I have inherited a strainer violin, very old. It says Jacob Strainer in Absam prope Oenipomtum 1716. Is this the age and could you tell me something about it and its retail value? It is structurally sound with wear marks but no splits or warping.

August 6th, 2023

I have found in a box 3 miniature portraits, signed by Stieler, framed with Ivory. Are they just copies or how do I know what they are? One says: Gräfin Holstein (Stieler) No 7. The Ivory has a small rim of black lines around it and a golden patterned rim inside where the print starts. The backing of the print looks like old newspaper and I think it is Latin language.

September 12th, 2023

Could you help identify this Asian watercolor?

June 24th, 2023

I have various plastic swizzle sticks from brands like Martini, Le Sirop Monin, Monin, Orangina, Eristoff, Schweppes, and Coke. I want to know their approximate dates and values, and whether it's better to sell them individually, as sets, or as a job lot.

February 19th, 2023

I had china stolen from my storage unit. I need to know the value of it for the police report and insurance purposes. The china included a set from Bavaria Germany, Forest, Moonglow #20 or #30, with 12 each of dinner, salad, and bread plates, a smaller plate, soup bowl, fruit/dessert bowl, saucers, and 9 cups. Also stolen were the coffee pot with lid, sugar bowl with lid, creamer, gravy boat with under plate, vegetable bowl, and 14" platter. This set was purchased in 1957/8. Additionally, another set of china, Symphony by Fairfield, was taken. This set included 8 place settings (dinner, salad, bread plates, soup bowls, cups and saucers), along with a vegetable bowl, oval platter, coffee pot with lid, creamer, sugar bowl with lid, and vegetable bowl. This set was a gift from my mother in the early 1990's.

November 5th, 2024