Do you ever fantasize that you might have an undiscovered treasure in your attic or basement, or maybe sitting out in plain sight? That painting you bought at a yard sale? That old vase from great-great-grandma?
Gather up the possibilities and have them appraised at the Harvard Historical Society's Rags or Riches Road Show on Nov. 4 at 215 Still River Road. This is the Historical Society's fundraiser for the year; proceeds will go to operational costs and programming.
The event begins at 7 p.m., with the doors opening at 6:30 p.m. for current Harvard Historical Society members and for those who purchase advance-sale tickets.
Participants are limited to three items, preferably portable. If you have a larger piece, you may bring a photo or call Pat Hatch (978-456-8729), Historical Society board member and chair of the event, ahead of time to make special arrangements.
Each appraisal costs $10. In exchange for real money, you will receive "funny money" that will allow you to purchase a verbal appraisal of each item. Appraisal funny money can be purchased in advance by calling Pat Hatch at 978-456-8729.
When you arrive at the event, rags or riches in hand, you will purchase your appraisal funny money or show "money" previously purchased. Depending on what kind of object you have, you will be directed to the table of the appropriate expert. There, you will be invited to discuss your items and receive a verbal appraisal.
The experts come from the surrounding area and have extensive knowledge and experience in antiques: antique clocks, coins and stamps, jewelry, paintings, early china, transfer ware, basalt, antique sewing items (gold and silver thimbles, sewing birds, fancy pin cushions), antique tools, scientific instruments, measuring devices, glass, antique pewter and brass.
Two of the experts are Harvard residents. Pat Hatch is known for country antiques, early textiles, and Shaker items. Kyle Hedrick is a dealer in Oriental rugs and will work from a photo if your rug is too large to carry in.
A "bell ringer" will occur frequently throughout the evening. Hedrick and one of the other experts will take the stage to show everyone a particularly interesting or challenging object. The owner will be invited to tell the story of how he or she acquired the item and the experts will discuss their knowledge of the object and assess its worth for everyone's edification, amusement, or envy.
The Society is grateful to the experts who have generously agreed to share their time and vast knowledge to make what promises to be an entertaining and educational evening. And for some, it may even be an enriching experience!
For more information call 978-456-8285 or email curator@harvardhistory.org.