Any antique experts out there?

[suribear]

I'm writing on behalf of a friend. She has a bunch of stuff from the Chicago world fair in 18xx something or another (can't remember). Her great grandfather had collected a trunk full of stuff! Well, she's wondering what's the best way to get it appraised. The problem is.. they can't afford to pay a lot to get this done and any proceeds would be a huge help to her family, as they are going through some tough times.

Any ideas?

Kris

[jbowman]

Kris,

She probably has some items from Chicago's Columbian Exposition of 1893. I don't know what these items are, but they may have some monetary value (and they certainly have a lot of historical value. The Columbian Exposition was a big deal--Mary Cassatt created a monumental mural for the Women's Building, for example!).

Does your friend live in Chicago? Larger museums often do evaluations/appraisals of work once a month or so--and usually for free. I am not sure if the Art Institute provides this service or not. I would encourage your friend to contact the Chicago Historical Society (http://www.chicagohs.org/). They may be able to point her in the right direction!

Here is a link to the Art Institute--scroll down and you will find links to appraisal sites for more information.

http://www.artic.edu/aic/libraries/rs/byar.html

HTH!

[suribear]

Thank you! I forwarded the info. to her. She lives near San Francisco, actually.

Kris

[jbowman]

If she lives near San Francisco, the de Young Museum might have some resources to help her (or may know where she could get an appraisal). Here's the website:

http://www.thinker.org/index.asp

[JLiebCamm]

I've learned that Ebay is a better source than any antique guide to get a general idea of the value of things. It really lets you know what the collectors are willing to pay. Of course, if these are one of a kind items the point is moot.

[jbowman]

Jessica,

I didn't even think of Ebay! That's a good place to start!