Treasure in your attic?
It might be that dusty old vase in your attic – the one from your great-grandmother with the Chinese characters on it. Or maybe it's that book that looks like it might have come off Gutenberg's own press. Or perhaps you are wondering about those silver spoons that have been in
the family for so long nobody remembers where they came from.
Wouldn’t you like to know what they are worth? Maybe you’d like to sell them and are wondering what they might fetch, or perhaps you want to know if you should insure them. Maybe you are just plain curious.
Wonder no longer! Bring those mysterious and possibly-precious objects to the fifth annual Antiques Appraisal (and Bakery Boutique) on Saturday, March 16 at the Copper Fox Antiques in Sperryville. While you hold your breath, one of several professional appraisers will inspect your furniture, book, print, silver, firearm, toys, trains, vintage kitchenware, old building hardware, pictures or objet d’art and help you decide whether to put it back in the attic, toss it in the trash or take it to Sotheby’s in New York.
The event is sponsored by the Rappahannock Historical Society, which asks for a donation of $10 per item (or $25 for three items). You may leave your large items in the back of your truck and an appraiser will be happy to go out for a look, or bring pictures.
Last year’s event was great fun for all who participated. A surprisingly wide range of items, some valuable and some not, will receive careful and often enlightening, entertaining and humorous scrutiny. With years of experience, the appraisers are knowledgeable and skilled in their craft.
At the annual event’s new venue, you can also browse the wares of Copper Fox Antiques, bid on a silent auction and purchase goodies – all while having your own precious belongings explained and their value estimated.
Occasionally an appraiser runs across a valuable item in the hands of someone who failed to see its worth; last year an old atlas was assessed for a princely sum. But one appraiser cautions against counting on very many “Eureka!” moments at the upcoming appraisal. “More often,” he says, “people come in with something they think is valuable, but it is not.”
The Historical Society is holding a bakery boutique and silent auction at the same time and place. If your item turns out to be more trash than treasure, you can console yourself with fresh bread, muffins, cookies or other baked delights. An added bonus is the opportunity to browse Copper Fox Antiques!
For more information, contact the Historical Society at 540- 675- 1163 or rapphistsoc@comcast.net.