Appraisals Day Returning To

Newtown Meeting House

Newtown Historical Society will again offer people a chance to find out the value of their treasures big and small with an antiques appraisal day on Sunday, March 23, from 2  to 5 pm. The event will be at Newtown Meeting House, at the flagpole on Main Street in Newtown. Verbal appraisals are $5 per item, with all proceeds benefiting the society.

Whether it’s an old family heirloom, the latest find from the flea market, or a curious piece of jewelry, the four-person panel of appraisers will be ready for anything. The panel includes Tucker Frey, owner of Tucker Frey Antiques in Woodbury, who specializes in 17th, 18th and early 19th Century furniture and decorative accessories; Wayne Mattox, also of Woodbury, the owner of an auction gallery and appraisal service and the author of the syndicated column, “Antique Talk,” who brings a large breadth of expertise; Steve Stieglitz of Manhattan and Newtown, an experienced jewelry evaluator; and Jack DeStories of Newtown, co-owner of Fairfield Auction Gallery, who possesses a wealth of antiques knowledge ranging from furniture and decorative arts, to clocks and collectibles, to autographs and sports memorabilia. This group of experts together adds a depth not often found at local appraisal days.

The panel encourages the presentation of furniture for appraisal. Large pieces can be evaluated by photograph, or, if brought to the meeting house but too cumbersome to carry in, an appraiser will step outside for viewing curbside during that 4 to 5 pm hour.

A microphone system will be in use to amplify the appraisers’ comments. This system not only allows patrons entertainment while waiting in line, but offers up a veritable antiques education for all interested.

As the event is expected to draw a large crowd, each person is limited to three items for appraisal per trip through line, however, nothing prevents one from lining up again and again. Patrons are asked to arrive well before 5 pm to guarantee their turn with the appraisers. Last year’s event saw over 200 items evaluated in the three-hour span, representing virtually every category of collecting.

Call the society at 426-5937 for further information.