Experts Reveal Value of ‘Treasures’ at Art Museum

What is it? Second Appraisal Day at the Rockford Art Museum.

Who was there? Rock River Valley residents curious about the history or value of their rare possessions had them appraised Saturday by experts from Leslie Hindman Auctioneers of Chicago.

Appraise this: People brought in jewelry, paintings, glassware and other decorative arts.

Ask and you shall receive: Executive Director Linda Dennis said one of the most common questions from museum patrons is how they can get their artwork appraised, so they decided to have the first Appraisal Day last year.

How many? More than 60 people set appointments to have an item appraised during the five-hour event this year. Proceeds go to the museum.

Good investment: A small investment at an auction a few years back turned into a near $200 profit for Carolyn Sims of Rockford.

Sims bought a 1919 framed print of a man, a picture owned previously by a former history professor.

“It is just something I came across, and it was just an interesting photo,” Sims said. “I dabble at a lot of older, antique stuff. With art, it is just something that catches my attention and I buy it.”

Hair it is: Lisa Pflipsen of Rochelle wasn’t quite sure what she had found when she was cleaning out a storage area a while back. Pflipsen found that she had a Victorian-era mourning pendant with woven human hair. During that time, hair from a deceased loved one would be gathered and used in a pendant so the person could have a part of their loved one always with them, Pflipsen was told.

“I saw it and it was unusual, and I thought, ‘Let’s see what I can find out,’” she said. “It kind of satisfies some curiosity so I don’t have to wonder so much.”

Read more at http://www.rrstar.com/carousel/x549833405/Experts-reveal-value-of-treasures-at-Rockford-Art-Museum.