Appraisal Articles
Insights on antiques, jewelry, and the appraisal process
Hubley or Hoax? Spotting Authentic Vintage Cast Iron Doorstops.
Many folks stumble upon a charming cast iron doorstop, perhaps shaped like a lively cat or a colorful flower basket, and wonder, "Is this one...
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Spotting & Valuing Early English Delftware & Tin-Glaze
The unique, milky-white sheen of an old ceramic plate, perhaps with a charmingly hand-painted blue scene, often prompts a question: "Is this just an old...
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Tennessee's Sunken Stories: Appraising Canal & Riverboat Treasures
Appraising items recovered from Tennessee's waterways presents a unique set of challenges and rewards, far beyond what you might expect from a typical antique. Imagine...
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Reelfoot's Carved Worth: Appraising Lake-Style Decoys
The worn paint and weathered wood of an old duck decoy might seem unassuming at first glance, especially if it spent decades tucked away in...
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Southern Sugar Chests: From Pantry Staple to Prized Possession
Consider a piece of furniture you might have tucked away, perhaps a small, elegant chest, often with a hinged lid. It might be made of...
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Beyond the Glaze: Uncovering Majolica's True Value
The gleam of a Majolica glaze can be incredibly captivating, drawing the eye with its bold colors and intricate designs. For many, these vibrant ceramic...
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Valuing the Void: Appraising 19th-Century Silhouettes
A small, dark profile, crisply cut from paper and set against a light background, often sits quietly in an old frame. It’s not a photograph,...
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Southern Exposure: Appraising 19th-Century Portrait Photography & Daguerreotypes
Consider the weight of a small, hinged case in your hand, perhaps made of gutta-percha or leather. When you click it open, an ancestor’s eyes...
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Whispers from the Past: Evaluating Antique Diaries and Hand-Written Journals
I had a lovely family come to me with a rather unassuming box they’d found tucked away in their grandmother’s attic. It was full of...
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