Visiting More Auctions

Amherst Village Foliage

On Saturday, 5 October, I ventured north again to attend another Withington Auction. The last had been very productive and the people I met very helpful. But this time when I pulled into the field to park I saw what every small New Hampshire dealer dreads. The field was full of E350 vans with Massachusetts plates. The Mass dealers were here today in large numbers, which means one thing. The prices would be driven up. I did run into John Delaney from Delaney Clocks in Townsend, Ma and also saw Linnea from a previous visit here so it wasn't a total lose. 

Next weekend brought a Cobb Auction in Peterborough, NH. Cobb is a large, well known auctioneer so I expected the same results as above. But I was pleasantly surprised to be able to win this little Queen Anne style tavern table via my telephone bid. It can be a little dangerous purchasing with only photos and a short written description to guide your strategy, but it has worked well for me. The base and legs date to the late 1700's but the bread-board end top had been replaced at some time. They match well though.

It has a beautiful look though with excellent patina and quickly added it to our collection. If you have an interest in this piece, I plan to market it at the NH Antique CO-OP eventually for $475. 

Foliage Tour of Amherst Village: 10/20/13

Looking north along Boston Post Rd.

Looking east along Carriage Rd towards the Common and the Congregational Church.

Church Street

Church Street

Church Street

Middle Street

Church Street

The Soldiers Monument on School Street

The Brick School

WMUR'S, NEW HAMPSHIRE CHRONICLE

Visits The New Hampshire Antique CO-OP

For those from away, New Hampshire Chronicle, is a TV show, sponsored by ABC affiliate WMUR in Manchester, NH. It's a "newsmagazine" that airs weeknights at 7:00 pm and highlights New Hampshire people, places, history, and lifestyle. Launched in 2001, it has become a very popular mainstay in local television.

Jason, awaiting WMUR personnel, inspects the front lobby.

On Wednesday, 21 November 2013, WMUR Producer Mary Paige Provost and Videographer Chris Shepherd stopped in to visit with the folks who run the NH Antique CO-OP in Milford, NH. The Hackler family is in their 30th year at this location and continually hosts interesting events to keep their business fresh. Not one to sit on their laurels, Father Sam and son Jason with a very loyal and engaged group of employees keep the place hopping.

Mary Paige Provost, started the interview with a tour, lead by Jason through the interesting "streets" that define the CO-OP. Here he demonstrates an antique, Wurlitzer Mahogany Disc Music Box, made in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1900 or so. It comes with 20 discs of music guaranteed to entertain your friends.

Here's a little closer look at the box and the 18 1/2" discs that it plays. It's in superb condition and has a deep, mellow sound.

After presenting several displays of Early American Antique furniture, Jason lead them to the glass display cases to highlight the "smalls." With more than 200 exhibiting dealers and 20,000 square feet of floor space, the CO-OP has a wide variety of antiques to interest most any collector. 

Seated in the lobby, Jason fields questions concerning antiques, business, the economy and his exhibitors. He became most animated when asked "how he became involved with antiques and the business." He recounted attending auctions, estate sales and flea markets with his parents as a small boy and being more interested in antique auction catalogs then comic books. 

Several days of filming is hard work!

Jason's dad, Sam Hackler, (seated facing us) started this business with his wife Eileen in 1983. To say that they created a "group shop" would be a vast understatement; what they've built is an extensive "marketplace" that continually flourishes and keeps pace with an ever changing antique world.

Sam Hackler behind the window, being interviewed by the Chronicle Team.

To survive and flourish in the antique world after 30 years is no small task. The Hackler family's business acumen, enthusiasm and presentation for their product is greatly apparent. If you have a passion for antiques, or think that you might and want to learn more, a visit to the NHAC will do much to foster your enthusiasm. Their inventory is constantly changing so frequent visits are not only necessary... but fun.

