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'What's it Worth" Valuation Days at John Moran Auctioneers |
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Since May of 2009 first Thursdays of the month have seen large crowds gathering at the Altadena offices of John Moran Auctioneers. These are Valuation Days, the walk-in appraisal clinics where members of the public receive free valuations for their jewelry, art, and antique items. At various stations throughout the offices and display rooms, John Moran and his full team of specialists assess items such as Rookwood vases, Gorham and Wallace sterling flatware, Lalique glass, Wedgwood urns, and California Impressionist landscapes and let their owners know what the items would bring in the current auction market.
Valuation Days are as exciting for Moran’s appraisers as they are for clients. As appraiser and Vice President Roland Rynkiewicz remarked, “Often we see unusual types of things that we wouldn’t see on house calls or ordinary appointments, or a mystery object found in the attic or at a garage sale that the client thought was trash and turns out to be something valuable.” Many clients bring in heirlooms or collectibles purchased years ago for an updated value to see if they need to change their insurance policies, and others come to find out about consigning.
Some of the surprises that have walked in the door are an early pinball machine, a set of whimsical cast iron figures from an old shooting gallery, and a rare mid 19th century folk guitar that occasioned an impromptu performance in the offices. A silver-plated roast beef serving cart by Christofle, of the type that was used for tableside carving in restaurants of a certain grandeur, ended up being consigned to Moran’s December auction with an estimate of $5,000 – 10,000. The same day also brought a stunning iridescent blue Tiffany Favrile bowl that will be offered in the December sale for $1,000 – 1,500.
Paintings account for about half of the items brought in. One client brought in a dirty canvas that a thorough cleaning revealed to be a vibrant landscape with poppies by top California artist Granville Redmond. It will be offered in the February 2010 Paintings Auction with an estimate of $30,000 – 40,000.
One feature of the day that many clients appreciate is the opportunity to meet with Moran’s expert jewelry consultant. A four-stone diamond ring, valued at $10,000 - 15,000, and a 14K yellow gold charm necklace, valued at $3,000 – 4,000, were consigned from a recent Valuation Day and will join several other pieces of fine estate jewelry in Moran’s December 8th auction. Clients can also set up private appointments by calling ahead.
Many walk-in clients have already realized considerable sums at a Moran auction:
• A Minton “Haddon Hall” porcelain dinner service, estimated at $700-1000, realized $1,995 at Moran’s September 2009 Estates Sale.
• A Saint Louis “Apollo Gold” stemware service sold for more than double the high estimate, realizing $5,462 at the September 2009 auction.
• A desert landscape painted by California artist Paul Grimm sold at the high end of the pre-sale estimate in the October, 2009 Paintings Action, realizing $2300 for the consignor
Moran’s Valuation Days are held the first Thursdays of each month (subject to change- check the home page for upcoming dates). Hours are 9am – 1pm. Free valuations are also available by private appointment- please call us at 626-793-1833 to schedule private appointments.
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