We have all heard the stories about someone finding a painting at an estate sale or flee market for 10 dollars then selling it at an auction for thousands. While I was working at an auction house in the Chicago area I would see this happen regularly. For example a lady bought a stein for $12.00 at a garage sale on the way to the auction house. This turned out to be a Meissen stein that sold at an auction for $1,200.00. This happens more often than people think. Many times …

As an antique appraiser I get asked many questions about caring for antiques and collectibles. The proper care is essential to maintain the value of your antiques and collectibles. Once your antiques and collectibles have any condition issues the value declines. In this article I have provided some tips on how to care for popular antiques and collectibles.
Antique and Collectible Furniture:

Dust antique furniture frequently. Use a soft cloth to dust and polish antique furniture.
Polish antique furniture only once or twice a year. Use a good beeswax based polish.  Apply the …

An easy way to date silver is by its hallmark. A company would change its hallmark every few years during its production timeline. This was for many reasons; Some of the reasons were to keep their marks from being reproduced or to date their product. In this article I have provided some George Jensen marks to help you date your silver items. I have also included some artist marks with the dates they were used.

In 1635, Richard Graves opened the first recorded American pewter store in Salem, Mass. He supplied the homes, taverns, and churches in the colonies with ladles, mugs, plates, bowls and spoons.
Clergymen offered communion from his pewter chalices. Housewives served stew in his containers, and taverns sold beer in his tankards.