The Metro Show NYC

The inaugural Metro Show just opened to the public and runs through January 22, 2012, at the Metropolitan Pavilion. Presenting an eye-catching bonanaza of treasures for collectors, designers and art-insiders alike, each of the one-of-a-kind pieces played a role in the forming of our country. For example, a parade flag designed for the 1864 elections was recycled from an 1860 John Bell, Constitutional Union Party Flag with 35 stars arranged in a unique variant of a "pentagon" or "heart" medallion. The flag is showcased by Jeff Bridgman Antiques, York County PA. Meanwhile, a very telling Alan Katz Americana cuts to the chase, with a circa 1875 cutlery shop trade sign made of carved wood and copper with a gilded finish. The point is: These sorts of signs were necessary because many, many people did not know how to read, and a picture, then, as now, helped consumers put two and two together.

The Metropolitan Pavilion is located at 125 West 18th Street in New York. For more information, click here.