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By Bill Waite
Bucks County has always been a go to area for antique hunting. Many still visit Bucks County from New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia and beyond, looking for the rare find to add to their collection or to bring home to their art gallery or sell in their antique shop. Searching for a treasure may be the most fun of all. The touch, feel and story behind an antique is something to cherish.
Antiques are appealing for their craftmanship and history of a bygone era that depicts the artistry and culture of previous generations. They are collected for nostalgic reasons as well as their appreciation in value. In Bucks County you have numerous antique shops and interior decorators who look to integrate antiques into your home. Nothing better complements a Historic Stone Farmhouse than a rare antique or a conversation piece.
Bill D’Anjolell and his wife Karen own Imagine Antiques & Appraisals in Newtown, Pennsylvania. Bill is the president and Chair of the Bucks County Antiques Dealers Association and president of the Pennsylvania Antiques Appraisers Association. He also a member of the Washington Crossing Card Collectors Club. He acts as a mentor & counsel for the Hunterdon Antiques Fair in Ringoes, NJ, the Wheaton Arts Antiques show in Millville, New Jersey, and the Long Valley Antiques show in Long Valley, New Jersey.
Bill’s interest and passion for antiques began in college. His favorite subject was history which later merged into a like and later love of antiques. Bill says, “All of our members feel that antiques are simply made better than new items today, especially furniture.”
The Association includes 45 members. In the Association are shop owners, appraisers, specialists, an auctioneer, restoration experts, show exhibitors, and members with over 30 years in the business. These members get together every year for the Bucks County Annual Antiques Show. They have been doing it since 1966.
The gathering includes antique dealers from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and Virginia. This year it is being held November 8th and 9th at St. Cyril of Jerusalem Church, 120 Almshouse Road, Jamison, Pennsylvania. Bill is busy each year leading up to the event, talking and coordinating with its 45 members to make the event successful and making sure there are many one-of-a-kind items for the numerous collectors who attend.
An antique show offers the pleasure of exploring a variety of items from the past in one location. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just curious about history, you can find a wealth of items, from furniture and toys to paintings, jewelry and memorabilia.
At the show last year Bill took my wife Vicky and I around to the various vendors, and I was amazed at the variety of antiques and collectables there. I saw old toys, coins, furniture, documents, paintings, vases, China, crystal, ceramics, Christmas collection, decoys, tools, books, folk art, old photographs, architectural items, primitives, jewelry, advertising signs, vintage clocks, manuscripts, diaries, Halloween collectibles, redware, wood bowls, sterling silver, art glass and so much more. I saw items that brought back memories of my childhood and visiting my grandmother’s home in Asbury Park, NJ.
Everybody likes a good story and there are stories to tell about most of the items and the people who sell and buy there. Many people love to mingle and talk about what is for sale, the history, condition, value and origin and personal experiences. Bill is a great guide and storyteller, and he knows almost everything about the vendors and can tell some of the stories about them and their finds and collections.
At an antique show you find collectors and buyers who are there to find something. They enjoy the thrill of discovering interesting objects, and a story about them makes these objects even more appealing as an addition to their collection. Antique shows to collectors and casual browsers are a way to hunt for specific items or find out what the dealer has that he couldn’t truck to the show. Something they may meet up later to see and talk about. The one that they want to buy regardless its cost.
While many collect antiques for pleasure, others want to build a collection. Either way antiques and art a profitable investment. They can appreciate over time offering a good return on investment. With research and market trends some rare antiques in good condition and in demand will appreciate the most. But understand that antiques are for you to enjoy and usually are a medium to long term investment.
Vicky and I enjoyed our time with Bill D’Anjolell. He really has a passion for what he does and has a knack for managing the show every year. He is very knowledgeable and has published a book My Antiques Journey in 2020. It’s a book about everything you need to know about buying and selling antiques today, whether you are a collector or dealer. It’s available in local bookstores and Amazon. It’s a great read and contains some valuable information to use when searching for that specialantique or collectible.
Bill Waite is the publisher of Bucks County Magazine.