Appraisily Articles | Expert Art & Antique Resources

Elgin Antique Pocket Watch Value: A Collector's Guide Elgin pocket watches represent a significant chapter in American horological history, with values ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on various factors. This comprehensive guide explores what determines an Elgin pocket watch's worth and how to accurately assess your vintage timepiece. Elgin National Watch Company, founded in 1864, was one of America’s most prestigious watchmakers until it ceased production in 1968.

Introduction to Christian Lassen Art Value Christian Riese Lassen has captivated art enthusiasts worldwide with his vibrant marine-themed artwork for over three decades. Known for his hyper-realistic “Two Worlds” compositions that blend above and below water perspectives, Lassen’s art embodies both aesthetic appeal and environmental messaging. His distinctive style featuring dolphins, whales, and coral reefs rendered in luminous colors has created a significant market for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Introduction to Antique Secretary Desks Secretary desks represent some of the most elegant and functional antique furniture pieces with a rich history dating back to the early 18th century. These distinctive writing furniture pieces combine storage, organization, and workspace into sophisticated designs that have evolved through various periods and styles. Identifying an authentic antique secretary desk requires knowledge of their distinctive features, construction methods, and historical context. A secretary desk (sometimes called a secrétaire) typically features a drop-front or slant-top writing surface with numerous small drawers, pigeonholes, and compartments hidden behind.

Introduction to Antique Furniture Valuation Determining the value of antique furniture can be both an art and a science. Whether you've inherited a family heirloom, discovered a potential treasure at an estate sale, or are curious about the pieces in your home, understanding how to properly evaluate antique furniture can help you make informed decisions about insurance, selling, or preservation. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential steps to value antique furniture like a professional, from identifying key characteristics to understanding the market factors that impact worth.

Introduction to Antique Valuation Determining the value of antiques can often feel like solving a complex puzzle. Whether you’ve inherited family heirlooms, discovered items at an estate sale, or are considering selling pieces from your collection, understanding the true value of antiques requires methodical research and a keen eye for details that might easily be overlooked. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps and techniques used by professional appraisers to assess the value of antique items.

Introduction to Antique Cash Register Values Antique cash registers represent a fascinating intersection of commercial history, mechanical innovation, and decorative art. Once essential tools for businesses across America, these magnificent machines now command significant interest from collectors, interior designers, and history enthusiasts alike. Their intricate brass details, mechanical precision, and historical significance make them highly sought-after collectibles with values ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the factors that influence antique cash register values, provide identification tools for major manufacturers and models, examine current market trends, and offer insights into buying, selling, and restoring these mechanical marvels.

Introduction to Vintage Camera Values Old cameras have become increasingly sought-after collectibles, with some rare models fetching thousands of dollars at auction. Whether you’ve inherited a camera collection, discovered an old camera in the attic, or are looking to start collecting vintage photography equipment, understanding what determines camera values is essential. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the factors that influence vintage camera values, identify the most valuable brands and models, and provide tools to help you determine what your old cameras might be worth.

Have you ever discovered an old glass bottle and wondered about its history, age, or potential value? Whether found during a home renovation, buried in a backyard, or inherited from family, antique bottles can be fascinating windows into the past. With millions of bottles produced throughout history, identifying and dating these glass treasures requires knowledge of specific characteristics and manufacturing techniques that evolved over time. Antique glass bottles showcase various manufacturing techniques, colors, and forms that help determine their age and origin.

Introduction to Antique Picture Frames Antique picture frames are more than just decorative items - they're historical artifacts that reflect the artistic styles, craftsmanship techniques, and cultural trends of their era. Learning to identify authentic antique frames can be rewarding for collectors, art enthusiasts, and antique dealers alike. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the key indicators that help determine a frame's age, authenticity, and potential value. Generally, a picture frame must be at least 100 years old to be considered truly antique.

Introduction to Martin Saxophones Martin saxophones represent an important piece of American musical instrument history. Manufactured by the Martin Band Instrument Company in Elkhart, Indiana, from 1908 through the 1960s, these saxophones became known for their distinctive sound, quality craftsmanship, and innovative design features. Though production ended after Leblanc acquired the brand in 1971 (and was finally discontinued in 2007), vintage Martin saxophones remain highly sought after by collectors and players alike for their unique tonal qualities and historical significance.

