Preparing for the next evacuation
The first time G.M. and her family evacuated, ash from the Thomas Fire fell around them. She packed up three cars and they headed for a friend’s house in Monterey. …
Lincoln Engraving
A.K. sends an old engraving on paper of Abraham Lincoln in oval form, bordered by scenes from his life. The bottom is printed “Photograph by MB Brady” with a Lincoln …
Silver candlesticks’ history is golden
G.R. uses a pair of Polish Judaica candlesticks for the weekend Shabbos family meal. They date from the last quarter of the 19th century. They’re marked with the Polish double …
Chinese temple vase
PS sends me a large red Chinese temple vase with two huge black painted dragons curling along the sides. The vase stands about 36” tall, the base material terracotta. Two …
The Personality of the American Home
The Personality of the American Home, an expert’s look at Generations of People Who Own ‘Stuff,’ is a result of five years of observations of appraiser’s clients, spanning four generational …
A fine doll from the first years of the 20th century
ES sends me a porcelain-headed doll with jointed limbs. Her grandmother brought it with her when she immigrated to the US in 1916. The doll wears modern (polyester) clothing, and …
Ten tip for going through an elder parent’s possessions
K.K. writes: “When my mom died after living with me for over 8 years, I thought I’d prepared. NO. The next 10 months were hard, emotional. It’s one reason I …
Art Deco sofa – to reupholster or not
T. A. from Santa Barbara has an interesting quandary regarding the Art Deco sofa pictured. Is its antique value worth the cost to reupholster the piece? Or should T. A. …
Camel sculpture would see bump in value if made of different material
J.E. has a great-looking plaster sculpture of a lovely camel standing squarely on four skinny legs, bending his neck to gaze at his viewers. This 3-foot unsigned piece is painted …
Can you claim damage from the Thomas Flood on your homeowners insurance?
If the storms and mudflows in Montecito, Santa Barbara, Carpinteria, and Summerland impacted you, and you have questions about your insurance, listen to this vital conversation with John J. Thyne …