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| Looking for advice - antiques https://gladerebooted.net/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=8003 |
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| Author: | Arathain Kelvar [ Wed Dec 28, 2011 5:02 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Looking for advice - antiques |
Four years ago, I inherited a large quantity of stuff. I have, in my basement, about 1200 sf of mostly antiques. ~30 pieces of furniture; several paintings; unsorted boxes of stamps (about 450 lbs worth of stamps); bazillions of coins; antique sewing machines, musical instruments, and cameras; a chest full of silk fabric; and a tremendous number of books. The books range from recipe books from the 1930s, several series of Time Life Books, extremely old children's books, random contemporary hardcover novels, an extensive collection of paperback first edition scifi books, to personal scrapbooks from the 1800s. That's what I've found so far. There's a great number of boxes I haven't gotten to - no idea what's in them. There's some surprisingly absent items, such as jewelry and weapons, so I suspect these may be buried and have not been uncovered yet. I suspect the vast majority of items have no particular value; however, I also suspect there are a few with somewhat significant worth. The question is: how do I deal with this? The thought of trying to catalog all of the books, or, God help me, go through 450 lbs of stamps is horrifying; yet I can't bring myself to just dump it all off somewhere. Some stuff will be kept, I'm sure, but I'm kind of overwhelmed atm. Is there a good way to value these items with a reasonable amount of effort? Has anyone been through something similar in the past? |
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| Author: | Diamondeye [ Wed Dec 28, 2011 5:16 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Looking for advice - antiques |
There are a lot of antique appraisers in the Philadelphia area. I can ask my mom who she'd recommend if you'd like; she's an archivist and museum curator and works with antiques regularly. |
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| Author: | shuyung [ Wed Dec 28, 2011 5:56 pm ] |
| Post subject: | |
I'd say take certain items to local experts. The stamps, for instance, see if you can't find a philately society or shop to appraise it for you. The same goes for the rest of the collectible type of items. |
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| Author: | Lydiaa [ Wed Dec 28, 2011 6:10 pm ] |
| Post subject: | |
Things like Cameras and sewing machines have a model type/signature. Ebay will give you a good idea of the price if you recognise them. Otherwise there are forums which might help you along. Paintings need to be viewed by an expert to ensure they are not reproductions. A respectable art dealer will be able to help you out on that one. Old silk/clothes unfortunately are not worth much unless they are in perfect condition. Even then the collectors are rare due to the unstable nature of the material. Some museums might want them. Books are the same, it's really dependent on the condition and is really a niche market. |
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| Author: | Midgen [ Wed Dec 28, 2011 6:11 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Looking for advice - antiques |
If there are guitars, I might be able to help, or at least give you some advice. I'd need make/model, serial number if available, and the general condition. I'd rather not do it via a public forum. If you are interested, send me a PM and we can go from there. |
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| Author: | Aethien [ Wed Dec 28, 2011 8:53 pm ] |
| Post subject: | |
For the silk fabric, if it's old but usable. some historic costumers might be willing to take it off your hands via eBay. Just a thought. |
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| Author: | Hopwin [ Thu Dec 29, 2011 8:09 am ] |
| Post subject: | |
Call the American Pickers guys. |
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| Author: | Arathain Kelvar [ Fri Dec 30, 2011 9:23 am ] |
| Post subject: | |
some good ideas, thanks. if anyone knows of any reputable dealers/appraisers in MD, I'd appreciate it. |
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| Author: | Rynar [ Fri Dec 30, 2011 12:03 pm ] |
| Post subject: | |
I would contact your local auction house, or Antiques Roadshow to inquire about reputable appraisers in your area. |
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| Author: | Khross [ Fri Dec 30, 2011 11:07 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Looking for advice - antiques |
Please send me the titles of any old hard cover books you find. I may be willing to purchase some of them from you. |
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| Author: | Arathain Kelvar [ Tue Jan 03, 2012 10:20 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Looking for advice - antiques |
Khross wrote: Please send me the titles of any old hard cover books you find. I may be willing to purchase some of them from you. Ok. There's about 8 or 10 large boxes full of hard-cover books, and the boxes are labeled "antique". That doesn't mean too much, of course. Do you have a definition of "old"? |
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