Finds from Eastern North Carolina Appraisal Fair

Local appraisal fairs, like Antique Roadshow, were extremely popular ten years ago; it seemed like lots of organizations were holding them as fund raisers, community service events and the like.  During the past three years, they have not been as common, and individuals who are looking for a verbal appraisal for a small donation are having a difficult time finding the appraisal fairs.  However, Beaufort County Community College Library recently held a “Trash or Treasures” event in Washington, North Carolina, and it was a wonderful attraction for local residents.  

This appraiser worked the event, and found that there were indeed lot of treasures in Eastern North Carolina.  One lady brought a collection of paper documents, including letters, cards and photographs.  She really did not know what was in the collection, as she just wanted an overall market value for the collection.  Most were vintage low value postcards and Christmas cards. However, when I started seeing hand written letters with dates of 1862 and 1863, it was time to get excited.  She had a grouping of letters from solders which were written during the Civil War.  It was eerie reading their personal accounts of battles, of friends getting wounded, and even their accounts describing some of the generals.  What a treasure!

Patrick Mavros Coaster similar to the one
in the appraisal fair.

Another gentleman brought in a wine bottle coaster; he had  purchased it from an antique store, and it was identified as pewter and priced accordingly.   Well, long story short, it was not pewter but was sterling silver.  After examining the marks, I found the signature of Patrick Mavros and it was hallmarked as African sterling silver.  It was an exotic animal style coaster which was hand crafted of sterling silver; these coasters retail new for over $5,000.00.  So, the gentleman had a true treasure which turned out to be a fabulous purchase!

Of course, there were items that were not treasures, and there were lots of items which were sentimental and had fabulous stories with them!  One gentleman brought in his Sears and Roebuck catalogs which he inherited form his uncle, only to find out that they were reprints!  But he still treasures his catalogs.  Another lady brought books which she thought were valuable, only to find out that they were book club editions and had been reprinted over and over again.

Regardless of whether the item was a treasure of monetary value or a treasure of sentimental value, I think a good time was had by all.  Beaufort County Community College Library provided a great service for the public and the event was even free!  They have an amazing library which is open to the general public; local residents should take advantage of the resource of their community.  When you are in Washington or Bath, stop by the check out the library. Thanks Paula and staff for a well-run and successful appraisal fair!

Vicky Nash Shaw
ISA CAPP Certified Antique and Art Appraiser
919 475-6930