To see what's going on at the NHAC during this holiday season, CLICK HERE to read their 2013 Holiday e-Newsletter. And don't forget to show up for the annual open house festivities on December 7 and 8.

Thanks very much for reading and happy antiquing.

Rand  

Sebastian

So who is this little boy that has us doing headstands when we visit our daughter and son-in-law in Marblehead? I'm a retired airline captain and have flown large jets throughout the world, spanning oceans and continents with as many as 400 passengers at a time. But when I'm in Sebastian's company I'm a driveling fool, making strange faces and even stranger noises. Such is the role of a grandfather. But admitting that I'm old softie isn't the purpose of this post.

Market Square and the Old Town House, built in 1727.

Linda and I were visiting in Marblehead, which has become a regular activity lately and Sebastian needed a bit of a diversion. No longer happy watching his parents and grandparents, hang shades, paint fences or mow lawns... he wanted out! I think his parents wanted him out too, so I grabbed the stroller by the horns and out we went.

                                                     Marblehead Harbor, late October.

If you're looking for a wonderful place to get out and walk, particularly if you love New England, the ocean and beautifully restored architecture, this is the right place. And doing this with your one year old grandson only enhances the opportunity. We'd spent considerable time at the town wharf observing working boats off loading their catch and met many who stopped to chat with him. He's a real gadfly!

But what I noticed from the wharf, while Seb was busy entertaining others, was that the front door to Sacks Antiques was open. This was the first time that I'd noticed this during many such strolls.

Stan Sacks from Marblehead

I came dangerously  close to never meeting Stan Sacks and that would have been regrettable. He's only open one day per week at his little shop near the corner of State and Front Streets. Built in 1727, the diminutive clapboarded building has served many owners over the 18th, 19th 20th and now 21st centuries. His Grandfather Hyman Sacks, an antique restorer on Charles Street in Boston, found his way here in 1899 to open his shop and sell as well as restore prized antiques.

Stan told me that this is the oldest, continuously operating antique shop in Massachusetts. His father, Abraham, a WWI veteran succeeded his father Hyman in 1912 and continued to build the business. With a valued reputation, Abraham, or Jim as locals called him, imported English antiques into the country and participated in furnishing The White House in Washington DC and the Lee Mansion, now a prominent museum in town. He was consulted as well and provided antiques for several homes in Colonial Williamsburg and for Hollywood movies, most notably, The Philadelphia Story produced in 1940 starring Cary Grant, Katherine Hepburn and Jimmy Stewart. Apparently, seeking authenticity in the background was important to Director George Cukor.

Interior of Sacks Antiques

Stan gave me the grand tour, pointing out specific pieces native to Marblehead. He's a gregarious man, easy with a smile and a story; an excellent businessman I'm sure. But at 88 with no one in the family interested in continuing this fabled business, he plans to shut it down after the 43rd annual, Marblehead Christmas Walk that will be from December 5 - 8, 2013.

Just one of the many beautiful homes you'll encounter in "Old Town."

When Stan asked me what I did, (I knew that he'd get around to that) I was almost embarrassed to say that I was an antique dealer. After all, my experience, when compared to his is nearly negligible. But he chastised me when I mentioned that and advised that even he was still learning 88 years later and for me not to forget that.

Now you understand why it would have been regrettable if I'd missed the opportunity to meet Stan Sacks of Marblehead.

Thanks for reading and I hope to see you at the Marblehead Christmas Walk.

Rand

Let's talk about clocks.

Some 25 years ago, Linda and I were driving through West Townsend, Mass, I've long since forgotten why, but we spotted a sign that said, Delaney Antiques. We love old things; early American furniture, old houses, antique cars, trucks, motorcycles, even airplanes so were unable to drive past without stopping.

435 Main Street (route 119) W. Townsend, Mass  (978) 597-2231

As you're driving past on route 119, this is what you'll see if you're paying attention; a beautifully restored carriage house next to a three story brick home of elegant proportions. A most tranquil, unpretentious setting for what is the finest collection of antique "Tall Clocks" in the United States. You may be at the stage where you'd call them "grandfather clocks," but you'll know better by the time you leave.

