The Clearwater Library will be hosting an antiques and collectibles appraisal featuring author and antiques expert Mark Moran from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.  May 24.

 

Moran has written over 25 books on antiques and collectibles, and has appeared on the PBS “Antiques Roadshow” program. He bought and sold antiques for more than 30 years, and has been an appraiser of antiques and fine art for more than 20 years.

 

The public is invited to register for a time slot to bring in a personal item for Moran to evaluate and tell them more about its history. Everyone is welcome to attend to watch and listen.

 

“I’m really excited for this event,” said Clearwater Librarian Cyrene Bastian. “It’s the first time we’ve held something like this.”

 

“One patron said he wanted to bring his wife in because she’s very valuable to him,” she laughed. “But he said she was too priceless to part with.”

 

Moran began offering antique and collectible appraisal events in 2011; the response was instantly positive with more than 800 events booked in six years. 

 

“This is appraisal as theater,” said Moran. “So expect humor, anecdotes, tales from the road and just a lot of fun.”

 

During each appraisal, Moran will ask about the object and how it was acquired. He will explain its history, intended use, details about the maker or area of origin, the era it was made and any design influences. 

 

He will then note any condition issues, how this affects value and suggest how the object can be repaired or restored. Lastly he offers his opinion on its value and tries to answer questions on how it may be sold if the owner wishes to do so.

 

During Moran’s events items have been brought in that have turned out to be worth a great deal of money. One woman brought in a lamp that had been left behind in a house she purchased in 1945. It turned out to be a Tiffany Acorn lamp, circa 1910, worth around $8,000. 

 

At another event a couple brought a pair of cloisonné elephants that had been inherited from an uncle. They later sold at auction for over $12,000.

 

Categories of objects for appraisal at the event include things such as fine art, furniture, ceramics, glassware, vintage photographs, vintage advertising, folk art, toys, metalware, clocks, costume jewelry, musical instruments, books and sports memorabilia.

 

Items that may not be brought for appraisal include all weapons, traps, Nazi memorabilia, coins and paper money, fine jewelry and Beanie Babies.

 

Anyone interested in bringing in an item to be appraised must preregister by calling the Clearwater Library at 320-558-6001. There is a limit of one object per person. Moran can also be contacted at moranm1953@gmail.com for a home visit or very fragile items.

 

Moran has an extensive background in antiques, having formerly served as senior editor of Antiques and Collectibles Books for Krause Publications in Iola, WI, editor of Antique Review East magazine, contributing editor for Antique Trader magazine, editorial director of F+W Media’s Antiques Group and producer of Atlantique City, an antique show in NJ.