Illegible Signature on a Possible Valuable Painting
J.S. writes that she found an original oil on hardboard at a vintage shop: she asks if I might help identify its near-illegible signature. What follows is how I narrow …
Phyllis Diller and the coat
R.E. has a glamorous kangaroo fur coat once owned by famous comedian Phyllis Diller. R.E. has wonderful provenance on this coat: Her sister was once a personal assistant to Miss …
Late 19th Century Toy Dog
ML from the Midwest sends me photos of this little flocked papier-mâché mechanical “noddy” dog, late 19th century. This is a life-sized model of a spotted black on white dog …
Regency-era fan hot seller in niche market
J.P. has a framed embroidered silk-on-paper lady’s fan depicting an elegant couple seated in a horse-drawn Regency-era cabriolet, circa 1820. I couldn’t find any similar fans so I resorted to …
Stanley McCormick and Riven Rock
Interview with Frank McGinity, MBA, CPA about his film Stanley McCormick and Riven Rock. Mr McGinity converted the former theater used by the McCormick’s as part of their massive 87 …
Rembrandt makes mark in Santa Barbara
J.S. has a Rembrandt etching of a windmill, 8 inches by 6 inches. The print is signed in the plate (the artist etched his name into the copper before it …
1950’s “Ginny” Doll
K.K. sends me a tiny enameled tin suitcase in red with white trim, lined inside with beige and silver stars; a case for a toddler-shaped doll dressed in a plaid …
Pieces depict ‘The Peacemakers
C.B. has a quartet of engravings, dated 1864, a commemoration of four leaders, often called “The Peacemakers.” These works on paper all have condition issues like water damage and foxing, …
“Bright Abyss: Sunrise in the West”
Artist Tom Pazderka and gallery owner Matt Henriksen talk about the “Bright Abyss: Sunrise in the West” exhibit which runs through April 15 at The Basic Premise Gallery of Ojai.
Checklist to help determine value of objects
P.J. from Carpinteria writes to me that during the tragedies of the last few months, she “lost control” of her household. “I’m now feeling like I need a checklist on …