Antiques — It’s the Stories That Make Antiquing Fun

This past winter and spring I conducted over a dozen appraisal programs for groups and businesses from one end of the county to the other. They are so much fun, and I learn so much, it’s like being paid to go to the theater.
During that time, I’ve shared my experiences in this column, and the most recent program at Teaberry marketplace on Route 9 in Clermont (always a fun place) is where the pictures in this column come from.
One item brought into Teaberry was a drawing of a WWI soldier, marked Verdun 1916, and a name, probably the artist’s. Next year is the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of that war, and it’s anticipated that interest in “The War to End all Wars” will be high on the antiques market.
The story that came with this card was that there was a group collecting money to support the French in the war and that donors were offered a work from a French artist for a donation. A relative of the person who brought me the drawing had sent money and received it in appreciation.
I have not been able to find the artist, or any other examples of such a gift. The idea makes sense, though. One of France’s national resources has been its art community. Many of those artists will remain anonymous. Think of all those talented china painters, for instance. But when their country needed them, they made art for the cause.
Also at this program, I saw an RS Prussia (Reinhold Schlegelmilch) baroque-style vase decorated with a famous baroque period painting, “The Melon-Eaters,” by Murillo. Beginning in the 1860s, the Schlegelmilch family opened factories all over central Europe – Poland, Thuringia, Suhl – to mass produce fine porcelain, previously only available to the wealthy.
It was their Prussian factory, however, that made the real fancy items that are still coveted by collectors and decorators today.
Also at this appraisal was a hand-colored photogravure of what Florida looked like before it became a retirees’ haven. The photo was by W. J. Harris, the English born photographer who grew up in Lake Hopatcong, NJ, but spent the last 42 years of his life documenting St. Augustine, Fla. and Florida’s untouched natural beauty.
Those of you who have followed my reports on these programs know how much we have seen and learned over the past few months, and how much fun it’s been. And that’s only a taste of what’s out there.
There are about 40 antique shops here on the Jersey Cape, each one displaying different things in a different style building tended by different (often very different) people. Making the rounds of these shops is one of the joys of being here. There’s no end to the conversation pieces. You will hear stories, see stories and come back with stories to tell. Don’t miss out on the fun.
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.