Jan and John Maggs Antiques

A good deal

While one might point out that full-height chairs from the mid- to late-18th century are far from the norm, the banister back side chair above isn't odd or unusual in itself. No, what makes this chair remarkable is the tale of how it came to us and to the dealer from whom we bought it.

We were in the midst of Brimfield's multiple Tuesday openings when we reached the booth of our friends Bill and Diane. Bill is a dealer's dealer and almost always has something for us, so it was no surprise when he announced, "I've got a Portsmouth banister-back chair for you: good height, good color, just a couple of problems with the crest and the corner blocks on the seat. Nothing major - and it's cheap."

"How cheap?" we asked.

Bill, Irish by birth and temperament, gave us a grin that could mean only mischief or a great story and said, "One hundred and two dollars."

"May we see it?"

"Not today, but I'll have it at Heart of the Mart tomorrow. I'll set it aside for you to look at. I know you'll like it"

We asked one or two more questions, agreed to buy it sight unseen from this dealer we trust completely, and continued on our way.

Shortly after opening time on Wednesday morning we found Bill and Diane at their booth at Heart of the Mart. He took us to his van and showed us the chair. It was exactly as he had described it the day before.

As we were writing a check, Bill smiled and asked us if we wanted to know why it was $102. We agreed that it was not only an unusual price, but a very reasonable one as well.

"I bought it last week at a tag sale," Bill began. Then the grin returned. "I paid $2 for it and I'd like to make a hundred."

A good deal all around!

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