Housed in its landmark colonial style building at the top of the hill on University Avenue, the Gainesville Women’s Club (GWC) held its annual Antiques Show and Sale on April 15-17th. 

The annual event, organized by King Antique Shows, Inc. of Orange Park, brings antique dealers and other related vendors from around the country to help the GWC to raise money for its local charities. This year, 19 dealers and vendors from around Florida, Texas, Alabama, South Carolina, Colorado, and Tennessee participated. 

Thanks to the sunny spring weather, community members turned out in record numbers. The event, held in the Main Ballroom, included crystal repair, a sterling matching service, and handmade lunches enjoyed on the large outdoor patio. For the show and sale, vendors offered a wide array of art, antiques, jewelry, and collectibles. Antique, contemporary and costume jewelry was the most abundant display and sale item with silver and art glass close behind.

Larry Engle of Tampa offered a silver flatware service matching, custom jewelry, and the best display of antique cut glass including a large American Brilliant Period cut-glass punch bowl.

Jayonn and Chuck Hesse of Bay Street Antiques of Gulf Breeze had the most unique art glass including a rare set early 20th century Venetian dolphin figure stemmed wine glasses containing gold dust. Other items included a Steuben gold calcite compote from 1920, scarce carnival glass patterns, a Galle vase, and other antique and contemporary art glass.

Seasoned show veterans and dealers, Mr. & Mrs. Gifford of Gifford Antiques of Lake Worth showcased their collection of fine pearls and antique turquoise and Native American jewelry.

Victoria’s House of St. Petersburg featured a large, Deco-era framed antique crewel and cross stitch needlework with a painted background. (GWC 2) Victoria’s House also showcased a large selection of European and Victorian linens, jewelry, crystal, silver, and a unique hand-painted Austrian porcelain set with a peacock motif.

Antiques by Wanda from Gonzalez offered both high-end and affordable gold and sterling jewelry as well as a large collection of glass, crystal, Lladro and Dresden porcelain figurines. Wanda’s also offered several hard-to-find Roseville wall pockets and vases.

Renate Shang of Shang’s Antiques hosted a majestic display of oriental antiques including antique Imari, ginger jars, large vases, and plates.

Gas Works Antiques of Elberta, Alabama was the only vendor to showcase large furniture pieces which included an early Chippendale style server with claw feet, wicker, and primitives. In addition to furniture, Gas Works had a nice selection of porcelain, pottery and glass.

The King’s Crown of Deltona displayed a quality array of fine and antique jewelry, prints, antique maps, and scarce Moorcroft vases and bowls.

Other Florida vendors included Clifton Antiques, Lake Worth; Memories, Winter Haven; Deherdt Antiques, Wesley Chapel; Sugar Beach Antiques, Lady Lake; Angevine’s Fine Silver, DeLand; Flamingo Antiques, Ft. Lauderdale; Enterprising Collections, Clearwater; Heirloom Antiques, Palm Bay in the winters and Colorado in the summer; and Brenda Lee, Crystal River. Out of state vendors included The Keeping Room, Bluffton, South Carolina; Special Metal Cleaner, Wichita Falls, Texas; and Joanna Gurley, Cordova, Tennessee.

According to Katherine Grigsby of King Antique Shows, future shows in the area will include the 3rd Annual Altrusa Club Show and Sale in the Ocala City Auditorium on May 20-22 and then back to Gainesville for the Gainesville Women’s Club’s 32nd Fall Show and Sale, October 28th through the 30^th.

For more information about upcoming shows organized by King Antique Shows call 904-269-2431.