Antique hunting in San Francisco

Sunset, Oct, 1984

Antique hunting in San Francisco

Fall means open season on antiques in San Francisco. October 31 through November 9 is a good time to flush your quarry: a large antiques show and several days of auctions all take place during this time.

You don't have to be a serious collector to enjoy looking. The illustrated catalogs are helpful in listing styles, dates, and characteristics of particular pieces.

San Francisco Fall Antiques Show, Pier 3, Fort Mason Center, October 31 through November 4. Hours are 11 to 8 daily, except noon to 6 Sunday. Objects from 60 British and American dealers include 28 miniature period rooms built by Eugene Kupjack. Admission of $8 includes catalog. For details, call (415) 921-1411.

Major auctions at Butterfield & Butterfield, 1244 Sutter Street, November 7 through 9. The West's oldest and largest auction house celebrates its renovation. Fine silver, decorative arts (including porcelain), and 18th-century furniture will be sold on November 7; jewelry, Oriental objects, and paintings on November 8; Oriental rugs on November 9.

You may preview items November 2 through 5; call 673-1362 for hours, information on catalogs (up to $15 each by mail), and how to bid in absentia.

For more on current and upcoming shows, fairs, sales, and auctions in the Bay Area, look for a copy of Antiques West (formerly Bay Area Antiques) or The Art & Antique Collector, monthly publications available free at many antiques shops.

Photo: Antique hound scrutinizes rare English 18th-century chest at auction. Parquetry-- geometric inlay pattern--covers front. Bowed shape is called bombe