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Antiques! => Antique Questions Forum => Topic started by: up2no6ood on April 23, 2010, 04:42:25 PM
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My mother recently passed and left my sister and I her extensive antique collection. My sister refuses to have the items appraised before we split up the estate. Do you see anything in the pictures that are "must haves".
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c226/jmg0529/IMG_0001.jpg)
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c226/jmg0529/IMG_0002.jpg)
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c226/jmg0529/IMG_0003.jpg)
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c226/jmg0529/IMG_0004.jpg)
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c226/jmg0529/IMG_0005.jpg)
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c226/jmg0529/IMG_0006.jpg)
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c226/jmg0529/IMG_0007.jpg)
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c226/jmg0529/IMG_0008.jpg)
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c226/jmg0529/IMG_0009.jpg)
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c226/jmg0529/IMG_0010.jpg)
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c226/jmg0529/IMG_0011.jpg)
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c226/jmg0529/IMG_0012.jpg)
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I'm not an antique dealer, but your mom sure did have nice taste in curio cabinets! I think it's odd that your sister doesn't want to have anything appraised before you split it up. I'd suggest having an antique dealer come into the house anyway and look around, of course I don't know your sister but that sounds strange to me, what harm is there in getting things appraised? She'll have to know their value at some point before they get sold or go up for auction. Usually an estate lawyer will advise against selling anything in the estate until the will has been read, opening of the estate, etc.
Diane
http://www.artwanted.com/dianecaudle
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Welcome to the forum up2no6ood! You'll have to excuse me while I wipe the drool off my chin. I certainly wouldn't be one qualified to pick
out anything for you ......but there are others here who are very savy and will spot some 'must have's'.
My one piece of advice for you would be to try and find a reputable dealer/auctioneer who would be willing to give you individual/grouping prices rather than a 'job lot'. Having gone through the same thing with my mother's items I learned the hard way.......I did manage to find one person (unfortunately not the first one I had) who willingly offered me a list in this manner and told me to give her a call in a few days and she would come pick up whatever I wanted to let go off that list. I was guaranteed the prices she offered. That way I was able to go through everything and pick out a few sentimental items, knowing that I would still realize the prices quoted for everything else.
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I'm guessing the reason your sister would not want anything appraised is this- What would you do if there is one high-dollar item and everyone wants it? If you have old/antique items that you know are family heirlooms, perhaps a good course of action would be to work with your family to see that those pieces go to someone who will care for them and keep them in the family, rather than someone who will just sell them. That might be another reason not to know appraised values, thinking that the most important thing is to get special family pieces to someone who will cherish them, valuable or not. She might also be thinking that if the possessions are divided up before anyone knows the values, it is a way to be fair to each other and eliminate the problems of having one valuable item again. Just a thought.
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Nice collection of old lamps and cabinets.
I don't understand the appraisal thing either - unless she is wanting something that is worth more and doesn't want you to know. However, I hope that isn't the case.
We had the family members (of my better halfs family) pick out their favorite pieces - then did the appraisal for them and the rest. That way it divided evenly. It worked out very well My folks are having me work on values of item while they are alive and we are placing them with the pieces to help them divide them (per their request!!!!).
They feel much better about that. That is why I found out that their everyday furniture it worth a lot recently and posted it here!
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I'm terribly sorry up2, guess I didn't read your post quite right. You're saying you're going to divide up your mother's items between you?
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I would have to go with the non Appraisal side, esp. I it is just split amonst the family. Looks Like so many nice items that everyone will fair well. If it is about money, let them find out about value on the items they now have. Many Family senitments here on this forum, most would vote to keep memories instead of spend cash. I see lots of really nice items there, love all the oil lamp collection. Personnally If it were me I would say just let me keep the lamps, they are a family in amonst themselves. Most of all I want to welcome you to the forum, and if you get some cool items, be sure and post them, would love to have a closer look at many of the items I see.
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Thanks for all the quick replies. The estate is being split 50/50. 10% of the items are family heirlooms that neither of us would ever sell. Like the side board in pic 4. The rest of it is just too much to handle. Those pictures only represent about 30% of what we have. She has boxes upon boxes of depression, carnival and heisey glass, 8-10 oil paintings, a gun safe full of rare coins, the list goes on and I have no room for it all. I took the photos to all the local antique dealers and they all said they wouldn't be able to afford a complete estate purchase and that we could open our own store with the amount of antiques we have. lol. My sister will not give me a reason as to why she wont have it appraised as shes not concerned with the monetary value. Problem is I know nothing about antiques and she does. The paintings and coins is another major concern as 1 item could be worth $100,000 and we would never know it. I just want things to be fair and even. We begin the splitting tomorrow wish me luck. Stay tuned for more detailed pictures.
P.S I want the cabinet in pic 9 But It is one solid piece and I don't want to move it lol.
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If you are in or near a big City Consider a Antique mall space, I sure with what you have there you both would fair very well, and it is much like having your own Store.
