If you’ve ever been curious if there’s a tale or two behind an antique treasure you own, you’re in for a treat.
This April, Great River Regional Library (GRRL) is making it possible for you to learn a little more about your items, thanks to the expertise of professional appraiser and speaker Mark Moran.
Moran's describes his program, The History of your Objects, as “appraisal as theatre.” He begins by asking how the owner came to acquire the item, what they know about it, (if anything) and he digs into the details of the item’s history, quality and value.
And, even if you don’t have something you think warrants a review, Mark encourages you to attend and experience the event.
“Expect humor, anecdotes, tales from the road and just a lot of fun,” he says.
Moran is the author or co-author of more than 25 books, including three editions of annual release Warman's Antiques & Collectibles, and has served as editor of numerous trade publications. He’s been featured as a guest expert on a popular antiques appraisal television program as well.
Mark will examine and appraise things such as:
• Fine art, including paintings, drawings, prints and statuary.
• Furniture (usually smaller pieces are best).
• Ceramics, including figural pottery, vases, dishes, kitchenware and stoneware.
• Glassware, including lighting, marbles and souvenir items.
• Vintage photographs, including snapshots, tintypes, ambrotypes and daguerreotypes.
• Advertising, including posters, lithographed tin, paper and figural objects.
• Folk art, including carvings, quilts, weathervanes, windmill weights and "outsider" art.
• Assorted toys, including dolls (bisque, composition and plastic), windups and mechanical banks.
• Metalware, including iron, bronze, brass, pot metal, silver, silver plate.
• Clocks, including mantel, hanging and figural.
• Costume jewelry, including brooches, bracelets and earrings.
• Musical Instruments, including string, wind and reed instruments.
• Books, Sports memorabilia.
Excluded items include: all weapons, including swords and knives (though folding knives with advertising are accepted); traps (like leg-hold); coins and paper money; Nazi memorabilia; fine jewelry, including precious gems; Beanie Babies.
This is a popular program; people are asked to register well in advance to ensure they receive a time slot. Each event is limited to 40 participants.
To learn more and sign up for a time slot, call the library of your choice, listed below.
You can learn more about Mark’s work, private appraisal appointment opportunities and get in touch with him via email, by visiting his website.
Program dates and locations:
Clearwater Monday, April 16 from noon-3 p.m.
Elk River Tuesday, April 17 from 5-8 p.m.
Big Lake Friday, April 20 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
