So, big $$$ collectors of that style must travel in small circles
Well, early americana is not exactly "in" these days, according to dealers, not even museum's are buying unless it's a piece that really "fits" their collection. The reason? according to dealers, no one is interested in early americana and curators are not exhibiting the early stuff they already have. Take that "bird" chest above, 20 years ago that would have been at Christie's and sold in the 40k range, today, you'd be lucky to get half that.
Long story short and to answer your question, YES, the group of folks who collect early furniture is getting smaller & smaller! Course, there is a PLUS side to all this, it let's the little people like me take a wack at pieces that were totally unreachable 20 years ago. 40k for a chest of drawers? the wife would have SHOT ME DEAD! lol