Photo by Skip Hubbard.
Norman and Linda Legassie of Old Lyme have been the proprietors of Stepping Stones Antiques and Collectibles in Old Saybrook since 1976. A professional sculptor, Norman’s knowledge of fine art brings a practiced eye to examine treasures. Linda adds many years of experience as a researcher in the fine and decorative arts. Their knowledge encompasses a wide range of subjects from prehistoric to present, including furniture, jewelry, postcards, tools, silver, pottery, and more. Norman is a Senior Professional Appraiser (SPA) with the National Association of Professional Appraisers. They will lend their considerable expertise as appraisers to the Chester Historical Society’s Antiques & Jewelry Appraisal on Saturday, Nov. 9 in Chester.
All those “treasures” you’ve stashed away for decades, planning to pass them down to future generations (or maybe you need to sell them to pay some bills), what are they really worth? Wouldn’t you like to know?
Antiques appraisals – think of “Antiques Roadshow” on public television – are a fascinating way to learn if your “treasures” have any value. The Chester Historical Society has been sponsoring them for many years to help people learn more about their “treasures.”
Once again, the Chester Historical Society is presenting its 10th Antiques & Jewelry Appraisal on Saturday, Nov. 9, from 8:30 a.m. to noon, at St. Joseph’s Parish Center in Chester.
Eleven appraisal experts will be on hand to appraise everything from jewelry, paintings, books and ephemera, stamps, coins and currency, glassware and brass candlesticks to textiles and furniture from every century.
Thomas J. Perry established his business, One of a Kind Antiques, in 1975, in Chester Center. He is now located in Deep River, with an online business (www.OneOfaKindAntiques.com). Tom has over 38 years of full-time experience buying and selling antiques, art, and vintage objects, dating from antiquity through the 20th century.
Three of the appraisers are generalists, appraising the full range of antiques. They are Norman and Linda Legassie of Stepping Stones Antiques and Collectibles in Old Saybrook, and Tom Perry of One of a Kind Antiques of Deep River (www.OneofaKindAntiques.com).
Orville Haberman established his antiquarian and used-book business, Connecticut River Books in Deep River, in 1984. He appraises all types of books and ephemera, specializing in children’s, nautical, hunting, fishing, Americana, arts, antiques, and architecture books.
The other eight appraisers are more specialized. They are Orville Haberman of CT River Books (books and ephemera); Paul Indorf of Connecticut Jewelry Appraisers (fine jewelry, gemstones, watches); Steve Lutar and Dave Passamano from Guilford Coin Exchange (coins and currency and stamps); Tom Medlin of Essex (American furniture of the 18th and 19th centuries, American paintings, and base metals, especially brass candlesticks); John Newman of Deep River (American-made glass and Aladdin oil and electric lamps); Kevin Timme (silver); and Gay Sherman Weintz (vintage costume jewelry).
Paul Indorf and Gay Sherman Weintz are jewelry appraisers, both from Chester. Paul’s specialty is fine jewelry, gemstones and watches, while Gay specializes in appraising vintage and antique costume jewelry. They will be at the Chester Historical Society’s Antiques & Jewelry Appraisal event on Saturday, Nov. 9, from 8:30 a.m. to noon at St. Joseph’s Parish Center in Chester.
Each attendee may bring up to three separate items to be appraised. If the item is too large to carry, bring photographs (if it’s a table or dresser, bring in a drawer too). Appraisals will cost $10 for the first item; $20 for two items; or $25 for three items. All proceeds will benefit the Chester Historical Society and its work on the Chester Museum at The Mill.
Tom Medlin of Essex has a broad working knowledge of the antiques and decorative arts business, with specialized areas including American furniture of the 18th and 19th centuries, American paintings, and base metals, in particular, brass candlesticks from the 15th through early 20th centuries.
St. Joseph’s Parish Center is on Rte. 154 in Chester. There is ample parking and handicapped access.
More information and directions to St. Joseph’s are on the website, ChesterHistoricalSociety.org, or email your questions to ChesterCTHistoricalSociety@gmail.com or call 860-558-4701.