Auction Preview

The antiques, ancient mahogany pieces and other treasures, were set out under a tent, English Campaign style, on the lawn of the Whim Plantation and Museum, early on the Saturday evening. The auction would take place the following day. Meanwhile, inside the Greathouse, a crowd was enjoying the melodious compositions of a Candlelight Concert. The scene was one reminiscent of a set for a Merchant-Ivory film. There, among the antiques was the aura of a genteel past.

	Many selections of fine West Indian mahogany furniture were on display for inspection by potential bidders.

	Mahogany tables, coated with many layers of shellac and hand-rubbed to a high polish (known as French polishing) were produced on St. Croix during Danish times and are now highly sought after. Other antiques at auction included a floor pedestal mirror equip with illuminating candelabra.

	Among items on display, of course, there was a fine example of a West Indian four-poster bed. The bed everyone's grandmother had in her room many, many years ago.