Economy buffets market for antiques

The poor economy has made a dent in certain parts of the antiques market, but die-hards are continuing to hunt for quality pieces.

"The real collectors are still buying," said Brett O. Sizeland, owner of Old Jail Antiques, a multivendor shop in Watertown. "It's a recession and people don't have extra money. They're buying, but they're more cautious."

Irene F. Carter, proprietor of The Shoppes at Helena, painted a grimmer picture.

"It's terrible. If people have money to spend, they're spending it on food and fuel," she said. "They're not spending it on antiques. I think antiques are the first thing to go."

Paul D. Hitchman, owner of the multivendor Old General Store Antiques in DeKalb Junction, said his experience was closer to that of Mr. Sizeland.

"We haven't seen much difference. It's been steady," he said. "I almost would say this past year's been better. I think people are buying household items that are functional and retain their value."

It all depends on what's for sale, said Raymond W. Chapman, who runs Chappy's Auctions on Route 68 near Ogdensburg.

"There's certain things there's a good demand for. The best of the best will always sell," he said. "There's more supply than demand for the common stuff."

Glass and china aren't selling well, possibly because young adults don't entertain as their parents did, Mr. Chapman said.

Jewelry and coins are popular. Hunting items and fishing gear also are big, he said.

"Give me guys' stuff to sell," he said. "Guys always spend all the money."

Good-quality furniture is in demand, both Mr. Sizeland and Mrs. Carter said. However, the price for furniture from the arts and crafts period is down.

"It's going for half what it did four or five years ago. Art pottery is off, except for Roseville. Hummels, there's a lot of those out there. A piece that brought $125 a few years ago, you're lucky to get $25 for," Mr. Sizeland said. "Prices are down except for the rare stuff. The more common stuff, there's bargains. A lot of people are holding back their better stuff."

The number of single dealers with private stores also is on the decline, partly because of the economy, but also because of the rise of Web sites like eBay and craigslist that allow customers to tailor their shopping experience, Mrs. Carter said.

"I think the shop owners get tired," she said. "You sit in your store and maybe one or two people will come in every couple of days."