The Value Of Treasures Big & Small

Newtown Historical Society will again offer people a chance to discover the value of treasures big and small with its Sixth Annual Antiques Appraisal Day. This year’s event will be Sunday, March 28, 2 to 5 pm, at Newtown Meeting House, at the flagpole on Main Street in Newtown.

Verbal appraisals are $5 per item, with all proceeds benefiting the historical society.

The returning panel consists of 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, owner of an auction gallery and appraisal service and the author of the syndicated column “Antique Talk,” who brings a large breadth of antiques 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, collectibles, autographs and even sports memorabilia. These experts work as a team together giving evaluations and commentary and providing 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 the 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, but offers 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. Last year’s event saw over 150 items evaluated in the three hour span, representing virtually every category of collecting.

Call the society at 426-5937 for further information.