Sunday, February 17, 2013
Dr. Lori’s antiques appraisal can sometimes break hearts and make millionaires.
At my events, I cut to the core. No nonsense, no delicate high-brow vocabulary, no malarkey. I tell it like it is. If you have a piece of junk, I tell you. If you spent too much money on something, I tell you. If you are hoping to become of millionaire on a collection of Pez dispensers, I tell you that it’s not happening in this lifetime. I have been known to break a heart or two and I have been known to reveal that the ugly lamp you have can make you a millionaire in the antiques market. And, I reveal my faults too—like my well-documented and obvious (particularly on my thighs and hips) addiction to chocolate bars. My antiques appraisal shows—presented more than 150 times every year-are funny and frank. I have been told by my audience …
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Dr. Lori recounts some of the highlights from her many shows across the country.
Since 1998, I have presented appraisal events to live audiences across the country. You may have attended one of my antiques appraisal shows or read about the people I have met who asked me to appraise family heirlooms or flea market treasures. I tell people the truth about their antiques. I don’t hold back with my opinions either. I just say it – ”It’s a wonderful, rare antique," or "It’s a piece of junk.” It is fun to hear the stories of antiques and collectibles and to highlight the history and value of a cherished object. Recently, I met some folks with some interesting stories to share. A Yankee in Atlanta If you are wondering who the Yankee is, well, that would be me! After a few days in Atlanta, Georgia, I started to feel …
Sunday, February 26, 2012
There's no easy answer, but here are some tips on making sure you get the genuine article.
I regularly field the question, "How do you spot a fake?" Unfortunately, there is no easy answer to this question. In fact, there are as many answers as there are materials comprising art and antiques. Like most things in the art and antiques arena, there are many different objects with varied characteristics. So spotting a fake in one category of antiques is different than recognizing one in another category. Did you know that an authentic piece of Roseville pottery must have "USA" as part of the maker’s mark? Were you aware that some pictures that look like real oil paintings are actually prints with clear varnish applied atop the printed image to simulate brushstrokes? And did you know that some pieces of sculpture are cast using a …
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Make sure you know what you have before you sell or sully it.
- OPINION
- Dr. Lori
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Sunday, October 16, 2011
Since 1998, I have been conducting antiques appraisal events all over the world (even on cruise ships!) and teaching people the secrets of evaluating vintage objects. Here are just a few of the interesting objects, fascinating folks and tips from my field work telling the public what it’s worth! In Lynchburg, Va., I appraised a pair of World War I riding boots that were made by the Craddock Terry shoe company (which has now been remodeled into a great boutique hotel in the heart of the city). The antique pair was in great condition, worth $650. My advice to the original owner’s grandson was to avoid storage areas that would rob the leather of its moisture. In Coronado, Calif., there was a nice example of the impact that architect and …
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Knowledge is power when building your antiques collection.
In my opinion, you will find some bargains and some bologna at every antique show. When I visit antiques markets, I wear my thickest skin since some of the antique dealers make it a point to tell me (using words that my mother would not approve of) that they don’t like it when I offer so much insider information to the public. Just as many folks show me their gratitude for educating people about the ins and outs of the antiques field. Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion — even me. Let’s share the wealth! I share my years of experience and education with all of you regularly. Why? Because I know that when armed with information collectors make better choices and they remain committed to learning about antiques. I know that some …
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Enjoy your treasures while working to make them last.
While many of us treasure our family heirlooms, vintage objects and antiques, there are some simple ways to enjoy your treasures while working to make them last. In order to have your antique furniture last for the next generation, follow these simple tips: Keep your furniture away from direct heat sources, vents, radiators and air conditioners. Excessive moisture can impact the condition of the piece. It may sound silly, but I have met many people who do not realize that wood furniture is not heat resistant. That means, don’t put a hot plate on your wooden dining room table. If it is too hot for you to hold, it is too hot for your wooden furniture, too. I know some of you are shaking your heads saying “folks don’t know this,” but wood is…
