The Coolest Stuff We Saw At NYC's Metro Art And Antique Show

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If you are into weird Americana, few things match the potential of an antique show to unearth some cool and unusual items. This week marks the beginning of New York's celebration of American Antiques with sales and shows filling the city throughout the weekend.

The Metro Show, a new event mixing contemporary art, folk, and traditional antiques opened yesterday. We scoured the exhibitor booths to find the strangest stuff on offer... like an Ape Head and some vintage tattoo flash. We might also have seen Agyness Deyn.

The Coolest Stuff We Saw At NYC's Metro Art and Antique Show.

Cast Iron Ape Head

Possibly from a circus wagon, this amazing item was made around 1910 and holds a sticker price of $4,500.

Weight Sign

Made in the 1920s, this enamel steel sign has some obvious humor. It also sort of reminds us of Parra prints. Hitting for $2,500, the sign is the most hilarious thing we saw at the Metro Show.

Trade Stimulator Cigar Smoking Man

"Trade Stimulators" were used to attract attention to a shop. This hefty fellow, likely made in the image of a politician, actually blew smoke through his cigar. Wow. Made around 1900, possibly by William Demuth of New York City. Priced at $145,000.

Chippendale Circular Tavern Table

Made in 1775, the legs on this beauty are mad graceful. Yeah, we used "mad" to help describe the lines of an antique table. Tavern tables like this one, likely from Virginia or Southern PA, are extremely rare. That said, the $46,000 price tag isn't too outrageous.

Robot Vending Machine

Despite being French, this thing is awesome. The Robot still functions, dispensing gum balls and stuff, and has a great 1950s vintage.

Tattoo Flash

Stoney St. Clair was a famous carnival tattooer in his day. This piece of flash, the design sheets that covered the carnival booth to attract clients, features some superb rose illustrations and requisite daggers. No price… means the dealer is trying to snipe someone… however, it remains a sterling example of 1950s tattoo design.

American Flag

For $25,000 you can own one of the coolest American flags we've ever seen. Note the star configuration of the stars. Dope.

Megamobile

Nowadays, kids roll around in miniature Bentleys. In the 19th-century, they were content with a Megamobile like this one. Yeah, it looks like a bike. But, consider the heritage. These were f'ing cool way back when. And, now they go for $9,500.