Collectors Search for Grandmother’s Attic

In Los Angeles, at least, it’s probably fair to define antiques as very old and lovely things we’d like to possess but can’t afford to buy. Furnishings and objets d’art so expensive we almost cringe to look.

Collectibles, however, are affordable. Though they may be next century’s antiques, today they’re more like childhood mementos--the ice tongs, wicker baby buggy, hand-embroidered lace and Art Deco dresser set rescued from Granny’s dim and dusty attic.

If your taste in antiques runs more to the collectibles, and you think an antique show ought to resemble a good, satisfying rummage through an attic--jumbled but inviting--you won’t be disappointed by the Antique Show and Sale held Sunday (and the third Sunday of each month) in the Veterans Memorial Building in Culver City.

Organized by Federico Jimenez, a collector of original Mexican and American Indian folk art, the show assembles 75 dealers and collectors who keep most prices reasonable.

Jimenez strives for balance, “with something for everybody. We have Americana, toys, vintage clothing, lace and linens, patchwork quilts, silver, old jewelry, amber and Victorian beaded bags.”

Browsers will also find ceramics, painted porcelain, brass bowls and glassware, as well as flowered tea sets, pitchers, old postcards, prints, pearled opera glasses, yellowed kid gloves and trays heaped with jewelry.

Two dealers specialize in California landscape paintings; several others sell Oriental art: screens, lacquerware, porcelain, netsukes (Japanese carvings) and snuff bottles. Displays of Mexican and American Indian folk art include masks, santos, silver, turquoise, kachinas, fetishes, Navajo rugs and baskets.

Snacks for shoppers--hot dogs and the concessionaire’s chili--are sold in the lobby. Admission is $2, hours 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Veterans Memorial Building is at 4117 Overland Ave. Information: (213) 458-4134.