If you can think like a dealer, you can shop like a dealer at Pier 92, better known as the antiques show Americana and Antiques @ The Pier. OK, so you have to shlep over to 12th Avenue and the Hudson River at 50th Street, but it’s worth it.
At the Pier you’ll fine at least 92 dealers, most of the no frills type. And that’s a good thing because it keeps inventory high and prices affordable. I’ve shopped this fair with designers on unlimited budgets and – WOW – they barely made a dent and walked out with armloads of great stuff.
You’ll find Americana, books, estate jewelry and more. Some of the great things I saw were at Josh and Mary Steenburg’s booth. The four whimsical wood panel paintings, circa 1900, I was admiring came off the wall, got paid for and left the building while I was still adjusting the camera. BTW, the Steenburgs are going to be in Nashville in a couple of weeks at Music Valley Antiques Show.
Shoppers view marble dust painting at a dealer's booth
Melissa Borques, of Melissa Borques Antiques, New Hampshire, told me her “pack out” was going to be very easy. In trade parlance, that means she sold a lot of stuff. In buyer parlance, it means prices are very fair.
And that’s the thing about the Pier Show, dealers are serious about selling. So if you’re the type that can buy today for tomorrow, head over to the Pier now.
Americana and Antiques @ The Pier runs through today. Best bet: Buy a combo ticket so you can take the free shuttle bus to the Americana at the Armory.
