Woodlawn and Skinner Inc., Auctioneers & Appraisers from Boston, Massachusetts are offering two appraisal events at Woodlawn.
On Friday, September 30, from 4:30- 7:30 p.m. guests can enjoy a Skinner, Inc., “What’s it worth?” event. This evening event is designed as an entertaining and educational way for people interested in the history and the value of antiques to come together. Starting with a wine and cheese reception from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., guests will browse through the Black House with two expert Skinner appraisers, Kerry Shrives and Jane Prentiss and learn about a number of pieces in the Woodlawn collection. From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., the group will gather in the estate’s Sleigh Barn to enjoy a presentation by the appraisers. The program provides information on the objects that guests have brought and an estimated value based on current market prices for a similar example. Space is limited and pre-registration is required online at woodlawnmuseum.org. Tickets for “What’s it worth?” are $30 per person or $50 per couple. The admission ticket includes the appraisal of one item, per person or per couple.
On Saturday, October 1 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., a second appraisal opportunity will be held when Skinner appraisers, Kerry Shrives and Jane Prentiss return for an Appraisal Day at Woodlawn. This event is open to the public on a first come, first serve basis. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. Participants will meet individually with one of the Skinner appraisers and receive information and a verbal appraisal of their item(s). Each participant is limited to 3 items. The fee is $20 per item, or 3 items for $50. After paying for the appropriate number of items to be appraised, the participant will be given a number and directed to a waiting area. For those who are waiting, there will be free admission to walk through the Black House. The public park and gardens will be open. If the weather is fair, you can also enjoy watching a game of 6 wicket croquet by the Woodlawn croquet players. Refreshments for purchase will be available.
Skinner appraisers, Kerry Shrives and Jane Prentiss are generalists with many years of practical experience and the ability to evaluate objects across many collection areas and will discuss issues of age and condition and provide an estimated value based on current market prices for a similar example.
Items that can be brought to this appraisal event are: porcelain, pottery, toys, dolls, silver, paintings, furniture and rugs. If you have large or particularly fragile items, Skinner recommends that good quality photos be substituted. If you have services of china or silver, please bring one example of each piece in a set accompanied by a list of the total number of pieces instead of the entire set. Items that are not included at this event are: coins, stamps, jewelry, and musical instruments.