Kiwanis Club Holds Antique Appraisal Fundraiser

Michaelian & Kohlberg carpet showroom became the backdrop for an evening of antiques appraisals Thursday night for a fundraiser event hosted by Summit’s Kiwanis Club.  

Community members attended the event with armfuls of items spanning the centuries and accumulated from all corners of the world. Heirloom jewelry, hand-crafted furniture, artwork, books, and various home decorations were presented to John Nye and his team from Dawson & Nye Auctioneers and Appraisers in hopes of uncovering their hidden values.

Although some attendees were told that their possessions were worth less than they expected, others walked away from their consultations pleasantly surprised.

Among the most interesting pieces to cross the appraisal table were a French musical birdcage automaton, appraised at $3,000, and a set of hand-crafted dominoes made of bone and wood, valued between $150-$300.

Nye and his associates, Lisa Ramaci and Chuck Zoccola, used a combination of magnifying glasses, flashlights, and a wealth of knowledge to uncover clues about the pieces’ values and histories.

 “It’s good to come out, help the Kiwanis Club, and do something in the community,” said Nye, owner of Dawson & Nye in Morris Plains.

The Kiwanis Club raised more than $200 throughout the night from those who attended the event. The proceeds will be contributed to Summit High School’s Project Graduation. Terri Tauber, Kiwanis Club President, said that events such as the Antiques Appraisal Night are also a means of raising awareness for their causes.

“We’d like to get to a point where we have enough money to provide modest scholarships,” said Tauber of their fundraising efforts.