The east coast, and the northern states in particular, are well known for housing some of the finest antique-shopping territory in the country. Not only was the area rife with furniture manufacturers, but prominent and wealthy families were prone to settle around established northern port cities, bringing with them expensive antique furnishings and décor from overseas (or simply importing it in the fashion of the time). Historic Hancock County, occupying the northernmost section of the West Virginia panhandle, is no exception to this rule, with several antique dealers to be found throughout the area. But what can you expect to find once you start poking around? Here are just a few items you may want to keep your eyes peeled for when you enjoy a little light antiquing.
1. Furniture. Not only can you expect to find antique European furniture brought to this country through immigration and special order, you may also find high quality, locally-built furniture such as desirable pieces from the Amish (and possibly even Shaker furniture). Whether you’re in the market for a bedroom set complete with sleigh-bed, armoire, vanity, and chests of drawers; you’re looking for some beautiful, handcrafted wicker-work; or you need a special piece and don’t mind refurbishing, you’ll find a lot of tempting pieces at Hancock County antique dealers.
2. Quilts. The east coast enjoys a long and storied history when it comes to the fine art of needlework, from women working to create clothing for families and soldiers, to quilting circles crafting our country’s first flags, to immigrants telling the stories of their heritage the only way they knew how: through stitchery. The result has been an artistic movement born of function and necessity, but shaped by a desire to bring beauty to everyday life. Even the Smithsonian has recognized this traditional art-form, and with a little digging, you may just find some fantastic examples of antique quilting.
3. Steel products. This region of West Virginia has a strong background in steel work, so there are a lot of interesting historical items relating to this field. Not only can you look for steelwork produced by the steel factories, but you can find tons of photos and other collectables related to the industry, especially the Weirton Steel Corporation, which at one time employed 12,000 people in the area.
4. Advertising items. With hundreds of years of history and thousands of businesses to bolster this east coast community, you’ll find remnants of local businesses in the form of promotional items and actual pieces of brick-and-mortar locations, from signage to adverts to displays. If you are one of the many collectors who enjoy this type of commercial history, you’ll find plenty to make you happy on your antique shopping trip in Hancock County. One interesting item: business-related vanity plates, which were a popular product of the steel mills.
5. Movie memorabilia. You might not think that Hancock County is a hotbed for Hollywood-style moviemaking, but in fact, it has played host to several movies, including Deer Hunter and the upcoming movie Super 8. Some of these items may not be considered antique yet, but with a little scouting around, you may be able to find some movie items that will one day fall under the heading of antiquities.
Jamie Ryan writes for Mauritius where you can plan your next exciting vacation.