Steve and Eleanor Alley are amidst a month’s break in Midcoast Maine’s antique scene after bringing their Boothbay Harbor-based Westwind Antiques to the third annual Bath Antique Sale Jan. 12.

Eleanor retired from First Federal Savings in Boothbay Harbor in 2002 and Steve continues to lobster fish during the on-season. Married 57 years and having spent the better part of 30 years buying and selling, the couple has slowed down and steadily moved out of the shops.

“We used to be in three shops at one time, but we got out of the shops because it was getting to the point of moving furniture … but, no I guess we're not retired,” laughed Eleanor.

The Alleys continue to participate in the annual Bath Antique Sale, Maine Antique Dealer Association show in Damariscotta, two events in Camden and two with Goosefare Antiques in Wells, explained Eleanor.

“Kennebunk sometimes,” added Steve. “We won't be here again until March. (The shows) happen in November, December, January then March and April.”

Eleanor said that when they first started buying and selling antiques, they had one shelf in one antique shop. They expanded to two shelves, a whole case and then two whole cases in three different shops.

“Then we started doing shows,” said Eleanor.

The Alleys prefer to deal in glassware, china, primitives, nautical objects and small wood furniture and pieces. Eleanor presented a few of her favorite items which included a chestnut roaster, a dovetailed lap desk and a water flask.

“The desk is very, very old and needs restoring. We're hoping that another dealer will buy it and restore so Steve doesn't have to … This water carrier is a primitive, an interesting piece, a conversation piece. The chestnut roaster looks like a bed warmer, but they're usually bigger. It was made in France. Isn't that wonderful? You just don't see these anymore.”

The items were among hundreds the Alleys were displaying at the Bath Antique Sale. They adored all of them.

“People always say they can tell I like my stuff. And I do. I buy what I like and hopefully somebody else likes it.”

The Alleys will bring Westwind Antiques to the next Bath Antique Sale on March 15 in the Bath Middle School gymnasium at 6 Old Brunswick Road off Oak Grove Avenue.