The Brimfield Antiques Show runs through Sunday.
BRIMFIELD - Antique collectors were out in full force on Tuesday for the first day of the Brimfield Outdoor Antiques Shows - despite overcast skies and rain in the afternoon.
Rosemary Warren, of Santa Barbara, Calif., who was selling her handmade decorative wares using vintage materials at Shelton's field, said she thought the first day of the show was going well.
"I sold so much today," she said.
Despite economic uncertainty and high gas prices, she said she thinks people are "more optimistic."
Therese M. Podoyak, of Pennsylvania, sells vintage toys at her booth at the Sturtevant's field. She specializes in highly collectible items. She started off as a collector herself, then got into the business of selling. One unusual item she was featuring was an Elastolin farm set from the 1800s featuring 40 animals. Its price was $2,850. She bought it from a dealer who found it in Germany.
There were also toy soldiers in their original packaging, bang caps and a space explorer ship from the 1960s for $115.
Podoyak also said she thought the show was going well, for the first day.
"I think the economy is a little better. I think people realize (buying antiques) is an investment, and a great way to have fun," Podoyak said.
First-time Brimfield shopper Holly R. Burns, of Marshfield, was with a friend, Brimfield regular Tania J. Keeble, of Cohasset. They started at 9 a.m. and were making their way around the fields - there are 21 that line Route 20 and they feature thousands of dealers.
"It's awesome. There's a little bit of everything," Burns said.
She said she was able to score a tin reproduction shelf for $45, $10 less than the asking price. Keeble bought a print featuring grasshoppers for $55.
At "Buddhas & Beads" at Shelton's, there was everything from a 1910 barber chair from China for $400 to an assortment of beads, Buddhas and mermaids. Owner Linda Walsh said she's been coming to Brimfield for 25 years, and has two tents on the field.
"I love watching what people buy and asking them what they're going to do with it," Walsh said. "It's been a great day.”
She said the Buddhas are popular with restaurant owners. Green buoys from China, used in tuna fishing, also were selling well for $20 each, she said.
There is everything from antique furniture and housewares to jewelery and clothing and more at Brimfield. There is always the unexpected - along Route 20, a giant silver pirate skull overlooked traffic, along with gnomes, and a life-sized stuffed tiger and lion.
Jonathan Price Totaro and Phil G. Bassis were collecting items for their New York City store, Reason Outpost. Bassis held a deer head for $97 (he promised the seller he would return with another $13 next year), and Price Totaro held a wooden Indian they bought for $30.
“It’s just fun to check everyone’s stuff out,” Price Totaro said.
The antiques show continues through Sunday. Some shows charge admission, generally $5. There are also parking fees. There also will be antiques shows in July and September.