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up2, I wish you all the best. Myself, I'd have to go with sentimentality first, what attracted me next then work on the rest of the 50/50.
I can't even imagine having to tackle that task.......and that's just based on the pics you've shown. KC's parents are not only smart, they
are also very thoughtful to see that the allocating is done long before there comes a need. My mother had done that with many of her
possessions, but unfortunately it all had to be sold upon her passing.
Please be sure to post pics of your treasures here. We'd love to see them and try to answer any questions you may have about them.
Poor ironlord.......I can just imagine his head hitting the keyboard at your mention of Depression glass. ;)
P.S. I'll help you move #9 in exchange for a #3 or #12 !! :D
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You have a real dilemma that many people face. My suggestion is to go through everything and each heir take what they want to keep and then contact at least 2 if not three estate sale(liquidator) companies in you area and try to find one you trust and have an estate sale. Hopefully you have time to organize this. Sometimes people don't and are forced to take what they can get. You obviously have many wonderful things that the peeps on this site would love to see and appreciate. But these things are a legacy that were left to you and you have to do what you have to do. God bless you and good luck.
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I can only say that I have seen families ripped apart from this already heart wrenching event that we have to go through. As a parent the only thing I feel obligated to give my children is a loving upbringing and the tools/ability to make a meaningful life for themselves. Everything else is a bonus.
I admire my parents for making an already emotionally wrought event less dramatic/emotional -in the way that they feel they should. They will decide who gets what. I am the sappiest and sentiment wins over $$$$$ any day.
Now that sermon #273 is over..... When I hear that a parent says it is to be split 50/50....then after the family heirlooms are evenly distributed....the appraiser should be called in. But...i guess that was from sermon 274!
My heart goes out to up2. Think of your parent's wishes/desires and honor that.
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I actually went through this about 2 yrs ago. My only sister and I went through and decided what we wanted and let our kids and spouses also choose and then sold the rest (sale proceeds went into the estate). We did not have such an extensive antique collection to deal with and if we did, I would assume we would have held an auction or a professional estate sale. My personal opinion is to go with an auction if the estate is large enough to make it pay. I do not know what an appraisal of all the items will net you except what the items should be worth. What items should be worth and what they actually sell for are two totally different things. I personally did not care what the monetary value of an item was that my sister chose or the value of what I chose was. Of course there was not any item worth thousands (or more) compared to anything else in the estate. I do not know what your situation is with your sister or if there is any really valuable item in the estate compared to all the rest. I do know you will (hopefully) have some type of relationship with your sister long after this estate is settled and that whatever happens during this time will affect that relationship. These are just material goods and when we pass, we leave with none of them.
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up2no6ood, if you are going to split them up "50-50" without an apprasial then what I would suggest is that you purchase a big roll of adhesive backed "stickers" and then each of you "take turns" affixing a "sticker" with your name/ID on it onto one (1) item of your choice.
If she knows more about the value of antiques than you do and you fear she will choose the "high dollar items", then you are probably right. And given said, I fear there will be "trouble in River City" for ever n' ever afterwards as a result of said.
Thus, since you are going to end up being mad at each other anyway, you should force an appraisal of the estate. That way you can still be mad but know you got your 50%.
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Cogar, there is so much truth in what you just posted!!
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To appraise an estate of that size will cost thousands of dollars because theres more to it than just looking at it and giving an opinion of value. A proper appraisal involves researching each item for auction results and sales at dealers and you don't need all that. Maybe get the furniture and any other obviously valuable items appraised but leave the rest of it to a REPUTABLE estate sale firm. They will go through everything and evaluate it and price it according to what they think it will sell for at a sale. They will want to get as much as possible for it because, after all, they get paid by commission. But if you insist on getting a full appraisal, get the price up front.
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Welcome to the forum , up2no6ood .
To add to the sage comments of other members , I'll toss in a little cayenne ( it's only two cents worth )...
Although you've post some details of your situation with this estate , I'm sure there's more to the story .
Selling off an estate (in a hurry) often leads to some disappointment due to demand , timing of the sale & other considerations that are extensive , regardless of the professionalism of the folks in charge of such liquidations .
Aside from the emotional/familiar concerns , there may be legal ones (depending on the net worth of your mothers' estate) & ones involving tax statutes .
Perhaps you folks might consider placing a reputable/trustworthy person , more experienced with such things , in the role of executor of estate (if there is none presently) ?
It's tough to figure out exactly what you've got in the extensive collection depicted in your posted images , except to say you've got alot ! In addition to this , I'll comment that you may find replica items , along with authentic ones , included in the collection - without expertise in identifying what is what you'll be in the situation of ignorance , as to the fair-market-value of many items (IMO) .
Thanks for posting here , up2no6ood .
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Up2, you mentioned you have some oil paintings. If you could post photos of those along with the artist signatures we might be able to help you with approx. values.
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good catch syl
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Where is D&B at, I think his expertise is really needed to help up2no6ood resolve her dilema. I would not be dubious at all in having him give a quick appraisal of an estate.
