Belmar Hosts ‘Antiques-By-The-Atlantic’

An “Antiques Roadshow” of sorts hit the boardwalk Sept. 24, as the Belmar Historical Society hosted the “Antiques-By-The-Atlantic Show and Flea Market” at Taylor Pavilion on Fifth and Ocean Avenues.

The show featuring 18 dealers was the eighth annual show and sale hosted by the Belmar Historical Society (BHS).

“This is a great opportunity to add to a personal collection or get a head start on finding a unique gift for the upcoming holiday season,” said Pat O’Keefe, chairperson of Antiques-By-The-Atlantic. “Visitors can take advantage of this fall event and also enjoy the beautiful Belmar beach and boardwalk.”

An overcast, but warm day greeted visitors and buyers at the free show, and attendance was perhaps boosted by walkers who took part in the Kaleidoscope for Life Walk for Ovarian Cancer held earlier in the day in Avon.

Appraisals were available from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., at a cost of $5 per single item, and $10 for three items. Appraisers were Pat Provenzano, a BHS member and former Belmar councilwoman, Betty Fischer of Toms River, and George Baker of Manchester, both of whom have a booth at Point Pleasant Antiques Emporium. The trio volunteered their time to the Historical Society, and have done so for each Antiques-By-The-Atlantic, as well as a “Roadshow”-type show one year prior to these shows.

“The three of us met 32 years ago. I ran an antique show at Georgian Court College, and that’s where I met Betty and George – they were dealers,” said Provenzano. “We hit it off so well, we joined forces and took a booth at Point Pleasant Antiques Emporium.”

The trio’s expertise was put to good use, as attendees queued up to have their items – which included a lot of artwork and prints – appraised. One of the pricier appraisals was an intricate figurine of an Oriental woman hand carved in ivory which was in good shape, and purchased by its owner for $600 30 years ago in Hong Kong when he was in the Navy – and is now valued at $3,000-$4,000.

Nancy Slaggert, West Belmar, brought a silver-plated item, but wasn’t quite sure as to what exactly it was, and she had read about Antiques-By-The-Atlantic.

“I saw this advertised – I’ve always collected – I had a small business.”

Slaggert later learned her item was a wine coaster made by I.H. Peters & Co., Hamburg, and it was appraised at $50.

One of the larger items brought in was a pale greenish-beige vase which stood more than one-foot tall.

“We saw an Amphora vase today – they’re unattractive. Amphora is generally ‘fugly.’ But, Amphora brings big money in perfect condition,” said Fischer. “The piece we saw today was flawed.”

Although her rice-paper miniature prints slightly larger than postcards were appraised at a higher dollar value, Teddie Caulfield, Fair Haven, was a bit dismayed.

“She said $100 each – I have five,” said Caulfield. “They’re miniature hand-painted scenes on rice paper. They’re old and the frames are old, but I’m not that pleased with the appraisal.”

Not everyone at the show came with items to be appraised. Resting on a bench outside the pavilion after browsing the show were the Meades of Avon.

“It’s a nice little show – it wasn’t all jewelry, which was nice. We came here seven years ago when we lived here,” said Stan Meade.

Back inside, anxiously awaiting for her delicate porcelain luncheon set to be appraised was Peggy Dean, Belmar.

“Someone gave it to me. I don’t know what the markings on the bottom mean – that’s what I’m here to find out. I don’t care what its worth – it’s very pretty and I’m happy with it,” said Dean.

While she waited, Fischer appraised a collectible doll made in Germany which wasn’t antique, but newer. Provenzano also appraised a dainty, blue satin glass-cased vase valued between $50-$100. Later, she related an unusual story of an appraisal from a few years ago.

“A young couple in their late 20s had just bought a house, and up in the attic was a tea set they’d gotten from an aunt which they said was ugly. They brought in a teapot and said they had the whole set,” said Provenzano. “I told them they had a Tiffany sterling silver tea set – it was beautiful. I told them to hold onto it awhile or take it into New York City and sell it, as they could probably put one of their kids through college with it!”

During the appraisals and show, volunteers from the BHS sold light breakfast and lunch items. The Society also had a tasteful display of vintage and landmark magazines and paper collectibles for sale which had been donated to them

A crowd of close to 100 browsed dealer items such as estate jewelry, paper collectibles, Victorian glass, pottery, small furniture, rare coins, dolls, sports memorabilia, and clothing. Offering collectibles, vases, tin toys and other items was Janet Dibiasi, Middletown, from Red Bank Antiques Center.

“This is my third year. It’s a little slow, but it’s early yet. It’s a beautiful location,” said Dibiasi.

Patricia Glielmo traveled all the way from Staten Island, N.Y., for the event.

“I sell vintage jewelry, Depression glass and collectibles. I’ve been doing this about 10 years,” said Glielmo. “It’s a beautiful place – people are very sweet and accommodating.”

Not all vendors came quite so far. Sitting behind his tables of hundreds of vintage – and some famous original – photos as well as sports memorabilia was former newsman Joe Purak, Middletown.

“We’ve done a few of these. This is my hobby,” said Purak. “I used to be a collector. I worked for The Daily News for 35 years – these are all original photos of Al Capone.”

The show featured a great deal of glassware and collectibles, but there was also a fair amount of jewelry. Perched behind her table of primarily jewelry was Denise Fronczek, Wall.

“This is the first time I did this one – it’s a nice location,” said Fronczek. “I make jewelry also, and sell it, and I decided to try to sell some of the costume jewelry.”

Attendees continued to browse, shop and receive appraisals as the afternoon wore down, and ended with another successful Belmar Historical Society “Antiques-By-The-Atlantic.”