Tag Archives: antiques

Antique appraisals coming to Goodsell Museum

The Town of Webb Historical Association will offer visitors and members an opportunity to get an appraisal of up to three vintage or antique items on Saturday, August 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Goodsell Museum in Old Forge.

Matthew Scheidelman, an antique dealer with 35 years of experience, will meet individually with people in the research room at the museum to discuss the fair market value, age and other information about their items for a donation of $10.   Continue reading

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Annual Old Forge Antique Show returns for 40th year, July 26 & 27

The Old Forge Antiques and Vintage Show and Sale, sponsored by VIEW,  returns to the George T. Hiltebrant Recreation Center on North Street in Old Forge on Saturday and Sunday, July 26 and 27th.

The show will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.  Continue reading

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Unique characteristics among antiques, collectibles, vintage items

by Matthew Scheidelman, The Antiques Appraiser

Dear Mister Scheidelman… I am confused by the terms “antique,” “collectible,” and “vintage” as used by dealers to describe their items. They seem to be used interchangeably and differently from person to person. I have seen things in antique shops that are less than 50 years old! How does this work? D.V., Inlet

Dear D.V.,

These terms can be confusing and misleading to everyone because they can mean different things to different people. Age and times past are subjective.

For example, to a 15-year-old, WWII and the Civil War can be lumped into the same historical category.

But to someone who remembers WWII, it does not seem so long ago.

I still cringe when I hear a young kid refer to music of the 1980’s as “oldies,” or a movie that I saw upon its original release or a car I drove in high school called a “classic.”

At a recent house sale I heard a child ask his mother what those “funny black things” were. They were LP record albums!

The term “antique” is typically used to describe an item 100 or more years old, usually things like furniture, glassware, dishes, toys etc.

The federal government classifies antiques as at least 100 years old.

“Vintage” means of a certain time period or having the characteristics of that era. Continue reading

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Antiques & Collectibles: Seek help of appraisal pros in determining values

by Mathew Scheidelman, The Antiques Appraiser

Dear Mr. Scheidelman,

My mother recently died and I have a house full of things to deal with. Some may be valuable antiques/collectibles but I have little knowledge in this area. Any advice? I thought of asking for bids and taking the highest one.

D.D. ~ Old Forge

Dear D.D.,

If you had a legal, medical or financial situation you would hire a professional to guard your interests and advise you.

This situation is no different. You need a pro working for you to guide you through this often overwhelming situation.

You need to know if you have valuable items. And just as a lawyer or accountant would charge for their services, so does a qualified antique dealer or appraiser.

Fees can vary from a few hundred to several thousands of dollars for a professional appraisal depending on the size and value of the estate. Continue reading

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