 as an outgrowth of their lifelong interest in collecting. Olde Hope Antiques, now open by appointment, is known for its exceptional collection of 18th and 19th century American original painted furniture, folk art, folk sculptures, weathervanes and textiles.

Bell notes that museums are also an important resource but attending shows and visiting reputable galleries allow collectors to see, feel, touch and learn more about the objects. “It’s also important to know if a dealer is a member of professional organizations, such as the Antiques Dealers Association (ADA) of America,” he adds. As members, experts vet or review the dealer’s material giving the buying public more confidence about its authenticity.

Olde Hope Antiques, Inc. is located on Peaceable Farm in Solebury, near New Hope. By appointment only. For more information, call (215) 297-0200 or visit www.oldehope.com.

Tip #2: Work with Reputable Dealers
“It’s of paramount importance if you are going to collect to align yourself with a reputable dealer,” says Todd Prickett, of C.L. Prickett in Yardley, a family-owned gallery for 47 years.

Prickett encourages collectors to do their homework, especially when attending auctions. “There are many issues involved, such as the condition of the piece or the potential for forgery.
Collectors should have a buyer beware mentality,” adds Prickett, noting that buyers should always get a full guarantee for their purchase.

The Prickett family’s shop is known for 18th and 19th century American furniture and clocks from the Queen Anne, Chippendale and Federal styles. Collectors have many options to consider from the shop’s extensive inventory of sideboards, tables, chairs, chests, cupboards, desks and highboys and mirrors.

C.L. Prickett is located at 930 Stony Hill Road across from Shady Brook Farm in Yardley.
The gallery is open to the public during business hours Monday through Saturday. For more information, visit www.clprickett.com or call (215) 493-4284.

Tip #3: Refine Your Eye
Christopher T. Rebollo Antiques specializes in 18th and 19th century American and Delaware Valley country hardwood furniture and accessories, glass, silver and brass with emphasis on older finishes. The gallery’s namesake, Christopher Rebollo, established the shop 10 years ago after serving as an apprentice at Philip Bradley Antiques or “Bradley U” as its known in the trade.

“If you’re a new collector, figure out what you really like such as Empire or Chippendale or Queen Anne style,” suggests Rebollo. “Education is important, so cast a wide net. Visit museums, buy reference books, go to auctions and dealers’ shops. The best thing you can do is to train your eye so you can spot what you like.  And buy the best that you can afford, because it is likely to go up in value,” he adds.

Christopher T. Rebollo Antiques, 5728 Mechanicsville Road, Mechanicsville, is open to the public from Thursday through Sunday. For more information, call (215) 794-9880.

Tip #4: Buy Quality
Elinor Gordon, 91, is the grande dame, master collector and dealer of Chinese export porcelain.  Gordon and her late husband, Horace, first purchased porcelain in 1946 in Lisbon, Portugal. She established her business in 1953. Gordon has lectured, taught and published extensively on the subject, lending her collection to shows and museums in Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland and Massachusetts.

Gordon is a veteran of every prestigious antiques show in the Northeast including 48 years with The Philadelphia Antiques Show and 55 years with the Winter Antiques Show in New York City. Her Villanova gallery, open by appointment, is filled with blue, green, orange, raspberry Chinese export porcelain sets and accompanying pieces in varying patterns dating from 1700 through early 1800’s.

“When I meet young collectors, particularly women, I advise them to save enough money to buy one good thing each year. If you buy something mediocre, it will always be mediocre. There’s a very fine approach to collecting antiques. Try to buy quality.”

Elinor Gordon, Chinese export porcelain, in Villanova, By appointment only. Call (610) 525-0981

Tip #5: Love What You Buy
“I sell things that I love myself,” notes Diana Bittel, owner of Diana H. Bittel Antiques in Bryn Mawr. “It’s wonderful when people tell me they love what they bought from me,” she adds.

Diana Bittel caught the antiquing bug as a child. Her parents were collectors and her father was part of The Philadelphia Antiques Show, which she has been associated with it for 27 years. Bittel specializes in late 18th century and early 19th century American furniture and nautical works of art. Bittel is known for her expertise in sailor’s shell valentines, mostly from Barbados. Her marine collection also includes English and American sailor’s woolworks, shellwork boxes and dolls and watercolor marine paintings with American flags. Bittel calls her entire collection ‘eclectic’ because it also includes, for example, Bermudian furniture (her mother was a native) and German Noah’s arks

“Find a dealer that collects things they love to help you with your collection. You’ll trust that dealer and in return you can learn a lot from that person,” she adds.

Diana H. Bittel Antiques, Bryn Mawr. By appointment. For more information, visit www.dianabittelantiques.com or call (610) 525-1160.

Maryanna S. Phinn is a freelance writer from Washington Crossing, Bucks County.