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Prescott's "Instant" Appraisals

Objects provided by the Readers of the
Josie Prescott Mystery Series

Scan through these pages -- enjoy!

As part of the Free Instant Appraisals Offering (currently discontinued) almost 200 objects were appraised by the renowned auction house, Leslie Hindman Auctioneers.  Readers provided a description and photos of the objects they submitted.  Browse through these pages to hone your skills or take the QUIZ, "You Be the Judge", to pit your knowledge against that of the experts!

Select an Object from the list below to View Its Appraisal
[Click any image to view an enlargement.]

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Sterling Servers Silver Pot Mahogany Chair Picasso Serigraph
Sterling Silver Serving Piece Pine Box Two Antique Chairs Everlast patio cart
Colonial Chair Mahogany Secretary Watch Caddy Daniel Boone Vase
Victorian Lamp Glass Picture Japanese Figurines

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Sterling Servers

Description:

Forty years ago I bought this sterling fish set. I believe it to be from Birmingham, England, 1860 made by a George Unite according to the hallmarks.  It is in perfect condition in original case.  The knife is about 14 inches long and the fork is 10 inches long.  There are several sets of hallmarks on each piece: On the blade of knife and the handle and also on the handle of the fork and on the back of the tines. The marks are a Capital L, an upside down anchor, lion right front and back foot extended tail low over back, and a bust of (I assume) the queen.  All that followed by capital initials G. U no period.  Case is formed to receive knife and fork in blue velvet, satin on top case.  The case is made of leather. 

Appraisal:

At auction the estimate would be $300-500; and based upon the photos I agree with the assessment of the date and location.
Leslie Hindman Auctioneers

 
Sterling Servers Sterling Servers Sterling Servers
 
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Silver Pot

Description:

This is a silver pot manufactured by Reed & Barton #9629 with the #6 underneath.  Design Pat.Aug.12.1878.  It looks like it could be a water or tea pot.  There are flowers on the sides, and the handle has what appears to be a sailboat on top also strange lettering on the handle sides.  The flip lid has what looks like a lion sitting up as a handle.

Appraisal:

I could not find the pattern name for this, and it does seem to be the Reed and Barton 19th century style. It is silverplate and would bring $80-120 at auction; it looks like a teapot, but I couldn’t tell without the height. This estimate is based on the information and photo that was provided.
Leslie Hindman Auctioneers

  Silver Pot
 
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Mahogany Chair

Description:

This is a chair that was passed down from my mother.  I believe the wood is mahogany with satinwood inlay.  The seat is petti point with some discrepancies in the front.  Some repair work has been done on the back.  Back legs are bowed and front legs are splayed.

Appraisal:

In good condition, the chair should have a $300-500 auction estimate. It seems to be from the 19th/20th Century. It is really lovely; I think it is mahogany with satinwood inlay. This estimate is based on the photos and information provided.
Leslie Hindman Auctioneers

  Chair Chair Chair Chair
 
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Picasso Serigraph

Description:

This is a Picasso serigraph which measures approximately. 28" x 17."  This serigraph was bought in the San Diego area approximately 20 years ago.  It is in good condition.

Appraisal:

Based on my examination of the photograph, this is a type of reproduction commonly fabricated in the 1950's. They often have very realistic touches like applied paint to the surface to enhance the illusion that they are "real "paintings." Other artists commonly reproduced in this manner were Matisse and Utrillo. The term serigraph doesn't apply to this type of print. This looks like a large edition offset lithograph after an original painting, and although very decorative, has little to no value at auction. If this was printed later than the 1950 or 60's, it is probably just a typical poster. This appraisal is based on the information and the photo provided.
Leslie Hindman Auctioneers

  picasso
 
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Sterling Silver Serving Piece

Description:

This silver serving piece measures 9" long and has several hallmarks stamped on the front of it. Anything you might be able to tell me would be greatly appreciated.

