Ever wondered what some of your family treasures are worth?
I know I have, as I have objects from my grandmothers that I have vowed to have appraised, one of these years. And as an avid fan of “Antiques Roadshow,” I’m constantly amazed at the value of some people’s possessions, whether they’ve been passed down from generation-to-generation, found in a thrift shop or yard sale, or purchased in a faraway land many moons ago.
Whatever the case is, if you have a special item and you’re curious about its provenance and current market value, head to the Historical Society of Oak Park & River Forest’s fundraiser, Family Heirloom or Flea Market Find: What’s it Worth?
The event is being held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 4 at the Koehneke Community Center at Concordia University, 7400 Augusta St. in River Forest. You’ll find answers to questions about your belongings from experienced appraisers, certified members of the International Society of Appraisers who will be available to examine your treasures, provide feedback and put a current market value on your item.
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“Every family has a history, and often it’s the treasures that are passed from generation to generation that are an important part of that history,” said the event’s chairwoman, Jean Guarino, an Oak Park resident. “Whether it’s a family heirloom or something they picked up at estate or garage sale, everyone has something in their home they’d like to know more about … its provenance and potential value. And, rather than contact a large auction house to appraise just one or two items, we offer a convenient, close-to-home and inexpensive opportunity that will provide the same expert appraisal.”
The event is a fundraiser for the Historical Society, which, as a nonprofit community organization receives no funding from local government and is dependent on membership, gifts, and fundraisers such as this to support its new history museum and research center, said Guarino (who wholeheartedly thanks the day’s sponsors: Steve Scheuring of Baird & Warner, Frame Warehouse, Forest Insurance Agency).
Items to be appraised include jewelry, fine art including paintings, prints, photographs; furniture (large pieces can be appraised from photos); decorative arts including porcelain, silver, ceramics, textiles; sports memorabilia; coins; and rare books and manuscripts.
There are a lot of literary people in Oak Park and River Forest, and many authors have come there, said Thomas Joyce, owner of the Chicago-based Joyce & Company Rare Books, in business since 1975.
“People have older homes; you expect to find some interesting things,” said Joyce. “A lot of people have books, and they don’t know what value they have in the marketplace.”
In the past, the historical society has hosted three successful appraisal events. The organization then took a year off while moving into its new home, the Oak Park River Forest Museum, a restored 1898 firehouse at 129 Lake St. Now the society is back with a phenomenal group of professional appraisers who are generously donating their time, Guarino said.
Another of those appraisers is Margaret O’Neil of Chicago-based Heritage Auctions. O’Neil is a fine and decorative art specialist who actually tours with “Antiques Roadshow.”
She and her colleagues, Roberta Kramer and Rudy Aronoff, will appraise items such as statues, coins, sports memorabilia, silver candelabras, porcelain dinner service, tabletop clocks, American war memorabilia and more. Additionally, other experts from the business will evaluate items via Skype.
Most people have done lightweight research before they come, said O’Neil, who looks through databases and recent records to help potential consignors understand where the auction prices come from.
“You wouldn’t believe the things we have covered via our company,” said O’Neil. “Our ultimate goal is to get a contract signed, get it to auction, and sell it for as much as we can.”
She said she always approaches events such as these with excitement as she never knows what she’ll see.
“One minute, it’s presidential campaign buttons; the next minute, it’s boxing gloves,” said O’Neil. “I’m always excited to see anything.”
Admission is $10 per person, which includes one free appraisal ticket (members receive two free appraisals). Additional appraisals can be purchased for $10 each. Anyone who becomes a Historical Society member that day receives a second appraisal free. Advance registration is suggested online at www.oprfhistory.org or by calling 708-848-6755.
Felicia Dechter is a freelance columnist for Pioneer Press.