A work of art by “Detroit’s Picasso.” A Folk Art carved goose decoy worth $6,000. Rare Chinese prints. A piece of Tiffany glass found for just 25 cents at an estate sale. All are among the items featured in this column in the past two decades. Part of the fun is that you never know what people will bring in. After 20 years, I’m still learning every week — and hope readers are, too.
It’s that time again! We recently announced two upcoming appraisals and are still signing up people who want to know more about their family heirlooms or garage sale bargains. We are currently taking applications for the two sessions in June. The first, in Detroit with the experts at DuMouchelles, is June 16 at 10 a.m. The second, with independent appraiser Brian Thomczek, is at the Michigan Design Center in Troy at the same time. Both have been partnering with the column for many years, and we appreciate their ongoing participation and expertise and that of the Michigan Design Center, our host.
Here’s how it works. Reservations are needed for both events. We take a maximum of a dozen people at each event, and sign people in as they arrive. We take people in order of sign-in, as we don’t know how long each appraisal will take. You are free to stay or leave after your appraisal — many people enjoy watching what other people bring in. Appraisals are free and we let you know when you will appear in the paper.
Interested? Here is how you can increase your chances of being chosen for one of the upcoming slots.
Information, please: It helps to know how you came to own the piece. Family heirloom? Garage sale purchase? Gift from a friend? Known as provenance in the antiques business, it can be used to help the appraiser determine a date for the item and trace its history. Tell us what you know when you apply for a spot.
Every picture tells a story: Be sure to send at least one good-quality photo of the item. Detail shots — signatures on paintings or works of art, shots of any damage to the item that may affect value — are also always welcome. Photos taken with a cellphone are fine.
In-person appraisal: It should be obvious, but your presence is required at one of the two events if you and your item are chosen. We cannot do free appraisals by mail or tell you how or where to sell your items. Our partner appraisers need to see the objects in person to be able to value them correctly. Condition and authenticity are major factors in their assessment. And if you are given a slot and can’t make it, please let us know so we can give your place to someone else.
Interested? Please send images of your item along with a background explanation of what you know about it and where you got it, and which event you prefer to trashortreas@aol.com. We will try to honor your location choice if possible. If you are chosen, we will be in touch with more details before the event.
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Got a hidden treasure? Here is how to get it valued
Reporting by Khristi Zimmeth, Special to The Detroit News / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Khristi Zimmeth, Special to The Detroit News | USA TODAY Network
