The Historical Society of Moorestown is hosting their first ever Moorestown Antiques Roadshow on Sunday, Nov. 4.
Ever wonder what that family heirloom gathering dust in the attic might be worth? On Sunday, Nov. 4, the Historical Society of Moorestown is giving residents a chance to find out with its first-ever Moorestown Antiques Roadshow.
Historical Society President Mickey DiCamillo said people frequently contact the historical society and ask what their antiques are worth.
“We do not have the knowledge to be able to answer these sort of questions, so we thought it would be helpful to bring in someone who can help people learn more about their antiques, family heirlooms and interesting possessions,” DiCamillo said.
The day of the event auctioneer, certified appraiser and radio host Michael Ivankovich will deliver a free talk titled “What Are Your Treasures Worth?” He will teach attendees how to best value their antiques, collectibles and personal treasures.
DiCamillo said Ivankovich is a well-known auctioneer and appraiser throughout Bucks and Montgomery counties in Pennsylvania, which are hotbeds for antique collecting. Ivankovich was referred to the historical society by a Montgomery County civic group that has had him visit for a similar event.
Ivankovich said many people just go to an appraiser if they want to know the value of something. Through his presentation, Ivankovich hopes to give attendees the tools to estimate that value themselves.
Then, for a donation of $25 to the Historical Society of Moorestown, a person can have one of his/her own items appraised by Ivankovich. He said people frequently bring coins, jewelry, glassware and artwork. He said he often asks attendees if they want him to sugarcoat it or “give it to them right between the eyes.” Most opt for the latter.
He said people are usually appreciative and understanding of his honesty when he tells them the value. He joked he’s gotten very good at delivering bad news when an item isn’t worth as much as the person had estimated.
Ivankovich has been antiquing since he was in his mid-20s, and despite making a career of it, he said appraising never feels like work.
“If I do my job right, nobody leaves there without getting a piece of my personal attention,” Ivankovich said.
DiCamillo said any item that a person wants to know more about is welcome. He said first edition books, an interesting piece of art or a silver teapot are the usual things people bring, but people have all sorts of interesting things laying around their centuries-old homes. People may have interesting items that have been passed down to them from generations ago, or items they found in an attic when they bought their house.
People who are downsizing often struggle to know what they should hang on to, what they should pass on to their kids and what they should simply get rid of, DiCamillo said. Ivankovich’s talk will help people with these difficult questions.
DiCamillo said people are often interested in the value of their possessions, but do not know where to go to get a fair appraisal.
“This is a chance to have a conversation about your prized possessions and learn how to value these items should you need a monetary figure for a future sale or even insurance purposes,” DiCamillo said.
Individual appraisals will be scheduled between noon and 1 p.m. and 2 and 3 p.m. The free talk will run from 1 to 2 p.m. The event will be held at Evergreens Retirement Community Ballroom. People can get more information by contacting DiCamillo at [email protected] or by visiting http://www.moorestownhistory.org/event/moorestown-antiques-roadshow/.
