From World War I to Waterford: Appraisal Events Offer Surprises

Since 1998, I have been conducting antiques appraisal events all over the world (even on cruise ships!) and teaching people the secrets of evaluating vintage objects. Here are just a few of the interesting objects, fascinating folks, and tips from my field work telling the public what it’s worth!

In Lynchburg, VA, I appraised a pair of World War I riding boots that were made by the Craddock Terry shoe company (which has now been remodeled into a great boutique hotel in the heart of the city). The antique pair was in great condition, worth $650. My advice to the original owner’s grandson was to avoid storage areas that would rob the leather of its moisture.

In Coronado, CA, there was a nice example of the impact that architect and designer William Spratling made on 20^th Century art and design via the silver mining site of Taxco, Mexico at one of my antiques appraisal events. At that appraisal event, just minutes away from the famous Hotel del Coronado, the owner of a very rare silver tea set from circa 1950 got a big surprise when she learned that her $1,000 auction purchase was now worth nearly $10,000. She was happy to take me advice and refrain from polishing the silver set too regularly.

At a luncheon event near Washington, DC, folks brought me items such as an autographed photo of the Cleveland Browns worth $300, a small but good quality Persian rug worth $1,200, a child’s tea set in Depression glass worth $175, and a $2,500 desk set by Tiffany. These items certainly would not have broken the bank, but there was a breathtaking piece that even made me take a moment and pause in awe. I was thrilled to review a circa 1920s Native American basket made by members of the Apache tribe in characteristic form and detail. I suggested that the owner display this fine piece out of harm’s way. I warned that placing anything inside of the basket (car keys, coins, or dried flowers) will break down the fibers and negatively impact its condition. Then, a hush came over the crowd when I explained how sales records for similar Native American baskets reflected that specific piece’s $20,000 appraised value.

In Shamokin, PA, at an event to benefit the local hospital, there were two pieces that warrant a note. The first was a $2,500 impressionist watercolor painting that was purchased at a local yard sale for $1. It was a late 19^th Century piece in great condition by a trained painter. The second piece was a stunning, and clearly marked, Waterford crystal oversized presentation bowl that was purchased at a local estate auction for $55. That’s right, this woman’s keen eye, her decision to ignore her husband’s strong suggestion to “quit buying stuff at estate sales” and a $55 investment allowed this lucky shopper to go home with a $3,500 piece of crystal art by one of the best makers in the business. The tip here is don’t let anyone sell anything for you (and don’t sell anything yourself) until you know what it is really worth.

At more than 100 antique appraisal events every year, it’s like I always say …”You’ve got the stuff!”

Celebrity Ph.D. antiques appraiser, author, and award-winning TV personality, Dr. Lori presents antique appraisal events nationwide. Attend Dr. Lori’s upcoming FREE antiques appraisal events at Suburban Fall Home Show at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA on October 22 & 23. As seen on NBC’s The Tonight Show and Comedy Central’s The Daily Show, watch Dr. Lori on Lifetime Television. Visit www.DrLoriV.com, www.Facebook.com/DoctorLori, or call (888) 431-1010.