The 31st Annual Baltimore Summer Antiques Show attracted thousands of knowledgeable collectors and respected dealers from around the world who traveled from as far as Dubai, Brussels and Beijing to purchase from the extensive array of merchandise offered by more than 550 outstanding exhibitors, many of which are the world’s foremost experts in their respective fields. Produced by the Palm Beach Show Group, the Baltimore Summer Antiques Show is the largest indoor antiques show in the country and includes a 70-dealer antiquarian book fair.

“This year marks a milestone of record-breaking dealer participation,” said Scott Diament, president and CEO of the Palm Beach Show Group. “We completely sold all of the space in the Baltimore Convention Center.”

Diament added, “Although we faced some challenges with the weather, I truly believe that the serious buyers still traveled to Baltimore to attend the show. There is nowhere else in the world that you can find such an extensive selection of fine art, antiques and jewelry all in one place - and those who were not able to attend still have the opportunity to purchase items that were for sale at the show on our website, CollectorsNet.com.”

The 2011 Baltimore Show marked the website’s one-year anniversary. Created especially for dealers, collectors and interior designers, CollectorsNet.com is an international marketplace for fine art, antiques and jewelry where members can view and purchase the world’s most exquisite treasures 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.

Throughout the show’s four-day run, August 25-28, significant sales were reported, including three mid-six-figure sales by TK Asian Antiquities – an ancient Chinese silver inlaid bronze vase, a gold sculpture, and a jade and gold sculpture.

“The interest from collectors was phenomenal,” said Michael Teller of TK Asian Antiquities. “I sold to regular and new clients.”

“Museum-quality pieces were selling,” said Nick Boston of Nick and Martine Boston Antiques, who sold a Minton Aesthetic Movement jardinière circa 1875 to the Baltimore Art Museum.

Bill Rau of M.S. Rau Antiques added, “The show was surprisingly good, despite the earthquake and hurricane. I sold a very important painting.”

“Not only was ‘Irene’ storming, but the buyers were storming too,” said Gus Davis of Camilla Dietz Bergeron. “There was a lot of enthusiasm and the serious buyers really came through and bought. We had a great show.”

“My clients were very pleased with the selection of Americana at the show,” said Jeffrey Tillou of Tillou Gallery. “My sales included a very good folk portrait, a Harris & Co. weather vein and several other patriotic items.”

Jeff Bridgman of Jeff R. Bridgman American Antiques also commented, "This is the best show I have had in Baltimore, in spite of the weather forecast. Plus I got to see the Yankees play at Camden Yards, one of the most beautiful stadiums in America. Good business and pleasure, what could be better?"

Several high-profile collectors, industry icons and interior designers, including Fox News Channel personality Greta Van Susteren and New York City dealer Leah YM, made purchases that spanned the categories of sculpture, antiquities, furniture, jewelry, fine art and silver.

“There is always a fabulous selection here,” said Leah YM, who attended the show throughout the weekend. “I found the dealers to be gracious and courteous.”

The numerous sales that were reported during the show include:

Charles Plante had strong sales in watercolors of interiors, portraits and architectural drawings from the 18th and 19th centuries. He sold across the board to designers, decorators, private collectors, museum curators, and to the trade before and during the show.

Oriental Treasure Box sold a Hayashi Shotaro Oribe ware contemporary vase. “This is the best show we have had in Baltimore,” said Kazuo Kuwabara.

Ancient Objects/Jeff Shore sold a large gilt wood seated Japanese Buddha on a lotus base, circa 1800.

James Kahllo Fine Art sold a major painting by Edward Potthast, titled The Glacier, and an important piece by Emile Gruppe.

TOJ Gallery sold a very rare Boch Frere Keramis vase with three monkeys, circa 1923. It is one of only three in the world. In addition, they sold several prints of Japanese whimsical scenes from the 1920s by Helen Hyde and Elise Lord.

“I did very well,” commented Philip Chasen of Philip Chasen Antiques. “I sold French glass and Tiffany lamps."

Linda Bernell Jewelry/Gallery sold a Pauline Pissarro painting.

John Orban Antiques and Fine Art sold an important marble top pedestal cabinet, circa 1876; an extremely large and rare French 19th century set of scales, circa 1840; and a large ebonized pedestal in Renaissance Revival style, circa 1870.

The Button Box sold numerous enamel and porcelain boxes, and salesman sample furniture.

“I had a spectacular show – it was terrific,” said Angela Kier of Two Birds Antiques, who sold out of 18th century French porcelain and Meissen.

“In the 10 years that we have done the show, this is the best show that we have ever had,” said Tim Manley of Manley & Sheppard, who sold a large pair of Sevres palace urns.

Marilyn Garrow Fine Textile Art sold a Kalamkari 18th century prayer textile in a Myrab design that was hand block printed in vegetable dye.

Reicher Antiques sold a Wedgwood and Bentley vase from 1775.

Agostino’s Antiques & Fine Arts sold a beautiful silver rhinoceros with gold horns.

Prints Charming Soho sold several books, a miniature bone-made alphabet and a miniature domino set.

Hunt Gallery sold their largest painting, titled Early Morning, by Michael John Hunt.

Nelson & Nelson sold a Tiffany tea set from 1910.

Jerry Showalter Bookseller sold an unrecorded Thomas Jefferson business letter dated 1776.

Jeff R. Bridgman American Antiques sold four historical American flags, including a thirteen stars US Navy small boat ensign made at the Brooklyn Navy yard, dated 1907. In addition, they sold a hooked rug.

Zane Moss Antiques sold an English Victorian leather swivel desk chair, circa 1880; a leather-topped drum table, circa 1860; a set of English bed steps, circa 1840; an oil on canvas Eugene Petit hunting scene; a small oil on canvas King Charles Spaniel; a pair of hall chairs; and two pairs of gilded wall brackets.

