Antiques, items given value by Dr. Lori
Appraisals held at Central Pa. Home and Garden Show
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REEDSVILLE - People with precious items in tow flocked to the Central Pennsylvania Home and Garden Show Saturday at the Mifflin County Youth Park to find out how much their possessions were worth.
Dr. Lori appraised pieces ranging from a Navajo blanket to an etched glass during a two-hour segment at the show.
Her no-nonsense wit and detailed knowledge of every item presented kept the audience engaged and in awe.
Dr. Lori said she appraises about 20,000 items annually, since 1998, during 150 events and in-home visits. She also appears on the History Channel's "The Curse of Oak Island," Discovery Channel's "Auction Kings" and FOX Business Network's "Strange Inheritance."
"I am here to help you get the right amount for your objects," she said. "I'm not married, I don't have kids, I don't bake and I don't have hobbies. This is what I do. If I'm not at a show, I'm researching."
Dr. Lori said she became passionate about offering people honest appraisals of their antiques after she continually heard stories of people being duped by appraisers; for example, the appraiser would buy an antique from an unassuming customer for $50 when the antique was actually worth $2,500.
Guests attending Dr. Lori's show on Saturday placed their items on tables at the front of the show space.
An original proof of a piece of John Lennon art, complete with documentation and a frame, was purchased by an attendee in the 1990's for $5,000.
"How much do you think this is worth now?" Dr. Lori asked.
The guest had no idea, but knew that the value had probably increased.
Dr. Lori said the item is currently worth $20,000-$25,000, and if re-sold on a Lennon anniversary of birth or death, the price could be raised 25 percent.
Framed Civil War discharge papers from a Reedsville resident's maternal great-grandfather were valued at $500.
A man purchased a Navajo blanket from an auction for $70.
Dr. Lori pointed out its diamond and cross pattern, as well as its bleeding colors that signified its use of synthetic or vegetable dye. She also discovered a hole that the purchaser did not think was a big deal.
Dating the blanket to 1910, Dr. Lori valued it at $350.
In Yeagertown, a woman found a small, wooden object buried in grape vine roots. The piece is oblong with an indentation on one end to make it act as a spoon or scoop.
"This would be from the Native Americans, and used in the 1700's," she said. "It's worth about $35. Age is not a value indicator."
A woman brought a crown of thorns in tramp-art style that was passed to her from her Mennonite great-grandparents.
"Tramp art means the work is carved from little pieces and then assembled," Dr. Lori explained. "This piece is relatively unusual and dates to about 1900-1920. It's in great condition; it's amazing it still looks just like this."
The tramp art was valued at $800, causing the audience to "oo" and "aah."
A man's mother purchased a Martin acoustic guitar new in 1937. He said he used to play it regularly.
Dr. Lori quickly valued the guitar based on condition and the brand at $15,000, but said that depending on the tone of the guitar, it could be worth more.
A diamond ring inherited from an attendee's aunt was presented to Dr. Lori.
With her small magnifier, Dr. Lori determined each stone was approximately 1/8 carat, the ring totaling a 2-carat weight. Its starburst look signified its production between the 1950s-1970s.
Dr. Lori valued the ring between $1,500-$1,800.
While at a flea market, a woman purchased a beaded sash for $75 because she liked the artwork and "beautiful shape."
After a brief examination, Dr. Lori said the sash was created by the plains Native Americans between 1900-1950, who were more talented at creating bead work.
The sash was dirty, and Dr. Lori commended the woman for not trying to clean it, as that could affect the integrity of the piece. She valued the sash at $675.
Not all the appraisals were high-dollar values.
A woman presented her grandmother's etched glass flasks that were in a set of six. Dr. Lori said each was worth $7.
Another attendee brought a famous painting of squirrels. Dr. Lori determined it was, unfortunately, a mass-produced print and its value was only $20.
More information about Dr. Lori and her appraisals can be found on her website, www.drloriv.com or on her YouTube channel.