Russ Greenwood is one of several highly regarded repairmen, who cleans and maintains the Delaney's collection, with an extensive reference library behind him.

As you step through the door into the entrance hall you'll immediately be dazzled by the handsome collection of mahogany, maple, cherry, walnut or birch tall clocks from the 18th and 19th centuries. These fully restored, weight driven, running clocks are pieces of art, some as old as 250 years that keep excellent time. Keep in mind that most of the tall clocks surrounding you here, were built during the Washington, Adams and Jefferson administrations with hand tools.

I remember being overwhelmed when we first stepped inside and realistically we didn't have the wherewithal to purchase such an antique, but after an hours discussion with Mr. Delaney Sr., who knew we wouldn't be purchasing anything anytime soon, we stored the information and knew that we'd return one day.

The main floor, there's another above to explore too.

The Delaney's have on hand at any time, 150 to 160 American Tall Clocks, mostly of New England origin. Simon Willard 1753-1848 of Massachusetts, Timothy Chandler 1762-1848 from Massachusetts and Connecticut, Benjamin Swan 1792-1867 from Maine and Abel Hutchins 1763-1853 from New Hampshire just scratch the surface of their far-flung collection. 

The clockmaker crafted the "works" or gears and drive train that were made from wood or brass, a cabinet maker built and finished the fine wooden cases and an artist generally painted the wooden, iron or brass dials. No two are alike and each is a treasure to own.

Tall clocks to the rear and shelf clocks to the front. Listening to the rhythmic beat from these antique machines is soothing, but being here on the hour when they strike is exciting. 

Not in search of a tall or shelf clock? How about an 18th or 19th century Chelsea Clock Company wall clock, or a Seth Thomas Connecticut wall clock. Most clocks here are "regulators" or "time pieces" which mean that they don't strike. Sean taught me that a regulator clock was of high standards and accuracy and was used by the clock maker to "regulate" or adjust other clocks that he was working on. They must be weight driven and not have a strike.

To clarify a few terms; strike means to chime, beat means to tick and a face is a dial. Learning the language of clocks will be a part of your education at Delaney's. But acquiring knowledge is as enjoyable as acquiring a clock; the more you know... the more pleasure it will bring.

About prices.  

They aren't cheap! 

-  -  -

But nothing of value is, so if you're looking for an ordinary "grandfather" clock that you'll lose interest in quickly, visit Jordan's Furniture. But if you're in search of an investment, a quality antique with provenance that your children will covet, with someone who will stand behind it, Delaney's has an impressive selection of clocks to fit a variety of budgets. Want to upgrade a few years later? Call brothers John or Sean and discuss that too.

Sean Delaney and Linda when Sean delivered our tall clock.

Twenty years after first stopping in, Linda and I returned and purchased this circa 1820, Concord, New Hampshire tall clock of maple and birch from Sean. You may recognize him from this photo. He and his brother John appear regularly on Antique Roadshow. 

Our cape was built in 1790, but this room is a new addition that connected the ell to the garage. Our goal was to purchase antiquity and quality and this New Hampshire Tall Clock goes a long way in achieving that goal and helping the room appear older than it is. It's the center piece of the room and all else revolves around it with its timeless beat.

Chelsea Clock Company Model #1

We've purchased several clocks from Delaney's now, each experience as enjoyable as the last. This is an 1890, Chelsea Clock Company Regulator. Every clock that we've purchased has come with a one year guarantee and is sent to Russ Greenwood, whom you met above, for a cleaning and inspection before delivery. 

All of our purchases have been eight day, brass movement, weight driven clocks that I wind every Saturday morning. Without fail, each is within 30 seconds to a minute of the correct time a week later. So stop in, say hello, learn and enjoy the experience and the education. Ours continues.

