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Lauren E. Toney
For the Sun-News
LAS CRUCES - Discover unique treasures from across the globe, find out how much that dusty family heirloom is worth and enjoy good food and conversation at the semiannual Antique and Collectible Show and Sale, which continues today at the American Legion Hall.
More than 25 antique dealers from Phoenix, Tucson, El Paso, Santa Fe and throughout southern New Mexico displayed a myriad of antique collectibles from throughout the world during the weekend-long show, which continues from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today at the American Legion Hall, 1185 E. Madrid Ave.
Admission is $2 for adults and children ages 12 and younger are admitted free of charge.
"The old adage, one man's trash is another man's treasure applies," said Clint Dozier, commander of American Legion Post 10. "Everyone is looking for something different, and you can find just about anything here, from antique jewelry, books and collectable coins to old comic books and license plates."
The semiannual show has been hosted by the American Legion for four years and is held during the third weekends of March and September.
The American Legion also hosts an annual Coin, Stamp and Collectible Show and Sale in May.
More than 700 visitors perused collectable treasures during last year's show, Dozier said.
The American Legion raises about $2,500 annually through the Antique and Collectible Show and Sale to support veterans and community projects, he said.
"We're here
Antique dealers also offer free appraisals during the show and purchase treasures brought in by visitors to the event.
"Most people just want to know if what they have is a piece of junk fit for a garage sale or if it's actually worth something," Dozier said. "With some of the peculiar items that come through here, it can seem like a game of stump the dealer. But, there's always someone here who knows what the item is and how much it's worth."
Dealers especially enjoy talking to visitors about antiques and collectibles and seeing what treasures they have uncovered in their own homes, Dozier said.
"It's truly like a family," said Kevin Dasing, public affairs officer for the post, of the relationship American Legion members and antique dealers and enthusiasts share.
Having championed the first Antique and Collectible Show and Sale, Dasing said, "We've seen such loyalty from dealers and have developed quite a following of enthusiasts who attend our shows over the years."
David Marcello Bourcier, who owns the Tortuga Trading Company based in Tucson, has displayed tribal and ethnic artifacts, prints, books and jewelry from his travels throughout the world at every semiannual Antique and Collectibles Show and Sale.
During two tours in the Peace Corps, including journeys to Southeast Asia and Kenya, Bourcier discovered many creative pieces and made contacts with people who supply him with unique, ethnic items.
"I do my best to present to the public items that show human creativity on a global level," he said.
For more information about the Antique and Collectible Show and Sale or other upcoming American Legion-sponsored events, contact Dasing at (575) 640-7173 or NMSVMA@aol.com.
Lauren E. Toney can be reached at lauren.toney@gmail.com.
If you go
What: 8th Semiannual Antique and Collectible Show and Sale, sponsored by American Legion Post 10
When: 10 a.m. to 4 .m. today
Where: American Legion Hall, 1185 E. Madrid Ave., Las Cruces
How much: $2, free admission for children 12 and younger
Information: Kevin Dasing, (575) 640-7173 or NMSVMA@aol.com
