Questions I am frequently asked?

Do you offer appraisal services? Yes, I offer appraisal services for one piece or an entire collection. I also offer estate appraisal services depending on the size and value of the estate. An estate settlement appraisal includes a complete write-up of all included items with photos, descriptions, and values in a formal presentation. My appraisal services are $125.00 per hour.

Do you buy antiques? Yes, I am always in the market to buy quality antiques. I will buy one piece or your entire collection. First, email me with pictures of what you have for sale and your location. I will evaluate the pieces from the images and follow up with you. I will travel north of Interstates 84 & 86 in New York, New England, Pennsylvania, and Ohio to purchase collections.

Should I repair my antiques? Before you attempt any repair or restoration, contact a known antique dealer to discuss the value of your antique. Minor alterations can impact the value of your piece.

How should I clean my antiques? Before cleaning, inspect for fragile areas, stains, or damage. Dust the surface with a soft, lint-free cloth, working with the grain. For intricate carvings or hard-to-reach areas, use a soft-bristled brush to remove dust without scratching. Start with a mild soap solution. Dawn dish soap works great diluted in warm water. If the piece is really dirty, I use Murphy's Oil Soap diluted to two capfuls per 1/2 gallon of warm water. Never soak the wood! Wring out your cleaning cloth and remember to work with the grain. Dry the surface with another soft, clean, lint-free cloth. When completely dry, you can apply a thin coat of beeswax, or I use clear Briwax. Don't overcoat. Use a soft cloth to bring out a soft glow. If the piece is a table with a dry scrubbed top, don't use anything on the dry surface; just clean it, dry it, and enjoy it!!

Should I repair my antique stoneware? In my opinion, common pieces of stoneware are usually not worth repairing unless there is the danger of it falling apart. If it's just a shelf piece, an easy way to stabilize it is to apply a small amount of Crazy Glue into any cracks at the beginning and end of the crack on the inside, if possible, to prevent it from traveling further. Obviously, you can't do the inside of a jug. Another option is to wrap the outside of the piece with wide, clear packing tape. It really isn't that noticeable when the piece is on the shelf. These two options are very cheap to do. Chips on common pieces aren't really worth repairing. You would probably spend more than you could get back out of a common piece by having it professionally repaired. If you have an outstanding piece of stoneware and the damage is obvious on the viewing side and compromises the stability, I feel it's worth having it professionally repaired. Your great piece is then stabilized and beautiful again! I feel that the stoneware community is leaning towards professional restoration on great pieces to protect them. I'd much rather have a great piece with professional restoration than a great piece with a big chunk out of it or a giant crack going through the design, wouldn't you? I really don't think the restored piece has a significant effect on the final value compared to a damaged piece when you're talking about great pieces.
Do I have folk art for sale? Yes, I have various 18th - early 20th-century American Folk Art in

Inventory.

Do I carry vintage advertising? Yes, I carry vintage signs, advertising tins, and memorabilia.

Do I carry antique furniture? Yes, I carry a wide variety of American antique furniture.

Do I carry antique textiles? Yes, I carry various quilts and textiles