Shawano County Library presents an antiques and collectibles appraisal program featuring author and antiques expert Mark F. Moran on Nov. 10, starting at 4 p.m. at 128 S. Sawyer St., Shawano.
Registration is required. Register in person at the library to reserve a free appraisal time slot, or call 715-526-3829.
Formerly senior editor of Antiques and Collectibles Books for Krause Publications in Iola, Moran has also been a contributing editor for Antique Trader magazine. He has served as editor of Antique Review East magazine; as producer of Atlantique City, an antique show held in Atlantic City, N.J.; and as editorial director of F+W Media’s Antiques Group.
Moran was also a guest expert on the PBS program “Antiques Roadshow” for nine seasons.
Moran bought and sold antiques for more than 30 years, specializing in vintage folk art, Americana and fine art. He has been active as an appraiser of antiques and fine art for more than 20 years.
Categories of objects for appraisal may include:
• Americana, including autographs and historical documents.
• Fine art, including paintings, drawings, prints and statuary.
• Furniture (usually smaller pieces are best).
• Ceramics, including figural pottery, vases, dishes, kitchenware and stoneware.
• Glassware, including marbles and souvenir items.
• Vintage photographs, including snapshots, tintypes, ambrotypes and daguerreotypes.
• Advertising, including posters, lithographed tin, paper and figural objects.
• Folk art, including carvings, quilts, weather vanes, windmill weights and “outsider” art.
• Assorted toys, including dolls (bisque, composition and plastic), wind-ups and mechanical banks.
• Metalware, including iron, bronze, brass, pot metal, silver, silver plate.
• Clocks, including mantel, hanging and figural.
• Costume jewelry, including brooches, bracelets, earrings.
• Musical instruments, including string, wind and reed instruments.
• Antique and vintage lighting of all kinds.
• Books.
• Sports memorabilia.
Excluded items include all weapons, including swords and knives (though folding knives with advertising are accepted); traps (like leg-hold); Nazi memorabilia; coins and paper money; fine jewelry, including precious gems; Beanie Babies.
Questions about objects not covered here can be submitted to Moran in advance to determine if they are appropriate. Suggested categories for advance inquiry include, but are not limited to Oriental, Native American and other tribal objects (African, Oceanic); ancient artifacts (Egyptian and other early cultures); fossils and minerals; automotive items; nautical and military-related objects; records; antique tools and technological objects (typewriters, cameras, assorted machinery or instruments for scientific measure, like sextants, telescopes, microscopes, etc.). When in doubt, email inquiry can often address this.
Opinions of value are informal and may not be used for insurance or charitable donation, which require a certified appraisal.
For information, contact Mark F. Moran Appraisals of Antiques & Fine Art, N7326 Maple Ridge Trail, Iola, WI 54945; 715-281-5060; or moranm1953@gmail.com.