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The split went perfect. I guess my sister just couldn't stand to have a price put on our mothers collection. We split all the glass yesterday. We made it fair by taking turns and picking "groups of glass" basically I would pick an entire shelf of glass then she would. After the glass we split up the furniture. I got stuck with the huge wall cabinet :) but got some gorgeous pieces. Today will be the oil lamps, coins, and paintings. Our mother would be so happy to see things are going this well. Thanks for all the replies I cant wait to post some pictures!!!!
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OH GOOD!! I am so glad to hear that it is going well and that it's turning out to be a positive experience, as much as something like this can be. I'm glad you and your sister were able to get her feelings out in the open and that it was all grounded in love for Mom. Best wishes for a smooth time with the rest.
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It is funny how this affected me. I was really concerned for these individuals I didn't even know and held a family discussion about it. Great opportunity to approach this with my family in depth.
uptonogood - so glad to hear that all is going well. Whew!!!!!! I hope you can find this to be an enjoyable time in light of the passing of your mother! God Bless!
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Thanks for posting the great (& adult/peaceful) progress on the estate issues .
I'm happy to see you've found acceptable & rational means to deal with the division of the property left to you folks !
:)
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Here is a photo album of about 20% of the glass I received. All the boxes under the table are still packed full.
http://s28.photobucket.com/albums/c226/jmg0529/Estate/
Its been a long weekend and i am ready for bed. I'm not happy with the way things were handled but I am happy with the fairness of the split. The main problem is I live an hour from my mothers. So carting this stuff home is a challenge. The glass was hard enough i am dreading the transport of 22 oil lamps, 6 curio cabinets, tables chairs.... I would have been nice to just have an estate auction at my mothers and take home the few pieces that are dear to us.
stay tuned for more pictures
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OMG!!!! :o
I can already hear ironlord's fingers clawing at his monitor..........re member dear, tears are still considered moisture and will hurt
your keyboard. :D
up2, you have some incredible pieces there......now that those who are familiar with 'glass' can catch a better glimpse you'll
be able to learn much more about them. Hopefully transferring the rest will not be too stressful. Take a breather, then let
us all see your treasures.
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Bring lots of newspaper boxes etc. to wrap 'em!
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Wish I lived near you...I would take my trailer over and help you!
This is like Christmas/Birthdays/Holidays of a lifetime all rolled together at once!!!!!
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added some more pics. This time china!!! I cant wait to get the cabinets home so we can get this beautiful stuff displayed! http://s28.photobucket.com/albums/c226/jmg0529/Estate/
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WOW!!!
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Nice Glass for sure. I did notice a lot of Greek Key by Heisey in your collection. This is one of the oldest pattern made by them and was discontinued in 1938. So much nice stuff, really like the Pink glass I see ;)
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Up2 looks like you may have a few Nippon & limoges porcelain pieces would really need close ups & makers marks to be sure but if so $$$$. Beautiful pieces enjoy them all!!!! :o Good eyeballs Ironlord did not even pick up on any Greek key!!!!
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Never been any good at the 'spot the differences' games......so will leave it up to those more experienced.
Any chance Up2's beautiful cobalt is Val St. Saint-Lambert, Lubin pattern?
http://www.rubylane.com/shops/halcyonantiques/item/2683
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I have about 50 pieces of greek key. I think my mother bought every piece she ever came across :). Many of the plates are nippon, Altwasser and bavaria. I cant wait to get these all out of their boxes!!!!
The cobalt pieces do look like the lubin pattern but the only examples that I can find in that pattern are the decanter / wine glasses. I looked all over the two I have and cant find a hallmark
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Val-Saint-Lambert Fantasy Crystal from the Art Deco Period (1919-1930)
http://books.google.com/books?id=TcGVi6pcBwkC&pg=PA127&lpg=PA127&dq=val+saint+lambert+lubin&source=bl&ots=b_FUCnrdTV&sig=Hh_cML1aArrJbgnKWU7GnGiRmGU&hl=en&ei=HqzXS8SyLoS0lQeu9_GiBA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CAoQ6AEwATgK#v=onepage&q&f=false
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Thank you so much sapphire! Any idea on the value of those two peices? I think im going to have to hire an appraiser for all of this! Looking all these up on the internet would take years lol. Heck it took me 4 hours of looking through silver hallmarks to find the makers on those two silver tea kettles. Here is the most expensive piece I have found so far in her collectio. http://www.goantiques.com/scripts/images,id,437601.html#image4. All the heisey animals are easy to find info on.
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http://www.richcutglass.com/
This one take a while to download but may be helpful.........
http://www.cutglass.org/articles/val.pdf
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Thank you so much sapphire! Any idea on the value of those two peices?
Hehe.........not a good person to ask 'worth'. Still trying to get a grasp on all this myself. But give it time, there are many
very knowledgeable people on here who can steer you in the right direction. ;)