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Antiques show in York offers affordable items


For dealers and collectors, the Greater York Antiques Show has been a staple for many years.

It also, though, offers newcomers a chance to see pieces of Americana, learn about their history, and possibly even buy one or more to take home.

The show features a wide variety antiques -- jewelry, grandfather clocks, folk art and coins, to name a few -- from the 18th through 20th centuries, said Karen Cook, advertising manager for Mitchell Displays of Westville, N.J.  The event draws 86 dealers from 20 states, including New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Florida.

The 46th annual show will be held Nov. 13 and 14 at the York Expo Center.

"It's a high quality antique show," said Kelly Kinzle, who owns an Center Square Antiques in New Oxford. For dealers and collectors, it has "been a staple for many years."

The prices are right on antiques in today's market, Kinzle said. People can furnish their homes for cheaper than going to higher end furniture stores, such as Pottery Barn. In general, prices for antiques are about half what they were 10 years ago, he said.

It comes down to supply and demand, Kinzle said.  The older generation that has the antiques is dying off, and many in the younger generation don’t want the old pieces.

But a handmade item offers more warmth and character, Kinzle said.

"It's not what your neighbor has," he said.

Donny Caltrider, another antiques dealer, said he likes the feel of the Greater York Antiques show, and many of his regular customers can come to it. He tries to bring as many new items to the show as he can.

The 26-year-old who has a love of history said he started collecting while he was in high school. He would go to sales after school and on the weekends. He learned about the trade from a couple of dealers.

Now he focuses primarily on the 18th and 19th century period formal decorative arts and period furnishings. He has some of his items for sale at Collectors' Choice Antiques Gallery in New Oxford, but he also does online and private sales.

Caltrider encourages newcomers to visit the show and not be intimidated. Look around and ask questions.

"Everybody generally wants to talk about what they brought," he said.

Caltrider said he doesn't mind talking about antiques even if visitors don't buy something. It could help to develop a passion.

IF YOU GO

What: Greater York Antiques Show

When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday

Where: Utz Arena at the York Expo Center, 334 Carlisle Ave., York, PA

Admission: $12 ($10 with card)

Book signing: Louise Stevenson of Franklin & Marshall College will be signing her new book, "Lincoln in the Atlantic World," on Friday during the show.