Georgie Stillman presented her "Heirloom Discovery Day" at the Bonita-Sunnyside Library on Wednesday, 26 November 2015, with about 30 in attendance. See the description of Georgie's talents at November Program is "Heirloom Discovery Day" with Georgie Stillman.
Eight CVGS members brought heirlooms for Georgie to discuss, evaluate and appraise. They included:
* Virginia brought a homespun woolen blanket made by her great-grandmother in Indiana. Georgie said that these types of blankets, and quilts, were made in rural areas using thread obtained from trade routes. This blanket is typical from the 1830 to 1850 time period, is scarce and in beautiful condition, and may be valued at $250 to $350.
* Karen S. has her grandmother's necklace from the 1870s. Georgie indicated that it is "high Victoriana," has no marks, is gold plated, and very English in design and workmanship. She valued it at $400 to $500.
* Jane brought a candy dish, with a floral design, handed down from her mother. Georgie found a mark for MWCo, which indicates it was made in Germany after 1923. She said it was good quality, but I didn't catch an appraised value.
* Joanna brought three rocking chairs from her family antiques. One was a handmade colonial revival chair which may be from the 18th century made into a rocker. The second was a machine made Grand Rapids rocker dating to about 1875. The third was an American Eastlake style Victorian rocking chair dating to about 1875. Georgie noted that none of these chairs were comfortable, and were mainly used to impress visitors. She appraised them at $45 to $75 each.
* John brought an eye-washing cup. His grandmother was a registered nurse in Idaho. Geogie said it was a curiosity piece of pressed glass, dating to the 1920s or 1930s, and was worth $5 to $20. John also brought a small magnifying glass that was his grandfather's in the early 1900s. Georgie indicated that it was German made from the mark on it.
* Susan Z. brought a photo of a Civil War era wrought iron headboard, which was obtained at a DUVCW meeting. It was subsequently donated to a Springfield, Illinois museum. Georgie said it was probably from the 1890 to 1920 time frame, and can't say it was from the Civil War era.
* Karen Y. brought an 1860 edition of the Three Musketeers book by Alexandre Dumas published in French. Georgie said that it was in poor condition, but that books in good condition are sought after and could be worth $200. Karen also brought a peanut or gumball dispenser. Georgie said it was made of wood and plastic, was probably from the 1930s, was a country store item, and may be a reproduction.
* Jean brought several silver spoons. Georgie said they were from the late 19th century.
During the program, Georgie noted that the current appraised values for any heirloom items greatly depends on the demand for the specific item, especially from wealthy buyers and investors. Some heirlooms are of no interest to these buyers, and are therefore of little value, except for the sentimental value to the owners.
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