Appraisal:

I’ve seen several pieces like this recently that have been German. I’m not terribly familiar with these hallmarks, but they seem to be from the Netherlands. I can’t date it without seeing the marks in person but probably 19th century. Based on the photos and information provided, the at auction estimate would be $200-300.
Leslie Hindman Auctioneers

  Serving Piece Serving Piece Serving Piece Serving Piece
 
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Pine Box

Description:

The article is a pine box meant to hold six small silver rimmed glasses. One is missing. The box is painted black with gold paint on part of the top.  It has rope handles and hinges.  There is label under the top with a picture of a sailing ship with the name Great Republic. The box is well worn with scratches.

Appraisal:

This pine box looks 20th century, which is not terribly old.  It would probably bring around $100 at auction. It is interesting, but a little odd, in that it was meant to hold six glasses but not a decanter so it isn’t a traditional decanter box. The estimate is based on the information and photos provided.
Leslie Hindman Auctioneers

 
pine box pine box
 
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Two Antique Chairs

Description:

I have two matching antique chairs which have been in my family for generations.  They must be around 100 years old.  They have been well taken care of.  One is a rocker, the other a straight chair.  They have twisted front posts and are very comfortable. The upholstery is green and brown floral on an off-white background.  The only flaw is one arm on the rocker has been glued at the back but it doesn't hurt the use of it.  They are useable like they are.

Appraisal:

These two matching chairs seem to be late 19th/early 20th century.  Based on the photos and information provided, the at auction estimate would be around $100-200 for the pair.
Leslie Hindman Auctioneers

 
chair chair
 
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Everlast Patio Cart

Description:

We collect hammered aluminum and I found an item I know nothing about except it has the Everlast hallmark. I purchased it for $300 from an individual because I liked it. I have had it described as a tea cart, patio cart, and barbecue cart. It is on wheels stands 29" tall, 20" wide and 40" long. Once all the pieces are removed the cart itself folds up. Each piece has the Everlast hallmark.

Appraisal:

Everlast is best known for their boxing equipment (although now they are venturing into men’s fragrances). I would imagine that this might have been made for someone in the company as some sort of reward or gift. This would sell best on e-bay as it does not have any precedents in the secondary market and the consignor could set their own price; at auction, we’d probably say $60. This is based on the information and photos provided.
Leslie Hindman Auctioneers

  cart cart cart cart
 
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Colonial Chair

Description:

We got this chair from an old colonial home that was being torn down in Bedford, NH about 40 years ago. It was in pieces and he had to refinish it and put it back together. There was, he said, a paper label on it at the time, but he didn't know antiques at the time and he has no idea who the maker was. We have tried to find something similar with no luck.

Appraisal:

Based on the photo and information provided, this appears to be an early 20th century piece and would probably bring $50 at auction. It has nice lines but doesn't seem to be as unusual as one may think.
Leslie Hindman Auctioneers

  colonial chair
 
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Mahogany Secretary

Description:

This is a solid mahogany secretary we purchased at Mayfair in Amherst, NH a short time ago for $600.00. It is all hand done with the most amazing hand carving around the top and on all 4 feet. My husband thinks it may have been refinished at some point. We haven't found a signature on it. It's about 7 feet tall and the desk portion is 35 1/2" wide. The interior of the desk has 7 secret drawers in it. The next pictures will be of the interior, and some of the hand carved work. The sides of the desk are hand done as well.

