For the past 16 years Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a city steeped in history, has been host to a trio of exciting antiques and collecting events during the month of April collectively known as “Antiques Week in Philadelphia”.

The Liberty Bell, Betsy Ross House and Independence Hall are some of the attractions for visitors to see while attending “Antiques Week”, along with fine restaurants at Penn’s Landing and outstanding museums of art and anthropology.

“Antiques Week in Philadelphia” begins on Friday April 16th, with The 23rd Street Armory Antiques Show presented by Barn Star Productions. Celebrating its 16th anniversary in Philadelphia, this renowned forty five exhibitor show and sale takes place at the historic First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry Armory, 22 South 23rd Street, between Market and Chestnut Sts., Philadelphia, and runs through Sunday, April 18th.

Explore room setting displays of formal and country furnishings, fine art, English and American silver, early toys and banks, rare firearms and military regalia, vintage cocktail shakers, desk accessories, marine art and artifacts, Asian antiques, British ceramics, exceptional folk art, Pennsylvania and New England pottery and red ware, needlework samplers and quilts, Native American culture, tall case clocks, early metal wares and fine jewelry in a wide range of prices for beginning to advanced collectors. The Armory Show also presents a Special Show Exhibit entitled Patriotism: Red, White and True, showcasing antique objects with patriotic symbolism from exhibitor’s private collections, complimentary with show admission. Show amenities include convenient discounted parking, gourmet café, on-site shipping and free shuttle bus service to the Philadelphia Antiques Show throughout the weekend. For more information, visit www.barnstar.com or call (845) 876-0616 for a free color brochure. Remember our slogan: Save Natural Resources, Buy Antiques.

The weekend continues with the 49th anniversary of The Philadelphia Antiques Show, a benefit for Penn Medical with proceeds of the 2010 Show benefiting Penn Center for Ocular Imaging. Showcasing 50 select antiques dealers and galleries, the festivities begin with a gala preview party on Friday evening, April 16th (advance reservations appreciated), followed by general admission on Saturday, April 17th through Tuesday, April 20th. Located at the Navy Yard, 5100 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, exhibitors will present the finest examples of period furniture, folk art and fine art, ceramics, porcelain, silver, jewelry, and textiles in elegant room settings. Complimentary with show admission will be the 2010 loan exhibit, A Call to Arms - Chinese Armorial Porcelain for the British and American Market 1700-1850. Recognized as one of the premier American antiques shows in the country, show amenities abound along with complimentary shuttle service to the 30th Street Station, and separate shuttles to the 23rd Street Armory Antiques Show, free parking, guided tours before public hours, guest lecturers and special events, special hotel and travel packages and café dining.

For more information visit PhilaAntiques.com or call (215) 387-3500. Email: contact@PhilaAntiques.com,

The show is managed by Keeling Wainwright Associates.

And finally, rounding out the week are two exceptional antiques auctions presented by Freeman Auctioneers and Appraisers. Since 1805, Samuel T. Freeman & Co. has upheld an exemplary role as Philadelphia's leading Appraisers and Auctioneers. Located at 1808 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the heart of the fifth largest city in America, Freeman's offers over 30 in-house auctions a year.

On Monday, April 19th, at 1PM, Freeman’s will be auctioning a collection of fine American Design to include furniture, decorative arts, art glass and more in a one day sale format. Following the American Design sale, on Tuesday, April 20th, at 10AM, will be their American Furniture and Decorative Arts Sale presenting period American furniture, decorative arts and important art works. Catalogues for both sales are available by visiting www.freemansauction.com or calling the gallery at (215) 563-9275.  

Make plans now to join us for this exciting week of antiques, history, culture and fun events that are sure to please even the most discerning buyer and collector.