A member of the Old Lyme Historical Society looks on as Carol Brevard of Brevard Appraisal and Estate Services examines an antique candelabra at the Old Lyme Historical Society’s antiques appraisal event “Vintage!” in March 2013.

Vintage!, the Old Lyme Historical Society’s antiques appraisal event that benefits its scholarship fund, takes place this afternoon between 1 and 4 p.m. at the Old Lyme Town Hall.  This year Jeff Cooley of The Cooley Gallery and Norman Legassie of Stepping Stones Antiques will join the outstanding group of returning appraisers that were present at last year’s popular event.

The appraisers’ collective expertise covers a broad range of antiques specialties including books, toys, textiles, farm tools, precious metal jewelry, artwork, and coins.  Each verbal appraisal costs $5 per item and there is a three item limit per person.  If you’re a fan of the “Antiques Roadshow” or if you have been wondering what some of your vintage items are worth, this event is for you.

This year’s appraisers are Jeff Cooley, Norman Legassie, Steven Lutar, Isaiah Griffith, Curt Wendler, Nancy Hoffman, and Carol Brevard.

Jeff Cooley, of the Cooley Gallery in Old Lyme, specializes in paintings from the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries. Norman Legassie, of Stepping Stones Antiques in Old Saybrook, is a generalist appraiser, with experience in fine art, decorative arts, furniture, jewelry, postcards, and books.  Steven Lutar is the owner of The Guilford Coin Exchange. Isaiah Griffith, the fifth generation in a family of antique dealers, has expertise in vintage toys, hunting and fishing items, and sterling silver.

Curt Wendler has been in the book business buying and selling fine used books for over 30 years, his background includes experience with firms in New York and New Haven, 10 years as co-owner of Centerbridge Books in Essex, and more recently as the owner of a private book company in Old Saybrook. He will examine books, autographs, photos, posters, and ephemera.

Old Saybrook resident Nancy Hoffman is a long-time antiques dealer specializing in textiles and early country items. She will appraise textiles, linens, coverlets, quilts, sewing, kitchen items, farm implements, and primitive country furniture.

Carol Brevard of Brevard Appraisal and Estate Services has been certified through Rhode Island School of Design and ASA to handle your valuation questions.  A thorough researcher, she is a very able generalist in the antiques field and is known for her diligence, professionalism, and compassion in estate liquidation.  In addition to antique items in general, she will appraise paintings, prints, engravings and other art work, pottery, ceramics and related items.

Proceeds from this event will benefit the Old Lyme Historical Society’s scholarship fund.  Each year a scholarship is awarded to an Old Lyme senior who plans to major in history in college.  Students living in Old Lyme, including those who attend schools elsewhere, are eligible to apply.

To make a donation, send a check to OLHS, PO Box 352, Old Lyme, CT.  For information on how to apply for the scholarship, email info@oldlymehistorical.org.  For further information about the “Vintage!” event contact the Old Lyme Historical Society at 860-434-0684.

To find out more about the Old Lyme Historical Society and its interesting activities explore the web site www.oldlymehistoricalsociety.org or stop by its office in the Genealogy Room at The Old Lyme–Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library. Hours are Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.

To volunteer with the Old Lyme Historical Society, look for opportunities on the Old Lyme-Lyme Volunteer Connection website http://volunteer.truist.com/ollvolunteer/volunteer/