Appraisal:

This secretary has probably has been refinished. It appears to be a late 19th/early 20th century piece. Based on the photos and information provided, it would have an auction estimate $400-600. Please note that these standard secretaries have not been selling very high lately.
Leslie Hindman Auctioneers

  Secretary Secretary Secretary Secretary
 
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Watch Caddy

Description:

I bought this years ago and have shown it to a number of "authorities", but nobody has ever seen anything like it. The boy and girl hold a nest with a bird in it. It is in mint condition and has great color. 11 1/2" high x 11 3/4 " wide x 5" deep  

Appraisal:

It is in the tradition of the Staffordshire watch holders and would bring around $100-200 at auction. This one isn’t as brightly colored or decorative as the Staffordshire pieces, but it seems to be 19th century. This appraisal is based on the photo and information provided.
Leslie Hindman Auctioneers

  watch caddy
 
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Daniel Boone Vase

Description:

This green vase is some 9 3/4" high by 18" maximal circumference.  On the bottom is a black circular marking containing the words "Daniel Boone Hand Made Pottery."  Someone penciled in the number 48, possibly 1948 as a purchase date?  A small chip is on the edge of the base.

Appraisal:

I could not find anything on this pottery company.  It appears to be mid-century from the style. Standard American pottery, would probably bring around $20 at auction by itself. This is based on the information and photos provided.
Leslie Hindman Auctioneers

 
vase vase
 

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Victorian Lamp

Description: 

This Victorian floor lamp measures 70 inches tall with a 20 inch foot.  It is all original except the shade which is also original but not to the lamp.  It appears to have the great original dark finish. There is no damage to the finish or the lamp.  It has the original paper label on the bottom that reads: "CARVED SOLID MAHOGANY KOPRIWA CO. CHICAGO, ILL".  I bought it at a rummage sale many years ago and paid $20 for it.  It is a great conversation piece to our living room. 

Appraisal:

I was not able to find any information on the manufacturer. Based on the photos and information provided, the lamp seems to be early 20th century and would have an auction estimate of $100-200.
Leslie Hindman Auctioneers

 
Victorian Lamp Victorian Lamp Victorian Lamp
 
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Wooden Box

Description:

This is a wood box I believe to be walnut with the original wash or paint to the outside. The corners are dovetailed and it has a small chip out of the back top corner. It has a design on the top of the box. The size of the box is 12" wide X   7 3/4" deep X  8" high. I got the box from my father about 25 or 30 years ago. Thanks for any information and value you can provide.  

Appraisal

This appears to be Provincial American table box, which could be from the late 19th/early 20th century.  Based on the photos and information provided, the auction estimate would be $100-200.
Leslie Hindman Auctioneers

  wooden box wooden box wooden box wooden box
 
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Glass Picture

Description:

This is a painted-on glass picture which shows a colonial man with two children mourning. It is painted on thick glass.  The glass is round and has ragged edges (hand cut) and is about 1/4" thick.  The items are painted on the back of the glass and it is framed in a gold frame. The frame measures 5 and 1/2" square.  The image in the center looks like a woven rope or crown.

Appraisal:

For an accurate appraisal this would need to be looked at in person. It does not look like the Chinese 19th century paintings or the traditional American 19th century reverse paintings on glass (which have very vibrant colors); it probably is American or English, and would have an auction estimate of $400-600
Leslie Hindman Auctioneers

 
glass picture glass picture glass picture
 
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Japanese Figurines

Description:

These are two figurines purchased at a local estate sale. Both are made of some sort of soft paste material. Both are Japanese in origin. Both are hand painted in soft shades of various colors from reds to pale blues. Eyes and black hair are delicately painted with fine strokes of the brush. Each piece is approx. 14" tall. There are no makers marks. Both have condition issues. Both have had their necks broken and re-glued. One is missing a hand. The red sister has a kimono sleeve re-glued. Paint condition is very good with minimal wear. I would like to know what they are, age, and value, with and without damage.

Appraisal:

The Japanese Bijin figures would need to be seen by an expert to date exactly; they look 20th century to me. With repairs they would probably bring $100 for the pair; without repairs maybe $200 for the pair. This is based on the information provided and the photos.
Leslie Hindman Auctioneers

  japanese figurines japanese figurines japanese figurines japanese figurines
 
© 2005— Jane K. Cleland

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March 1, 2010 22:16
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