Delaware Antique Show

How I spent my (imaginary) $50,000 

​I had a wonderful time at the Delaware Antique Show last weekend.  Always a fall highlight, this year's show did not disappoint.   I always learn so much from the dealers who share their knowledge and expertise and  I never fail to find new treasure to delight my eye. 
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Although many of the offerings are not in my budget, I learned a game from my fellow docents at Winterthur years ago, that adds to the fun.  First, find the most expensive item in the show, and try to understand why it commands such a price tag.  Second,  take your imaginary $50,000 and go shopping.
It's always fun to see what everyone "buys" and why. 

So, here's what I "bought".
The fox and family treehouse from Leatherwood Antiques. 
"Unusual & rare whimsical box exquisitely carved with a fox family tree house. Each brick & ivy leaf carved with character. The father "wise man" fox sitting outside cross-legs & arms with his book & glasses on his lap. The mother with a baby standing in the window and a marmot visiting tipping his hat as he greets the fox father."

The whole carving is superb & can be used as box with hidden compartment at the back.. Swiss c. 1990.Size: 10 1/2" H x 8 1/2" W x 7" D

And I learned what a marmot is.

This beautiful mahogany table from The Federalist Antiques   
The woods used, construction methods and design details make this table a bit of a mystery. It had heads far more knowledgeable than mine pondering, "who made it and where?"  Besides being beautiful and useful, I love a mystery.

Drop leaf table and elk carving from  A Bird In Hand

The photo does not do this sweet little table justice.  The graining of the wood and craftsmanship are wonderful.  The elk carving features an impressive rack of real antlers.

The Frog Mug from  William and Teresa Kurau

They always seem to have one of these charming little mugs in stock featuring a ceramic frog at the bottom.  

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And finally, the new book by this year's honorary chairman, Thomas Jayne. Winterthur graduate and renowned designer, Jayne is a master at blending the old with the new.  This one I actually did buy and can't wait to read.