Rand

The Red Sox win their 3rd World Series title in 10 years!

30 October 2013

Antique autumn door decoration in the Amherst Historic District.

And over at The New Hampshire Antique CO-OP it's Halloween!

YANKEE

It's a state of mind.

My wife is a QUESTER in Amherst, NH and was able to include me in their latest meeting. Now you may be wondering "what's a Quester?" Let me answer that with a direct quote from their website.

Questers are people who enjoy antiques and history. We belong to a non-profit International Organization which encourages an appreciation for antiques and the preservation and restoration of historical landmarks.

Have you ever looked at an old item and wondered about its history?

Have you ever looked at an old house and wished that you could help it by restoring it to its original dignity?

Do you enjoy learning about the history of people, places, events?

This is right up my alley; antiques, architecture and New England humor. I was excited to attend this meeting as Judson Hale, the Editor in Chief at Yankee Publishing was the guest speaker.

If you're a New Englander, you no doubt know of YANKEE MAGAZINE and the OLD FARMERS ALMANAC published in Dublin, NH. Yankee was "born," as founder Robb Sagendorph announced in September of 1935. The Old Farmers Almanac was founded in 1792 and is the oldest, continuously published periodical in the country. A young man in 1958, Mr. Hale went to work for his Uncle Robb with the intention of working for a year, learning the publishing business and then moving to Boston or New York to get a "real job." Fifty-five years later he's Yankees Editor in Chief which allows him, as he explained it, to sit and look out the window and take periodic naps." I need to contact Yankee; I retired myself just a year ago and am looking for just such a position. I know that I'd be good at it.

In 1970, just prior to his death Mr. Sagendorph summoned his nephew Judson Hale and his son-in-law, attorney Rob Trowbridge, to his bedside and turned control of the business over to them. Yankee was still operating from its original building, an antique cape that had roots to the late 18th century. "Boys" he offered, "don't grow anymore, the plumbing won't take it."

Seventy-eight years after its founding Yankee enjoys a paid circulation of more than 295,000 and a readership of nearly two million. It's the wry humor, New England wit and pride of our ancestral land, passed from Mr. Sagendorph to his nephew, son-in-law and all employees, that crafted such a successful business.

Mr. Hale, speaking from the "old kitchen" in the Nathan Kendall Jr. Mansion in Amherst Village.

The consummate Yankee in his khaki trousers, blue button down oxford shirt, wool sport coat and woolen tie, just a little disheveled as he anguished over his announcement that the Red Sox had lost to the Baltimore Orioles the night before. His self deprecating humor, sharp wit, New England stories and love of all things New England shines through. At 85 he said he had "no plans to retire and move to Florida." He conceded though, that he no longer drives at night, but if caught out after dark, drives faster to lessen his exposure. 

The Kendall mansion, which dates to 1771, is actually two buildings joined to make one and is a fine example of New England craftsmanship. It has many of course, but certainly it's most unique feature is the hinged wall on the second floor between the parlor chamber and the center hall, that can be raised flush with the ceiling creating a large meeting or ball room. When restoring their home, the current owners found wooden leaf springs in the second level floor to absorb harmonic motion that could be destructively exerted from large crowds.

Notable as well is the pumpkin colored raised paneling, aged to a perfect patina and the soft beat from several historic, tall case clocks located throughout the home. To be here on the hour is a most pleasurable experience.

Born in Boston, raised in Maine and educated at Dartmouth, Mr. Hale kept his audience amused with his New England humor and insight. I approached him after he'd concluded his remarks and asked; "Mr Hale, I submitted a manuscript to Yankee some 30 years ago and it never was published, do you know why?" He looked at me thoughtfully, rubbed his chin and shot right back, "why yes I do... it was no good." His nimble reply exceeded my expectations.

Just one of Mr. Hales quick stories.

"Excuse me... can you tell me how to get to Millinocket?" asked a tourist from away.

