2018 Postcard Number 15

Antique Fairs, Markets and Shows in England are pretty much the same as in the U.S.  On this trip we have been able to attend a few.  The first in Stamford had about 100 dealers.  At Stamford BBC was filming an episode of their TV show:  “Bargain Hunt”.   As a big fan of the show, Nina jumped in to offer her advice to the contestants and show’s host.

Another fair south of Bath advertised that they would have 500 dealers.  Well, they miscounted…there must have been over 700.

Held at an extremely large Fair Grounds there were four exhibition buildings.  Three of them could easily house an ice arena.  The fourth building could hold two ice arenas.

Outside there were rows of tents set up for dealers to rent.

Then there were hundreds of dealers who had parked on the grassy areas and set up shop outside.

There is Bric-a-brac, chotskies and whatever.  The things you find here are similar to what you find at home, but different.   Much more silver and crystal.  The big differences though are interesting and amazing.  A quirky can opener; tea cups and tea cup sets galore.  Since they drive right-handed, many tools were right-handed.  Tons of Royal memorabilia from the early 1900s to Harry and Meghan. 

And then the interesting and outrageous.

A fifteen foot snake skin.

Charles and Camilla.  The description said that only 25 were made.  Standing 2 feet tall, I was afraid to ask what it was.

Used military shooting targets and 100s of watches – 1 pound each.

A carnival shooting range that used real ammunition!

A full-sized wooden bowling ball.  About 10-12 lbs.

Nope.  Never saw one in the States.