One personal junk is another personal treasure. Never is that more true than when you are doing a spring clean up.
The good weather held out for Fred Dowling's 25th anniversary junk day and treasure exchange. Each year for the past 25 years, co-op residents have gathered in the spirit of reducing, reusing, recycling of their possessions. Residents trade and dispose of unwanted items; it's a win-win situation, all around. This year an Antiques Road Show was added to the day. I was on-hand as residents brought their prized possessions and family heirlooms to be appraised.
Some of the riches unearthed include: a 1953 Coronation toy carriage at $350; a Queen Victoria Jubilee milk pitcher at $175;a pearl brooch for $250; an antique desk for $275. The "piece de resistance" was a silver and diamond necklace valued at $750.
Here are some things to keep in mind when assessing the value of your items.
Condition
Chips, cracks and breaks on crystal, glass, porcelain and ceramics reduces the value of anything to a very minimal amount. Despite that fact, any item can have sentimental value even those with damage can have value to you.
Spotting Damage
Sometimes you can't tell if a piece of porcelain is cracked. Use the ping test ? flicking you're your thumb and finger again the porcelain. If it gives a ping sound, there are no cracks. If it gives a thud sound, it is damaged. The same test applies to crystal.
Value
Appraised value, retail value and your selling value are all different amounts.
The appraised value, sometimes called the insurance value is the amount that you would insure an item for. It is based on the amount you would have to pay to replace the item if it made an insurance claim.
The retail value is the amount that a store would sell it for. Your selling price is the amount that you would get if you sold it.
Your selling price will always be less than the retail value because most likely, you would sell your item to a dealer who in turn marks up the price.
Martin Swinton owns Take-A-Boo Emporium, an antique shop located in Toronto, Canada. He does furniture restoration, caning and rushing repairs, custom reproductions, upholstery, teaches courses on antiques and does appraisals for estates and community events. He can be reached at 416-785-4555 or by visiting http://www.takeaboo.com
Wood blinds offer nature's rich, subtle colors and unique textures.... Read More
When tackling a do-it-yourself home decorating project, you can use... Read More
In our homes, as in other parts of our lives,... Read More
If your kitchen is U-shaped or L-shaped, a corner kitchen... Read More
Step 1: Pick a motif and go with it! Don't... Read More
The nursery is your newborn's first room, his own little... Read More
Dividing the room into different use areas is a great... Read More
Are you a compulsive furniture rearranger? Do you make distinctive... Read More
Are you looking for that special something to turn your... Read More
Candle holders are an essential accessory for candles. The first... Read More
A sofa slip cover may be just what you need... Read More
Perhaps the best air purifiers are those from the IQAir... Read More
Usually combined with varieties of nuts, dried fruit baskets have... Read More
Bathroom Vanity Mirrors are an integral component of the bathroom... Read More
Granite, like marble and other stones, is as old as... Read More
Roman shades are a simple and practical window treatment to... Read More
Most of the information that is available concerning Feng Shui... Read More
Pendant lighting has gained a great deal of popularity for... Read More
The Basic Role of Pictures Wall art plays an... Read More
Parlez-vous Françes? Don't worry - you don't need to speak... Read More
? Wall Decorations:Never place a wall hanging, picture, poster, or... Read More
One of the first improvements that ceiling fan inventor Philip... Read More
Of all the various kits available from hobby stores and... Read More
I am not a quilter in the typical sense, but... Read More
Many people love the look and feel of down comforters,... Read More
Because there are several air filter manufacturers on the market,... Read More
In this time period, people are as busy as ever.... Read More
One of the easiest ways to leave a lasting, warm... Read More
Philip Diehl first invented the ceiling fan in 1882, around... Read More
Our homes, carefully oriented, have the power to give us... Read More
For picnic tables, decks, porches, patios, and sidewalks, decorators are... Read More
The Many Types Of Light Available TodayWhat's in a light... Read More
Homeowners who are seeking to increase value to their homes... Read More
Outdoor wood stoves use renewable energy, are less expensive than... Read More
The living room is the setting which will blend the... Read More
Wood vertical blinds, a style of wood blinds falling vertically... Read More
In some places, one might be able to find old... Read More
Given that the monsoon season lasts for a few months... Read More
Its summertime and the livin' is easy or at least... Read More
Decorative plates are often overlooked when decorating a home. Yet,... Read More
If you have book shelves in your home, and lots... Read More
Tabriz are one of the most popular Persian rugs. Tabriz... Read More
Properly storing wine keeps flavor and lets wine age so... Read More
Few things are as comforting on a cold winter night... Read More
Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese art used in the... Read More
Is your kitchen or dining area missing that little bit... Read More
If you are looking for a quick and easy way... Read More
If you have a sunny window in a room where... Read More
Window and door blinds on windows and doors are chief... Read More
If you want to make your bedroom look rich and... Read More
As you begin your search for a futon you should... Read More
As with other discount items you want to buy, discount... Read More
Bakers racks are a perfect enhancement to any kitchen, whether... Read More
Wood cook stoves have been used for hundreds of years.... Read More
Rustic country decor and how to decorate cottage style homes... Read More
Massage therapists are in high demand. Consumers recognize the physical... Read More
Painting walls in various colors is a quick and easy... Read More
Planning a dinner party but worried what your guests will... Read More
Roman shades adorn windows to block the sun or to... Read More
Dividing the room into different use areas is a great... Read More
There are many ways to decorate the interior of your... Read More
Not just food for pandas or the stuff of cheap... Read More
Roman shades are a simple and elegant window treatment to... Read More
Along with losing weight and quitting smoking, getting organized is... Read More
Retro, checks, black and white...looks like MOD is back. A... Read More
Nearly every residence has at least one ceiling fan. Ceiling... Read More
Interior Design & Decorating |