"Well, let's see, continue on this road until you pass where Jones barn used to be, then.. No... turn left ahead when the pavement turns to gravel and follow the coast road north... Hmmmm, on second thought, go straight when you see the diner, I think... Come to think of it, you can't get there from here!"

Would you like to hear a little Maine humor? Just click right here to listen to Tim Sample.

Primitive painting on board of the Nathan Kendall Jr. Mansion.

Thank-you to the Amherst Questers for allowing me to sit in on their meeting and enjoy Mr. Hale's quick wit and the beauty of the Nathan Kendall Jr. Mansion, it was a wonderful morning. 

Rand

It's all about Stonewalls.

The Amherst Garden Club 

3 October 2013 

Featured Speaker

☟

Kevin Gardner

Photo: Marti Warren

Kevin Gardner, from Hopkinton, NH, is a very well rounded man. He lists among his accomplishments, 25 years of stonewall building, including large restoration projects at Canterbury's Shaker Village and Acadia National Park in Maine. He's also a writer, actor and producer at New Hampshire Public Radio. But on October 3rd, he kept a large gathering from the Amherst Garden Club highly entertained with a witty, often humorous speaking style and vast knowledge of New England stonewalls and their history. While he spoke to his audience, he casually emptied a container of rocks upon his table and constructed a miniature stonewall before our eyes to illustrate his points and enlighten us with facts. A rather ingenious method to ensure engaging your audiences attention.

Did you know that most stonewalls in New England were built between 1750 and 1850? At one time more than 250,000 miles of stonewalls existed in the northeast; more miles than the entire US coastline, or the distance to the moon. These rocks were deposited here some 15,000 years ago as the last great ice sheet departed North America, leaving what our  ancestors called "boney soil." This gave New England farmers something to do now as they cleared their fields, fenced them in, built house foundations and boundary markers with this heavy, granite rubble.

Photo: Marti Warren

Here, Kevin illustrates the fundamentals of constructing a stonewall that will survive for decades. Always place one rock on top of two, or two upon one to stabilize and interlock the project. Never line up your seams as this is "stacking" the stones and does nothing to make the unit a whole. He as well spoke about "chinking," proper drainage, foundation preparation and maintenance. 

Photo: Marti Warren

After speaking to his audience he took questions from individuals using his newly constructed wall to emphasize his points. Rather than just tell us how it is done, he could show us how it is done. Did you know that a cubic foot of granite, which really isn't all that large, weighs 165 pounds? Kevin shared with his audience a variety of methods and devices used to efficiently move and position such weight.

According to Archimedes, you remember him the Greek who said, "give me a long enough lever and a place to stand and I can move the earth." Some might recognize this as The Law of the Lever or MA = FB/FA = a/b. But I wouldn't be among them!

 

Photo: Rand Peck

Kevin also brought copies of his book entitled, THE GRANITE KISS, (published 2001) which he sold and autographed for many in the audience. It's an interesting title don't you think? You need to read the book though to learn of its significance but it's available at the Amherst Town Library and at Amazon. I'd planned to purchase a copy but by the time I got to speak with him he was sold out, so I took it from the library. If you become particularly enthralled with this topic, another interesting book concerning stonewalls is Robert Thorson's STONE BY STONE (published in 2003) where he acknowledges and gives thanks to Kevin Gardner. 

Thank-you very much to the Amherst Garden Club for sponsoring such an interesting speaker and allowing the general public to attend. And thanks to Marti Warren for photos and an introduction.

On another note, I received a message from local artist Lori Woodward who wrote concerning my blogpost about marine artist Bill Davis. Her work, mostly landscapes that I've seen, are beautiful and available to be seen and purchased at the New Hampshire Antique CO-OP. Lori, thanks very much for your comments and I highly recommend that readers visit her site. Click here or click her on in the right margin. 

Here are a couple examples of Lori Woodwards work exhibited at the New Hampshire Antique CO-OP

Thanks for reading,

Rand