Trash or Treasure: Assessing Your Possessions
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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
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Design Consultation
Miryam Brewer can help you with your design needs. Call for a consultation.
Choosing Colors?
It can be frustrating choosing the right color. Let me help!
New Home... What Now?
Miryam Brewer can help you with space planning, integrating existing furniture & finding new furniture for your new home.
Remodeling your Home or Business?
Get guidance & experience while you choose new surfaces, cabinets, lighting, and more.
Window Treatments
Need to update your shades or draperies? Miryam Brewer will help you find the best fit and style for your space.
Need a Design Plan?
Miryam Brewer can help you prioritize your design needs & put together a design plan for you to follow.
Finishing touches on your home or business
Let Miryam Brewer help you find the right artwork, lamp, area rug, or accessory for your home or business.
On a Budget?
Miryam Brewer can help you create a budget for your interior design needs & stay within it.
Fresh Look
Update your living or work space. Call Miryam Brewer to provide you with a fresh
new look.
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