CVGS November Program: "Heirloom Discovery Day" with Georgie Stillman

One of the highlights of the Chula Vista Genealogical Society year is the November program meeting with Georgie Stillman, ASA, who presents an "Heirloom Discovery Day" with members' heirlooms as the subjects. You can read about Georgie's credentials in November 30th CVGS Program is  "Heirloom Discovery Day."   This is CVGS' own "Antiques Road Show" program.

Georgie provided basic appraisal advice, noting that "values are a reflection of what rich people and collectors will pay for an item." In many cases, collectors items are status symbols and trappings of wealth, although items handed down by family may be well used. Each person provided a brief summary of what they brought for appraisal and its' known provenance. Georgie then described what the item was, the approximate time it was created, and its approximate value. There were 11 items explained, evaluated and appraised:

*  Karen had two framed pictures of 19th century ships, bought in the 1950s at an antique store in Oklahoma.  Georgie said that they were probably pictures from a Western European country, perhaps originally purchased from a seaside village artist. 

*  Jaye showed a pony horse collar for a horse-cart handed down from her father's effects in Missouri in 1966.  Georgie said that this collar had high quality leather, was rare now, and might bring $5000 in the right market.

*  JoAnn had a Fenton glassware bowl with an iridescent finish, found in a trash can.  Georgie noted that it was a 1940s butterfly patter, with unique coloring, and priced it at about $400.

*  JoAnn also had two beautiful red Japanese enamel glassware bowls.  Georgie said they were made of high quality silver from the 19th century, and might bring $300.

*  Susi had a book in German with the history of Napoleon, Frederick the Great and Peter the Great.  Georgie suggested asking a book appraiser, because it may be valuable;  she suggested Adams Avenue Book in San Diego.

*  Susi also showed one of a set of her grandmother's dishware.  Georgie said that it was by Homer Loughlin, was homegrown pottery style from the 1930s.

*  Pam showed a candle holder, with a snuffer, used to light the way in the house.  Georgie noted that it was English silver, Elkington-Cole, from the 19th century.

*  Joan brought one small and one large box that were her mother's.  The boxes were machine made in the late 19th century but handcrafted with hammered sides.  They would appeal to arts and crafts collectors.

*  Barbara had a mirror and wooden dresser stand (with a Chargers sticker on it), which she loves.  Georgie said this was from the late 18th or early 19th century art deco period, made for middle class people who wanted nice things, and was of modest value.

*  Joanna brought a large candle holder, probably from Buffalo NY.  Georgie said that it was pewter, handmade, had no marks, with some machine made parts, from the 1920s.

*  Jacqui had a large framed painting done in "crayon" in New York dated 1857 on the back.  Georgie noted that the painting was a dovecote, done in charcoal, and was a typical American folk art picture.

I hope I got these right!