Appraisers give local collectors estimates, bits of info

Have you ever wondered how much your inherited porcelain tea set is worth? Have your relatives been after you to sell that baseball card collection, but you don’t know whether or not they are valuable? What about your signed copy of Stephen King’s “The Dead Zone”? Should you list it on eBay? Or perhaps you’ve just caught some of the “Batman” movies on cable and have decided that you can maneuver the batmobile with more finesse, and would look better behind the wheel, than even the caped crusader himself. How much would one of your very own set you back? These questions and more were answered recently at “The Woodport Roadshow” led by certified appraisers Brian Kathenes and Leon Castner, leading partners of National Appraisal Consultants, a full service personal property appraisal and consulting firm. The event, held at the Sparta Public Library, invited up to 40 library cardholders to bring one or two items with them to be evaluated by the team, who have been working together as partners in NAC for about 10 years. “We have 16 associates nationwide with all different specialties,” Kathenes said. “Leon is the antiques and residential contents specialist with a strong background in appraisal methodology. My area of specialty is in historical items including manuscripts, documents, rare books and all types of collectibles, including Hollywood and sports memorabilia.” Attendees brought a variety of items with them, some hoping for a big payoff, others just curious to know how much their treasures were worth. Laid out on the table at the front of the room were bits and pieces of the past with their own histories, some known and some remaining a mystery, depending upon how someone came to acquire their particular items. Artwork, pottery, clocks, books, china, radios, a violin and even an accordion made their way into the library’s reading room waiting to be appraised. Kathenes and Castner were able to go through all the possessions, giving collectors estimates in addition to a bit of an education. “If the country of origin is found at the bottom, it was not made before the 1890s,” Castner said, explaining the difference between porcelain and pottery, as well as how to date a piece as being made before or after the late 19th century. “And hand-painted pieces are much more time intensive than transfers, making them more valuable.” When answering questions, Kathenes and Castner told the audience how to present their items for appraisal and which will net the most money. “Never clean a coin,” Kathenes implored. “Leave it in its original condition. You can’t make a coin better by cleaning it.” “You want clocks in working condition, and the more intricate the chimes, the better,” Castner said.