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Appraisal fair at Museum set for Saturday, Oct. 13
 | | Jeff Evans (right) and Kent Botkin (far right) of Green Valley Auctions appraise a Rockingham-made crock valued at $5,000-$8,000 belonging to Kitty Armstrong. |
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McDOWELL - ºThe Highland County Museum and Heritage Center will host an Appraisal Fair on Saturday, Oct. 13, from noon until 3 p.m. during the Hands and Harvest Festival.
The last appraisal fair here was held in October 2004, when many people brought items, had them appraised and returned home to collect more treasures only to bring them back to the museum for appraisal as well.
During the appraisals, a Rockingham-made crock was valued at $5,000-$8,000 by appraiser Jeff Evans, owner of Green Valley Auctions in Mount Crawford. The crock belonged to Kitty Armstrong of Churchville.
Factors contributing to the crock's value included attributing the item to Rockingham County pottery, its outstanding cobalt blue color, and the item's great condition.
Again this fall, Evans will volunteer his time to appraise items along with Green Valley employee Kent Botkin.
 | | Evans gets a close up view of an appraisal item. |
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Recently, Highland County Museum and Heritage Center intern Erin Ralston had the opportunity to talk to Evans and Botkin about their experiences with appraisals.
Evans says auctions have always been a part of his life. His parents collected glass and antiques and took him to auctions at a very young age. Since then, his love for antiques, in particular glass and pottery, has only grown. He has a vast knowledge on appraising, and informed Ralston there are many factors that must be considered when valuing items. The most important is the rarity of the item, Evans said - deciding how it's different or unique. Next, one must consider its condition, and finally, it is important to consider the history of the piece. How old is it? Does the piece have a history of long ownership?
Evans maintains interest in auctioning and appraisals - especially when he discovers a valuable item. For example, his auction company recently sold a Johannes Splitler Cupboard forº$968,500.
In addition, a wooden weather vane from the old New Hampden Mill in Highland sold for more than $15,000 at a Green Valley Auction.
Evans said this item, which was in the shape of a fish and had a bullet hole through it said to been made by Union minie ball, was of great value because it was in phenomenal condition, had survived so long, and is considered folk art carved by an artist who had not beenºtrained.
Botkin developed his love for collecting historical items at a young age as well, by attending yard sales and searching through his grandmother's home.
Botkin owns a vast array of Highland County items that range from textiles to furniture. His favorite item, a pie safe, belonged to the late Doreen Ralston, whom he knew personally.
The proceeds of the appraisal fair will benefit the Highland County Museum and Heritage Center.
Evans and Botkin will not be giving appraisals on jewelry, fur, or firearms. Only verbal appraisals will be given, and there are fees for one to three items, with a limit of three per person.
For more information, call the museum at 540-396-4478.
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