ARC Antique Appraisal surprises, delights many on value of antiques
There was a line out the door even before the Animal Refuge Center Antique Roadshow-style fund raiser started last weekend, with some of the top appraisers in the country on hand to let people know what their antiques and collectibles could be worth.
Through the day, individuals kept coming in, with a variety of items.
Notable celebrity appraiser Peter Curran and friends from Antiques Roadshow were the big draw.
ARC Development Director Carlos Navedo credited the success of the event to Curran.
“He donated his time last year because he’s an avid animal lover. This year we spoke to him about a bigger and better event, and he asked some of his friends from Antiques Roadshow to donate their time.”
Curran spends most of his time traveling for the show, but he comes down here to Southwest Florida to stay for a few months every year, Navedo said.
Individuals were asked to donate $20 to have two items appraised. The event was held at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Fort Myers to draw many from many different areas, to raise funds to help care for the more than 500 animals that call the 22.5-acre North Fort Myers ARC sanctuary home.
Curran was joined by other Antique Roadshow apprisers Helaine Fendelman, an antique specialist and syndicated columnist from New York, Henry Eckert of Traces Fine Art and Bantam Fine Art of Bantan CT and local Ben Daidone, a Rolex and antique watch specialist and jewelry appraiser from Prestige Time Service in Fort Myers.
The early and steady crowds that brought their treasures were exciting, said ARC Treasurer Betty Hughes.
“One of my favorite reasons for holding this kind of event is all the hidden secrets that people have in their attic or stored away that have considerable value, and they have no idea. Many brought in things of sentimental value that were worth thousands of dollars.”
She herself was surprised when she had her mother’s broach appraised and it was valued at over $1,200. “I had no idea.”
Other items were valued at five figures.
“We had a German stein, 1863, glass with rubies, turquoise and gold. It needs more research, but we believe it is in the five figures,” said Fendelman.
She added that a German dessert service was in four figures.
“We’ve seen several interesting things and met some lovely, grateful people,” she noted.
“A woman brought in a signed picture of Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth that was appraised at $4,000,” said ARC volunteer Jim Hunton. “It is probably the only time they posed together, it was said they hated each other.”
A novelty clock was brought in by by the North Fort Myers Collver family, including mom Sue Collver and daughter Caitlin, appraised by Daidone.
A bronze sculpture was examined by Henry Eckert. The piece was brought in by Linda and “Ski” Griswinski of Fort Myers.
“It’s charming, turn of the century and likely French,” Eckert told them. He appraised it at over $1,000.
“That’s good for me,” said Linda.
“But we’d never sell it, her husband added. “We just came because it’s a lot of fun and a good cause.”
Curran appraised a painting for Naples resident Beverly Black who traveled to Fort Myers for the event. “I like it,” he said of the oil on canvas. “It’s worth between 10,000 and $12,000. It’s by Edward Moran, a well-known American painter.”
Black said she had no idea it was worth that much. “I just knew where it came from, Moran.”
Cape Coral resident Mike Rosa was happy with his $1,000 value on one of a pair of late 19th century American ruby and crystal lamps, called lusters or girandoles.
“My grandmother had them on the mantle, and I remember the beautiful lights and colors that came through the prisms.”
ACR Board director Lee Allor was very happy with the turn out.
“I’m glad to see this because all of the proceeds go to ARC,” he said.
He also announced that more distribution points have been added to another ARC supported project – The Save the Pets Alliance. Started in Lee County, there is expansion now in Collier and Charlotte Counties.
The Save the Pets Alliance is a cooperative effort of The Animal Refuge Center, Lee County Animal Services, Caloosa Veterinary Medical Society, PETCO, Cyber Sunshine and the Harry Chapin Food Bank to provide the food and supplies necessary to keep pets in their homes, rather than in shelters.
“This expansion is coming about due to the overwhelming need and the huge response from the community including major corporations that have stepped up to support this cause,” said Allor. “Royal Canin USA, a global leader in pet nutrition has donated 10 tons of dog and cat food to Save The Pets Alliance. We’d like to thank the Save The Pets Alliance for allowing us the opportunity to help feed hungry pets in Florida.”
To make a monetary donation or donate pet food and supplies view the 36-plus drop-off sites at savethepetstoday.com.
ARC is located behind the Lee Civic Center at 18011 Old Bayshore Rd., and has more than 400 animals available for adoption. Call 731-3535 to make an appointment. Visiting hours are now 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., seven days a week.