by Kathy Greer
 
   Marvin Getman’s Greater Boston Antiques Festival the weekend of Jan. 21-22 at the Shriner’s Center in Wilmington, MA was a huge success by any measure. Full house of dealers, full house of buyers - and they were buying! - parking lots filled almost to capacity... and last, but not least, beautiful March weather in January!
  We arrived on Saturday at 1pm and didn’t leave until 4:30 with arms full of goodies. Solid dealers with reasonable prices did the trick, and we saw many young people attending the show...a GREAT sign we hope of things to come. Several dealers mentioned Getman’s show was “A Taste of the Pier in Boston”, referring to the prestigious NYC Armory shows. All the dealers with whom we spoke could not speak more highly of Getman, who is clearly a very popular promoter. Jerry and Sue Hartman of Hartman House Antiques of E. Bridgewater, MA mentioned how hard working Marvin is, especially in promoting the show and bringing in buyers. “I noticed he had it in the Channel Five Calendar of Events. He knows his stuff,” they said.
  Many dealers were also discussing Getman’s newest show, Antiques at Elm Bank Estate, slated for July 29-30, 2006. New Hampshire dealer Irma Cole of Trillium Antiques was having a good show, evidenced by her smiles. “He’s right up there!” she remarked about Marvin. “He could teach classes to some other promoters who will remain unnamed,” she added with a wink. You can visit Irma online at
www.trilliumantiques.com
   Richard Thorner of Reeser-Thorner Antiques of Manchester, NH, was very busy in his booth showing multiple items at a time, while being more than happy to discuss the history and provenance. Richard always has interesting and unusual items in his booth. We found a calling card of “General” Andrew Jackson, later our nation’s Seventh President (1829-1837). It was priced $650. Richard can be reached at 603-669-7677.
  The Chair Man and The Tea Lady also reported having a good show. We bought a tea caddy that fit perfectly into our  kitchen pantry. Thanks! You can visit them online at
www.thechairmanandthetealady.com
  Towards the end of the day we ran into pottery expert and dealer Jim Campbell, who was set up in a large booth with Paul Algiers of A&K Jewelers of Stoneham, MA. They were also having a good show and reported selling a wide range of smalls.
  John Kuenzig of Kuenzig Books of Topsfield, MA, was so busy we could only speak briefly. John specializes in important books in science, technology and speculative fiction, along with scientific instruments. Visit online at kuenzzigbooks.com
  Last but not least, Pat Ferrara of Ten-Mile Antiques had an Edwardian “grouse claw” reasonably priced at $89. It was worn by nouveau riche to impress, inferring one hunted with the  landed gentry.
    For more information call (781) 862-4039 or visit www.NEAntiqueShows.com Free parking is available for 1,500 vehicles.
   The Greater Boston Antiques Festival is managed by Marvin Getman of New England Antique Shows.