Introduction to Antique Bells For centuries, bells have served practical, ceremonial, and decorative purposes across cultures worldwide. From the cheerful jingle of sleigh bells to the resonant tones of cast iron dinner bells, these historic pieces capture the imagination of collectors and historians alike. Understanding how to identify old bells can help determine their age, authenticity, and value in today's antique market. Antique bells come in a fascinating variety of types, each with distinctive characteristics that help reveal their origin and age.

Introduction to General Electric Antique Radios General Electric (GE) has been one of America’s most influential manufacturers of electrical devices since the late 19th century. The company played a significant role in the golden age of radio, producing some of the most iconic and collectible models from the 1930s through the 1960s. Today, these vintage GE radios are highly sought after by collectors for their historical significance, craftsmanship, and nostalgic appeal.

Introduction to J. Macdonald Henry Art J. Macdonald Henry (1960-2008) was an internationally recognized Jamaican artist who gained fame for his evocative charcoal portraits that captured the spirit and essence of his homeland. His works, particularly his “Faces of Jamaica” series, have become cultural ambassadors for Jamaica, showcasing the beauty and character of the island’s people. Despite his artistic significance, Henry’s work occupies a curious position in the art market.

Antique hand-carved duck decoys representing various regional styles and makers Introduction to Antique Duck Decoys Antique duck decoys represent one of America’s most cherished folk art traditions. These functional sculptures began as hunting tools and have evolved into highly sought-after collectibles that can command thousands of dollars at auction. Understanding how to identify authentic hand-carved antique duck decoys is essential for collectors, appraisers, and enthusiasts alike. Originating from Native American hunting traditions and refined by American carvers in the 19th and early 20th centuries, these decoys tell a fascinating story of American craftsmanship and hunting heritage.

Introduction to Antique Brick Identification Historic bricks tell fascinating stories of architectural history, regional manufacturing techniques, and cultural development. Whether you've discovered old bricks during a renovation, inherited them from a property, or are actively collecting these artifacts, identifying antique bricks can be both rewarding and potentially valuable. This comprehensive guide will help you recognize, authenticate, and value old bricks based on their distinctive characteristics. Antique bricks are more than just building materials – they’re historical artifacts that can provide insights into local industry, construction methods, and architectural trends of bygone eras.

Understanding Sotheby’s Free Art Appraisal Service If you’ve ever wondered about the value of artwork in your possession, Sotheby’s offers an online valuation service that might be your first stop. But how exactly does this “free” service work, and what should you expect? What Sotheby's Free Appraisal Service Actually Offers Sotheby's provides a complimentary estimate service, but it's important to understand what this actually entails before submitting your item. Sotheby’s free valuation service is primarily designed as a preliminary step for potential consignors—people who may want to sell their items through Sotheby’s auctions.

Vintage cameras can range from decorative pieces worth $20 to collector's items valued at thousands Discovering an old camera in your attic or inheriting one from a relative often leads to the same question: “Is this old camera worth anything?” The answer isn’t always straightforward, as vintage camera values depend on numerous factors including brand, model, condition, rarity, and current market demand. Whether you’ve uncovered a dusty Brownie box camera or a pristine Leica rangefinder, this comprehensive guide will help you understand what determines old camera values and how to assess what your vintage equipment might be worth in today’s market.

Introduction to Case XX Pocket Knife Collecting Case XX pocket knives stand as one of the most beloved American collectibles, with a rich history dating back to 1889 when the company was founded by the Case brothers. What began as a small cutlery business in upstate New York has evolved into perhaps the most collected knife brand in the world. Vintage Case knives, particularly those marked with the distinctive “XX” symbol, have become highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Introduction: Why Hardware Holds the Key to Dating Antique Furniture Antique furniture tells a story through its design, materials, and craftsmanship. While many collectors focus on style and wood type, hardware elements—particularly handles and drawer pulls—often provide the most reliable clues for accurate identification and dating. These metal fixtures evolved distinctly across different periods, reflecting both technological capabilities and design aesthetics of their time. For collectors, dealers, and enthusiasts, learning to “read” antique furniture handles is an essential skill.

