I think I passed my final exam

[MRBeyer]

My uncle passed away last year and they are finally getting down to cashing out his assets. He was a wealthy widower and had no kids. All of the estate is being split amongst his wife's relatives. Anyhow, my dad is a co-executor of the estate and he asked me to come appraise what there was in the way of collectible dishware, crystal, and precious metals. Upon walking in I noted the fancy and expensive master bedroom set in the first couple pictures. I do not know the maker (Mount Airy Furniture makers) but I suspect the time period at the 1920's. Any help would be appreciated. I was informed they wanted to send it to goodwill that is until I told them it was quite valuable in my opinion.

As for the rest I made a list, packed up all you can see and then some more, and at the request of both executors I took them down for an appraisal at a local antique dealer. Of everything I only misidentified a 1920's purse as silver instead of a very well aged nickel silver, a very blue topaz as aquamarine, and a red spinel ring as ruby (that one I should have known). Overall out of a $11000 initial estimate the appraisor felt I was off by about $500. BTW, at this point the antique dealer offered me a job.

At the request of the executors I am not allowed to give out too much details but they did allow me to post the pictures and discuss with you all what you see. I am also interested in anyone who knows about old watches and the furniture pictured. Due to some decisions made by both executors I will only be allowed to sell what the local antique dealer does not want. Their initial interest was to let me sell everything, take a commission, and turn over the rest to them. However there has been pressure by the heirs to disburse the funds faster and I honestly told them it may take me months to clear out everything. I did manage to save the electronics test equipment which is very extensive and expensive. They initially wanted to send it to the dump until I convinced them of its value. If anyone knows a good location for selling electronics test equipment I could use a referral. Sorry, I was so busy I did not get a list or pictures of the test equipment, the next long weekend will see me down there again and I get to bring the equipment home with me to sell it.I'll post more pictures then.

Anyhow, I'm not going to get into the actual weights of everything. Of note is a very nice victorian era broach in the same picture as the dental gold, the nickel silver 1920's purse, the same era enameled mesh purse, a keywound sterling silver pocket watch by Bueler, a sterling swiss watch by D&R, two shaeffer pens with 14k nibs (learned that from you all here on TNet), a retractable travel pen in 14k, and an Elgin ladies watch in white gold. I could have taken pictures throughout the entire house and found a treasre. That is in all areas except my uncle's taste in paintings which was pretty bad.

Also, on my next visit I am going to take pictures of the retro pink maytag washing machine, dryer, and fridge all in excellent shape. I am still trying to convince the executors they are valuable. I'll also try to get pictures of the dishware then so you all can provide your inputs as well. There was so much to take in and so much work to do there I couldn't really focus on much more than what you see here.

Thanks to all of your teachings throughout the years, I can't tell you enough how much my dad was impressed with what I knew about this stuff and I learned most of it from TNet. If anyone sees anything feel free to chime in and let me know what you think on any of the stuff you see.

 

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[MRBeyer]

more pictures

 

[MRBeyer]

A couple things not posted here but definitely worth mentioning was some iriquios tribe native american beaded works. One was an antique baby bonnet and the other was a doeskin purse. I thought they may have been mission work but was instead told they were more expensive than the antique dealer could work with and that he felt he should refer me to someone who could do them justice.

 

[DFW_THer]

Really like the curves on those dressers. Nice work. I personally love other people's propensity to just 'throw it away'.

 

[vwayne1]

Love all the stuff, and good job on the appraisal. Btw, mount airy furniture was in Mt airy North Carolina. This was the original Mayberry from the Andy Griffith show. I used to sell insurance through there door to door.

 

[2Minnesota]

There is some very nice antique rings there that are worth much much more than scrap. Love the antique jewelry! The furniture is pretty cool but I don't know enough about it to be any help. Good job on the appraisals!

 

[Butter Hat]

Good eye! Excellent, in fact. My condolences on the loss of your uncle.


The furniture looks very Art Deco to me. And those fountain pens...you can just throw them my way.

 

[dumpsterdiver]

I'm still learning about furniture but I did grow up in NC. It would be unusual to see the legs angled in that style. I had a Swedish piece with very similar legs and I've seen the heywood wakefield pieces with those legs. But I don't think its heywood.

Enjoyed the photos and story. Sorry for your loss

 

[MinerGirl]

Hello MrBeyer, Sorry for your loss and hope your Dad is holding up well. I will show your pics of the jewelry items to my mother who appraises jewelry and travels the State of Michigan to give talks and appraisals to many Historical Societies. Look for tiny marks on the jewelry such as Weis, ? Trifarry, Marian Haskell etc. (Sorry my spelling is probably off) Also..the furniture is lovely! Could be Craftsman style? I will get an expert appraisal on the furniture. Lots of friends in the antique biz and another hobby of mine..Warm Regards, Colleen

 

[MRBeyer]

Thanks to everyone. It is unfortuante that I did not know my uncle very well as he seemed to be an interesting man. My aunt was the reason he had such awesome stuff as she had a good eye for things and as I understand she also insisted on buying quality over value.

 

[BagLady]

Beautiful furniture. Love the beaded purses. Those are very desirable to collectors. Good luck.

 

[MRBeyer]

Thanks Lady, one of the bags was truely unique with a wide opening clasp and very ornate workings on the frame. The enameled purse was in very good shape, the elaborate one was complete but needed work as some links had worked loose.

 

[Sterling]

Last two photos of the same purse looks to be sterling....sorry for the passing of your Uncle....

 

[MRBeyer]

Unfortunately the "sterling" purse was german silver. Awesome workmanship on it though. Made up for the loss in silver value due to its collectibility.

The next part of the tale is my father took some of the stuff that had already been checked and verified back to the same antique dealer. This time, with me not being there he was told the gold watches were not gold even though the last time I was there the guy checked and they were. I should know, I checked them with my kit and they were. Sad part of the tale.

 

[MinerGirl]

Hello again, I was able to check the furniture and it is "Mid-century modern". '50's...This style is super Hot right now. Chicago prices are top end! I was told that now is the best prices you will get for this furniture in the big metropolitan areas..due to the popularity of the TV show AdMen...those gold watches went recently for $350
.that's from a small time auction. Still checking the other jewelry.. I'll check in soon...Minergirl

 

[GlenDronach]

Hello again, I was able to check the furniture and it is "Mid-century modern". '50's...This style is super Hot right now. Chicago prices are top end! I was told that now is the best prices you will get for this furniture in the big metropolitan areas..due to the popularity of the TV show AdMen...those gold watches went recently for $350
.that's from a small time auction. Still checking the other jewelry.. I'll check in soon...Minergirl

Sorry, that furniture is Deco, not MCM. I'd say 20's-40's, but most likely somewhere in the middle.

It is the start of mid century modern design, so they share a lot of the same elements, but it's definitely earlier than the 50's.

 

[MinerGirl]

Yes I think U are correct.. I thought it was pre 50s and mid century modern. I guess some peeps assume MCM means 50's..Thanks for explaining properly!

 

[MRBeyer]

Thanks MinerGirl. I'm heading back down there this weekend to load up more stuff. Wanted to take pictures of the furniture to the local antique dealer. Heirs want it turned over faster than I can.