Confessions of a Misguided Maximalist
I received an interesting email from a Solvang reader, PF. “Elizabeth, are you a minimalist or a maximalist? Since you constantly write about the glories of STUFF, I fear you …
Magical Birdstones
Timothy writes that his 83 year old aunt owns something he thinks might be a Native American club. I don’t think anybody elver used this as a weapon, Timothy. I …
American Folk Pottery Redware – Easy to Ignore in a Thrift Store
JE found this colorful bowl for $2.50 in a Lompoc thrift store, lucky hunter. We consider this American folk pottery at its best, called redware, with crimped edges, yellow lead …
Dealing with Heirship Issues
At the end of a season I get calls from clients, “How do I act as an executor when it comes to personal property?” Or, “How do we divide up …
Remington Typewriter: What, No Spellcheck?!
RT sent me a photo of a Remington typewriter. Many people collect these wonderful but heavy machines. According to the online database RT owns a Remington 12. Many people know …
How much is silver worth in today’s market?
What’s a bride’s basket? Appraiser Elizabeth Stewart, PhD showcases this silver-plated (electroplate nickel silver) ornament. Presented in Antiques Roadshow fashion. The author of No Thanks Mom: The Top Ten Objects …
School of Paris Painters Reinvented the Human Form
PL sent me a painting by Jose Luis Figueroa (1925 – ) of Portuguese fishermen and fisherwomen. A large-scale painting which depicts a delightful touch, a pregnant fisherwoman with her …
Two Examples of Chinese Rose Medallion Porcelain
Appraiser Elizabeth Stewart, PhD gives a lesson about Asian ceramics, Chinese porcelain with Rose Medallion pattern. Presented in Antiques Roadshow fashion.
The Grand Era of Dining
A young 20 year old reader, JE, saw a piece of furniture in a local antique shop, and sent me a photo. She likes it but doesn’t know how to …
The History of Dinnerware
Elizabeth Stewart, PhD talks about the history of dinnerware and the value of this 18th century pewter plate.