A “What’s that?” question could apply to the myriad items displayed and sold at the La Mesa Faire. From rug beaters to china, furniture, obscurities, jewelry, clothing, and historical bits and pieces, a delightful assortment of antiquities and collectibles awaited the inquiring procurer at the 11th annual La Mesa Antique Street Faire on May 18.
A “What’s that?” question could apply to the myriad items displayed and sold at the La Mesa Faire. From rug beaters to china, furniture, obscurities, jewelry, clothing, and historical bits and pieces, a delightful assortment of antiquities and collectibles awaited the inquiring procurer at the 11th annual La Mesa Antique Street Faire on May 18.
Diana Leone-Ruiz has her own collection of rug and pillow beaters displayed in her home; devices that can be used in modern times. A vendor at the faire for four years, Leone-Ruiz said with her large collection of rug, pillow and wire beaters that were common household items before the day of the modern vacuum, she is always fielding the question, “What’s that?”
Arlene Moore, an antique dealer and appraiser at Park Estate Company Antique Mall, said there are two main questions to ask one when looking at appraisals — what condition is it in and, if needed, can it be fixed.
She also said not to wrap antiques in plastic but rather use acid-free tissue. In addition, many try to research the price of their antique using old websites that do not always reflect current market value. Antique values can change even on hot ticket items from celebrities.
Moore said when customers come in to have pieces appraised, some of the background stories of the items are incorrect and, with a lot of emotion attached, it can lead to the customer believing the item is worth more than its actual value.
Moore is an international appraiser, travelling to France, Turkey, Spain and many other cities throughout the world. She said the antiques in the Vatican are her favorite collection.
John Vigil, executive director of the La Mesa Village Merchants Association, said this year’s faire was a total success.
“Good crowds, vendors are happy, bars are full and we had just under 90 vendors and used all 100 spaces,” he said.
Vigil was hands on, clothed in a safety vest and broom cleaning flagpole holes in preparation for Flag Day and working the crowd. Vigil said, “I got the box,” with the box being the documents relating to other events the city hosts. Oktoberfest and Christmas in the Village are two of the bigger draws for La Mesa of the many events he works with.
Dickering or bartering between seller and customer was taking place up and down on the boulevard. Not all antique dealers or appraisers are fans of shows like “Antiques Roadshow” or “American Pickers” but Leone-Ruiz commented that she wishes she had been there first when she sees what the hosts come across.
While many Americans daydream about winning the lottery, another daydream is hitting it big on an antique such as buying something at a garage sale that turns out to be a valuable antique. This faire may have offered up such an item.
Only time will tell.
