COLUMBUS, Ohio — For Bob Stutz, antiques are not just for display. The owner of Dovetail Joint Antiques believes antiques should continue to serve their purpose.

“I grew up in a home full of antiques that were used every day. I loved them,” Stutz said.

That belief has influenced the kind of antiques in which he specializes.

“American country, 1820-1880, is usable and sturdy. Many are made of cherry and walnut. I use every antique I own. It’s important that people continue to use them,” Stutz said.

The name of his business also suggests sturdiness.

“Dovetail joints were typical of the period. They were used in drawers and blanket chests. It’s something I look for since it’s in the name of my business. It was a superior joint, not just nails and glue,” Stutz said.

Stutz is an antiques dealer based in Columbus, Ohio. He participated in 39 shows in 2011. He traveled to The D.C. Flea this year in Washington D.C. and last weekend was at the Wilmette Women’s Club on the outskirts of Chicago.

“It’s hard to get into these shows. As your reputation grows, you are invited to come (as a dealer). I try to do quality shows and zero in on the ones promoted better,” Stutz said.

He also managed several antique shows this year, including The Golden Bear in western Columbus and Gahanna Lincoln on the east side of Columbus. He has scheduled five shows for 2012.

“I bring the cream of the crop of antiques dealers. I am always recruiting new dealers to my shows,” Stutz explained.

He will bring some of his best pieces to the AntiqueWeek Antique Show on Jan. 20-22. The antique show opens for the first weekend of the Indianapolis Home Show at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.

For opening weekend alone, 35,000 people are expected to attend, based on a nine-year average.

For the show, Stutz plans to display a balance of dovetail joint furniture and collectibles.

Of his furniture, Stutz will feature a two-drawer stand with a dropleaf, an early pine three-drawer chest, an 1830s butternut rocker, and a cherry tilt-top table with a band of wood around the edge.

Stutz said he likes to find pieces that are stained dark and remove the old stain.

“The Victorians stained all woods dark mahogany. Mahogany was expensive wood and was the ‘in’ thing. It’s a thrill for me to strip off the old stain so that the natural grain will show through,” he said.

At the Antique-Week show, Stutz will display his inventory of hand-painted and handmade Royal Dalton Toby jugs. His exhibit will also have Beatrix Potter figures and books.

Stutz has been in the antiques business for five years with his wife, Kathy, a school teacher.

“Kathy is my partner. She does the computer work and a lot of the buying. I do a lot of the selling,” Stutz said.

“I think if you have authentic pieces and reasonable prices, you’re going to sell. Realistic prices and functional pieces that are usable – that’s what’s been successful for me,” he said.

For more information on Dovetail Joint Antiques, contact Stutz at 614-487-8717.