Enjoying the ‘presence of the past’

A knowledgeable dealer and the Internet are key to an informed antique purchase

MUSKOKA - The attraction of antiques isn’t hard to understand. They evoke memories of a past era, offer endless opportunities for collectors and their longevity is often an indication of sturdiness and a better construction than some modern counterparts.
Add to that the possibility of increasing value, and antique purchases make sense to a lot of people.
However, Jeff Stutley, organizer of the 41st annual Bala Fall Antique Show, advises people buy what they love. Organizing antique shows for more than 30 years, Stutley took over the reins last year from former long-time Bala organizer Peter Sutton-Smith.
“Speaking for myself, it’s because you’re drawn to them and you care about them,” said Stutley. “There is a very wise book written in the 1960s: if you love an item, someone else will love it and be willing to pay what you paid. That’s a pretty good benchmark. Look carefully, but if you love it, someone else will love it and then your investment can be returned.”
Nowadays, the Internet is a useful tool for buyers to research authenticity and prices, but dealers are also a valuable resource, said Stutley. Many of the dealers that will be in Bala this weekend have been attending the show for 20 to 30 years and have developed a relationship with their Bala customers.
“You want to go to a dealer who’s been at a show for years and is known for their integrity. That’s how you avoid making an unwise investment,” advised Stutley. “Plus your own good second opinion. Take a moment and think about it. Go have a bite to eat then come back.”
A $20 or $30 purchase is not the end of the world, he said, but expensive items should not be bought on impulse.
“Take a moment to ask questions about it and see how knowledgeable the people who are selling it are,” suggested Stutley, and added the dealers can also give you tips on how to recognize reproductions. “They’re informed people and they love what they do.”
Taking a dealer’s card and catching up with them at a later date, after you’ve had time to think about and/or research your purchase, is also a good idea, said Stutley.
Almost everything under the sun is available at antique shows, including magazines, early trophies, postcards, medals and militaria, kitchenware, fishing items, jewelry, carpets, toys, tools and china; you’ll find it all.
Currently, industrial-style furniture and chopping boards with straight lines and combinations of heavy woods and metals are highly sought after. Folding knives from the ’30s are collected for their interesting handles, and stamp boxes have their own following.
“They’re small little items usually made of brass, some of them were made of wood, some of them were made of silver, and you just put your stamps in them,” explained Stutley. “A beautiful little box and people might have a collection of 30 to 40 of them. Collectors are a passionate group of people.”
At the Bala show, there will also be some experts in Muskoka memorabilia.
“A lot of these dealers do enjoy sharing their knowledge of Muskoka and their items, and chatting with people,” said Stutley. “It’s a real social event.”
Many of the attendees to the Bala show are repeat customers, said Stutley, but he added they would love to see some new faces.
“You could go and just browse around and spend time and just sort of feast your eyes,” he said. “You don’t even have to buy anything; you can just enjoy the presence of the past.”
The 41st annual Fall Antique Show in Bala takes place this weekend, Sept. 29 and 30 at the Bala sports arena, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $5. Home-style food is also available courtesy of Randy and Henny Brown, who recently opened Cottage Cravings in Bala.

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