World financial markets are right at this time doing what they do annually: ‘correct’ (in quotes, note, as in this instance ‘correct’ is a euphemism for the more exactly descriptive phrase ‘drop like a rock’). Will any of this correction be as pronounced as at this time last year? Doubtful, with US consumer confidence, most notable in the purchase of new and resale of existing homes driving up the markets that the lack of sales drove down beginning in late 2007. 
The naked exposure of the subprime mortgage market that was as complete and as obvious as that of the storied Emperor, and that ultimately led to the erosion of world financial markets generally is likewise behind us- is there a pun there?- with no more shoes, or knickers, expected to drop.
While we may be feeling sunnier about things generally, none of us feels our chequebooks bulging quite yet from an excess of black ink, and the market in English antiques is hardly exceptional in this respect. In discussions with two colleagues in London yesterday and today, their general assessment of how they are faring- and both used this phrase although I do not believe they know one another- is ‘bearing up.’ Though the present state of the antiques trade is not remotely of the same magnitude, I believe that was the standard rejoinder used to describe one’s personal condition during the Blitz.
I can’t say that Chappell & McCullar is exactly at ground zero either in terms of the trade in fine art and English antiques or world financial markets, but our venue of Jackson Square does geographically at least achieve a confluence of these worlds, sited as it is conveniently amongst the offices of quite a number of boutique fund managers and venture capitalists. Some of our best business has been done over the years with financial types brought to our neighborhood ostensibly to hash out varying kinds of bond indentures, LBOs, or prospectuses.
We are always on the lookout therefore for cars and drivers, and the increase in the numbers of black Lincolns and Cadillacs always bodes well. In earlier blogs I’ve cited the frequency of dining table sales as immediately precedent to an overall increase in our business, but I must say that the limousine count is possibly our DEW Line, if any of you are Cold Warriors. Distant Early Warning system, perhaps, because the arrival of the limousines and their capitalizing occupants not only represents the presence of money, but optimism about the making of money, and enough of it, God be praised, to buy our gear. Anecdotal, of course, and not wanting those of you members of the trade who are reading this to become giddy over future prospects, but the street parking in front of our galleries has lately, and today despite the October correction, been crowded with a bevy of Town Cars.