The Studio Art Glass Movement was a movement that began in the United States in the 1960s and has spread all over the world. It is characterized by the proliferation of glass artists who are not affiliated with factories, but work with hot glass in their own studios. Independent glass artists appeared [… read more]
Antique Collectors’ Vocabulary: What’s a Qilin?
What is a Qilin? It is a hoofed Chinese chimerical (fanciful mythical) creature known throughout various East Asian cultures. It is said to appear sometimes with the arrival of a sage. Considered a good omen, it brings rui (serenity or prosperity). It varies in form, but is often depicted as a [… read more]
Greene & Greene: Arts & Crafts Movement
Greene & Greene: Was a Pasadena California architectural firm (1894-1922) that specialized in fine quality bungalow style house designs and their decorative interior elements, and Arts & Crafts style furniture. The firm was established by brothers Charles Sumner Greene (1868-1957) and Henry Mather Greene (1870-1954).
Anthony Quervelle (1789-1865): Philadelphia Furniture Maker
Anthony Quervelle (US-French: 1789-1856): Cabinet-maker, Philadelphia from ca.1817, known for ornate mahogany and giltwood pier tables and cabinets often decorated with ormolu mounts mirroring the style of his elite contemporaries in France (Empire) and England (Regency), both are similar very high-styles. Surviving pieces by Quervelle today are sought after by serious collectors [… read more]
Humor in the Marketplace: Wingnuts and Boat Anchors
The appraisal process for personal property appraisers has technical and legal limitations (USPAP) similar to most other professions. But the greatest difference credentialed appraisers have over other professions (i.e. law, accounting, etc.) is the subjective aspect of our work. Though we must base our numerical conclusions on credible market data, we nonetheless have to use [… read more]
Advice for Executors and Executrixes: Appraisers Cannot Buy What They Appraise
If you are an executor, executrix, or have power of attorney in matters that have to do with personal property, then it´s your fiduciary duty to be informed of the Appraisal Process. Appraisers must not buy what they appraise due to the inherent creation of a conflict of interest. Simply put, appraisers are forbidden to [… read more]
Are Antiques and Art Appraisers Licensed?
The Answer is NO.
There is no licensing requirement for personal property (antiques, art, decorative arts, etc.) appraisers in the United States. Appraiser qualification standards are set in the private sector. Qualification as a certified or accredited Personal Property appraiser is accomplished exclusively through appraisal societies. There are three: AAA, ISA, and ASA. I know this [… read more]
Estates: Learn About the Appraisal Process
Are you about to have to deal with someone’s Estate as the Executor or the Executrix? Then you’ll need to exercise due diligence in order to fulfill your fiduciary responsibility. There is a lot to know and it can be overwhelming if you’ve never had to do it before. Read all about the Appraisal Process [… read more]
Boomer Collectibles: Sell Now Before it’s Too Late
The boats are leaving port, people; pay attention to what’s happening all around you.
I’m talking about the Boomers. They’re growing old, down-sizing, divesting, even beginning to die off in ever-growing numbers. All of that stuff that they are/were collecting that reminded them of their childhood is fast becoming passé. The generations behind them could give [… read more]
World Auction Record: Olivetti Manual Typwriter $254,500
Cormac McCarthy (American: 1933 – ) wrote all of his novels on this contraption, a manual Olivetti Letters 32 typewriter. For readers born after 1985, refer to Webster’s definition of this artifact. Who’s Cormac McCarthy? Check out Wikipedia for the details or The Maine Digest (April 2010 issue). Suffice to say, he won a Pulitzer [… read more]