Introduction to Mickey Mouse Watches Few collectible timepieces capture the imagination and nostalgia like vintage Mickey Mouse watches. Since their introduction in 1933, these iconic Disney timepieces have evolved from novelty items to valuable collectors' pieces, with some rare examples fetching thousands of dollars at auction. Whether you're a Disney enthusiast, vintage watch collector, or curious about the value of a family heirloom, understanding what makes these watches valuable is essential.

Understanding Old Company Plate Silverware Value Old Company Plate silverware represents a distinctive chapter in American silver-plated flatware history. Whether inherited from family or discovered at an estate sale, many collectors and homeowners find themselves wondering about the true value of these elegant utensils. This comprehensive guide will explore all aspects of Old Company Plate silverware valuation, from pattern identification to current market prices. What Is Old Company Plate Silverware? The History of Old Company Plate Old Company Plate was a trade name used by International Silver Company, one of America's largest silverware manufacturers of the 20th century.

Introduction to J. Segura Fiberglass Art Juan Segura, often signing his works as “J. Segura,” created distinctive three-dimensional fiberglass art pieces that have become sought-after collectibles in the mid-century modern art market. These sculptural wall hangings, popular from the 1960s through the 1970s, are characterized by their dramatic relief designs, historical themes, and unique construction technique. Who Was Juan Segura? Juan (or J.) Segura was a 20th-century artist who specialized in creating three-dimensional fiberglass relief sculptures that gained popularity during the mid-century modern design era.

Identifying antique furniture styles can be both a fascinating journey through history and a practical skill for collectors, interior designers, and antique enthusiasts. Whether you’re browsing an estate sale, visiting an antique shop, or simply curious about that heirloom piece in your family, understanding furniture styles can help you appreciate their historical significance and determine their value. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the distinctive characteristics of major antique furniture periods, providing you with the knowledge to identify styles ranging from Tudor and Baroque to Mid-Century Modern.

Understanding Fine Art Appraisals Fine art appraisals provide professional, documented opinions on the value of artwork. Whether you're insuring your collection, planning an estate, or considering a sale, a proper art appraisal gives you concrete information about what your artwork is worth in today's market. Many art owners underestimate the importance of professional appraisals, often relying on purchase prices or emotional attachment to determine value. However, the art market fluctuates constantly, with factors like artist reputation, provenance, condition, and current trends significantly impacting valuation.

Introduction to Flat-Top Antique Steamer Trunks Antique steamer trunks represent fascinating pieces of history, combining practical utility with craftsmanship that tells the story of an era when travel was an elegant affair. Among the various styles, flat-top steamer trunks are particularly notable for their distinctive design and historical significance. These rectangular trunks with their characteristic flat tops were designed for easy stacking during transit on steamships, trains, and other modes of transportation from the mid-19th to early 20th centuries.

Introduction to Japanese Art Appraisal Japanese art has captivated collectors worldwide for centuries with its exceptional craftsmanship, aesthetic refinement, and cultural significance. Whether you’ve inherited a collection, discovered a potential treasure at an estate sale, or have been collecting for years, understanding the value of your Japanese artwork is essential for insurance, sale, or simply personal knowledge. Professional appraisal of Japanese art requires specialized expertise in various art forms spanning multiple historical periods and genres.

Classic American antique school desk with ornate cast iron frame and oak desktop - circa 1880-1900 Introduction to Antique School Desks Antique school desks are more than just old furniture; they’re historical artifacts that tell the story of education’s evolution through the decades. Whether you’re a collector, decorator, or simply curious about a family heirloom, understanding how to identify authentic antique school desks can be both rewarding and potentially valuable.

Native American artifacts represent not only valuable historical treasures but also important cultural heritage that connects us to North America’s indigenous past. Whether you’ve discovered artifacts on your property, inherited a collection, or are an enthusiastic collector, understanding the true value of these pieces requires specialized knowledge and professional assessment. This comprehensive guide explores the world of Native American artifact appraisal, providing you with expert insights into authentication, valuation factors, finding qualified appraisers, and legal considerations to keep in mind when dealing with these culturally significant items.

