It’s important to get out on the road when you’re in the antiques business. You have to see what people are finding out there, and how much things are going for. And every stop along the way is a learning experience.
So, I was more than happy to accept an offer by the dealers at the Antique Marketplace of Hammonton to sit in their re-opened antique mall and spend a few hours appraising whatever came through the door. I was doubly happy because this antique shop had been closed for three years.
That they got together to re-open is a healthy sign for the antiques business in South Jersey.
Appraisals: I’ve made this column mostly photo-essay so you could share in some of the things I saw and learned on this trip. Other interesting items that weren’t photographed include: Walt Disney “Dopey” figurine, 1944, $130.
American Lady’s painted porcelain sugar shaker, $79.50; Mary Gregory cranberry glass tumbler, $40; a collection of ruby stained pattern glass souvenir ware from Atlantic City, $35-65; and three hand painted Nippon vases, $130-275.
Enjoy the photos.
Arthur Schwerdt, a certified appraiser, is the author of “The Antique Story Book: Finding the Real Value of Old Things,” and co-owner of The August Farmhouse Antiques on Route 9 in Swainton. Send your comments, questions and appraisal requests to aschwerdt@cmcherald.com.

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