Heller Washam Antiques sold two Black Forest carved pieces of furniture, paintings, a Windsor chair and Persian rugs.

Eclectibles sold several very unusual, sentimental Civil War letters from a young soldier written to a child.

David Brooker Fine Art sold eight English and European paintings to old and new clients. “I was very impressed with sales on opening day,” said David Brooker.

A.B. Levy sold a Chinese hornbill snuff bottle carved in the shape of a turtle.

Imperial Russia sold several high-end paintings.

Lawrence Fine Art sold a Johann Berthelson New York City scene to a client via text and email, as they were unable to travel due to the inclement weather.

Spencer Marks sold a set of rare sterling silver wine coasters designed by John Hunt with wood inserts and caster feet, English, circa 1841.

Florence & Jerry Berman sold a beautiful 18-carat gold long chain necklace with diamonds and carved emeralds.

Roger D. Winter sold a Regency single-pedestal dining table, cross-banded in satinwood and rosewood, circa 1820. At 78” inches in diameter, the table’s scale and size is very rare. In addition, eight Hepplewhite dining chairs, circa 1790, were sold.

Walker Home sold an important 18th century Huanghuali brush pot.

Phillips Gallery sold a painting of a scene of the Port of Honfleur by Duaiv.

Drucker Antiques sold a Wiener Werkstatte necklace and a Georg Jensen caravel flatware set designed by Henning Koppel.

Your Piece of History had a very successful show, selling a vintage 1907 Budweiser girl advertising poster in its original frame to a very pleased client. Other sales included a beautiful 1925 stone litho silent movie poster and several historical documents.

Larry Dalton sold a tortoiseshell bird box from the 1890s and a French industry clock in the shape of a quarterdeck to a client from Russia.

Steve Newman Fine Arts sold a modernist bronze sculpture of a reclining cat by the famous American sculptor, William Zorach. In addition, they sold several pieces of French Art Deco glass, large modern wood sculptures by various artists and two pieces of Art Deco furniture.

Danish Silver sold a rare Georg Jensen Vivianna Torun bracelet with five stones.

Sandra J. Whitson sold several figural napkin rings to a group of collectors from Dallas that flew in specifically for the show. In addition, she sold numerous pieces of patriotic jewelry from the Word War II period.

Atlanta Silver & Antiques sold a large English sterling silver centerpiece bowl with accompanying tazzas by Elkington & Co., circa 1900. The dimensions of the bowl are 18” x 10” x 12.”

The Victorian Rose sold several pieces of Shelley bone china.

Additional comments about the show from exhibitors include:

“This is the best show I’ve had in 40 years in the business,” said Martin Chasin of Martin Chasin Fine Art. “Each sale is better than the last!”

“This is the official kick-off show of the ‘antique circuit’ and always has been,” said Edo Ophir of Ophir Gallery.

Joel Bigelman of Bardy’s Estate Jewelry & Diamonds added, “I've exceeded all expectations that I had for the show.”

First-time Baltimore exhibitor R and S Antiques commented, “This has been one of our best shows ever - despite the weather. I sold several pieces of late 18th century George III silver and Tiffany silver, and an exceptional Gorham serving set with ivory handles from 1890.”

“Sales were brisk and we sold a lot of Japanese Imari and Fukagawa,” said Matthew Baer of The Ivory Tower.

“What a great show with great crowds,” commented James Butterworth of Antique American Wicker. “We've seen a lot of established clients that we haven't seen in 20 years. We love how effective the advertising is and how smoothly the show is managed.”

“Ironically the hurricane brought out serious buyers,” said Yasmeen and Benjamin Walker of Walker Home. “Our sales highlights include an 18th century Huanghuali brush pot and an important 19th century lacquer Buddha.”

“Sales have been very strong – the best I’ve had in seven years,” said Michael Osborne of Michael J. Osborne Books. “The first two show days were the best days I’ve ever had. I sold an extraordinarily beautiful embossed leather binding from a gift book published in 1840 with embossed floral plates.”

“As always, the presentation of this show is beautiful,” said Allison Tolman of the Tolman Collection.

“The show is more diverse this year and it is growing in quality,” added Susan Tosk of Orientations Gallery. “There is something for everyone.”

“The weather brought the die-hard collectors out and I had a very good show,” said Roy Rover.

Richard Hooper of Hooper’s Books and Art also commented, “This is the best show that I have ever had.”

In addition to exploring the more than 200,000 items on display on the show floor, guests at the Baltimore Summer Antiques Show also enjoyed the free public lecture series. The well-attended lectures featured engaging talks by Wendy A. Cooper, Lois F. and Henry S. McNeil senior curator of furniture at Winterthur Museum; Robert Mintz, Ph.D., associate curator of Asian art at The Walters Art Museum; and Miller Gaffney, principal of Miller Gaffney Art Advisory. Also presenting lectures were exhibiting dealers, including Jeff Bridgman of Jeff R. Bridgman American Antiques; Janet Drucker of Drucker Antiques; Matthew Baer of The Ivory Tower; and Timothy Stevenson of Carlson & Stevenson Antiques and Art.

The 32nd Annual Baltimore Summer Antiques Show will return to the Baltimore Convention Center August 23 – 26, 2012, and will feature more than 550 top dealers of antiques, jewelry and fine art. Tickets are $12 each and are good for all four show days. For more information about the Baltimore Summer Antiques Show, please contact Chrissy Lambert, director of public relations, at 561.822.5440 or chrissy@palmbeachshow.com, or visit www.baltimoresummershow.com.