Introduction to Garth’s Auctioneers & Appraisers Garth’s Auctioneers & Appraisers stands as one of America’s most respected auction houses, with a rich history dating back to 1954. Founded by Garth Oberlander, this Ohio-based institution has become a cornerstone in the antiques and fine art market, especially in the Midwest region. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or simply understand the value of your treasured items, Garth’s offers expertise across a wide range of collectibles and antiques.

Introduction to Vintage Bulova Watches Bulova watches have been a symbol of American watchmaking excellence since the company’s founding in 1875. With a rich history spanning nearly 150 years, vintage Bulova timepieces have become highly sought-after collectibles. Whether you’ve inherited an old Bulova watch or are considering adding one to your collection, understanding the value of these classic timepieces is essential. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the factors that influence old Bulova watches’ value, how to identify different models and eras, and provide insights into current market prices.

Identifying Unknown Artwork: A Comprehensive Guide Discovering an unknown piece of art can be both exciting and perplexing. Whether you've inherited a painting, purchased artwork at an estate sale, or simply want to learn more about a piece in your collection, identifying the artist, style, and potential value requires a methodical approach. This guide will walk you through proven techniques used by art experts to identify mystery artwork. The Importance of Art Identification Properly identifying artwork is crucial for several reasons.

The ability to identify different wood types is an essential skill for antique furniture collectors, dealers, and enthusiasts. Understanding the material composition of a piece can reveal important information about its age, origin, authenticity, and value. Unlike modern furniture, which often uses engineered or composite woods, antique pieces typically feature solid hardwoods that were chosen for their specific qualities and aesthetic appeal. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the characteristics of various wood types commonly found in antique furniture and provide practical techniques for accurate identification.

Introduction to Antique Button Collecting Throughout history, buttons have served both functional and decorative purposes, transforming from mere fasteners to valuable collectibles that capture moments in design, fashion, and technological innovation. Today, antique buttons can be cherished treasures with significant monetary and historical value. Antique and vintage buttons can range in value from mere cents to thousands of dollars, depending on factors like age, rarity, material, craftsmanship, and condition. While the majority of old buttons sell for under $50, rare specimens can fetch impressive prices at auction houses and among serious collectors.

Introduction to Old Bottle Identification Marks Antique and vintage bottles can reveal fascinating stories about our past, from medicine and household products to spirits and beverages. One of the most reliable ways to determine a bottle's age, origin, and potential value is by deciphering the identification marks left by manufacturers. These distinctive symbols, embossings, and base stamps serve as a historical fingerprint that can help collectors and enthusiasts date and authenticate their finds.

Who is Dr. Lori Verderame? Dr. Lori Verderame, commonly known as "Dr. Lori," is a renowned antiques appraiser, television personality, author, and educator with extensive expertise in the appraisal of antiques, collectibles, and fine art. With a Ph.D. from Pennsylvania State University, she has built a reputation as one of America's most recognizable antiques experts through her television appearances, live events, and online appraisal services. Dr. Lori has appeared on several popular television shows, including History Channel’s “The Curse of Oak Island” and “Pawn Stars Do America,” Discovery’s “Auction Kings,” and Netflix’s “King of Collectibles.

Cufflinks might be small in size, but they can hold tremendous value to collectors and enthusiasts. From humble brass pairs worth $20 to platinum and diamond masterpieces fetching thousands at auction, these functional fashion accessories have become prized collectibles with a thriving market. Whether you’ve inherited vintage cufflinks or are building a collection, understanding their value requires knowledge of materials, craftsmanship, history, and provenance. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about determining the value of old cufflinks.

Introduction to Antique Dish Values Those old dishes stacked in your china cabinet or tucked away in your attic might be worth more than just sentimental value. Antique and vintage dishware can range from virtually worthless to surprisingly valuable, with some rare pieces commanding thousands of dollars at auction. Whether you’ve inherited family heirlooms or discovered old dishes at a thrift store, this comprehensive guide will help you determine their potential value and navigate the fascinating world of antique dishware collecting.