Antique-appraisal fair benefits senior center's dining-room program

David Daniel, regional representative with Bonhams and Butterfields Auctioneers and Appraisers, will be one of several appraisers who will look over items and put a value to them Saturday at the Carson City Senior Citizens Center's second annual Antique Appraisal Faire.

Daniel advises that an antique isn't an antique until it's 100 years old. Even then, it's questionable.

"People tend to bring items that have more sentimental value, but no monetary value," Daniel said. "The vast majority is collectible, not antique, per se."

Still, senior center Director Janice McIntosh is excited to see what items are brought in.

"I think it will be phenomenal," she said.

Centrally located between Lyon, Douglas and Washoe counties, Carson City is the perfect location, McIntosh believes, for hosting an appraisal faire.

"We're just right in the middle of all these areas," Mc McIntosh said. "The appraisers can appraise just about anything."

Daniel said he was pleasantly surprised last year when a person brought in a painting valued at $50,000.

"I don't remember the artist, but it was really nice," he said.

Assisting Daniel with appraisals are Malcolm Walker, a European painting specialist, and Gary Espinosa, who along with Daniel is a generalist appraiser, which covers a broad spectrum of items.

"Espinosa is the vice president for Bonhams and Butterfields," Daniel said. "He's a furniture and decorative arts specialist."

McIntosh hopes weather won't be a factor in a person's decision to attend.

"I think we'll have a lot of people, if the weather isn't horrendous. I will have the parking lot and sidewalks clear of snow. And don't forget we'll have breakfast available this year, from 8-10 a.m."

Money raised at the appraisal fair will be used to fund dining-room expenses at the senior center, specifically congregate meals.

"We have just as many needy people (in the dining room) as Meals on Wheels recipients, but are able to come into the dining room to get their meal," McIntosh said.

Seniors who eat in the center's dining room are asked to donate $2 for their meal. If they cannot, they will not be turned away. The Older Americans Act requires "donations" for meals be anonymous.

Daniel said paintings, jewelry and mid-20th century modern furniture, which is "pretty hot" right now, are usually valued higher than what might be thought.

"I've seen some incredible stuff," Daniel said. "Last year, there was an early Rene La Lique, who was a great French designer, from jewelry to art glass. Sort of the Tiffany of art glass."

Daniel said American Indian art is common for Nevada, including baskets, pottery and Navajo blankets.

And if someone has a rare and/or valuable item and wants to sell it, Daniel said B&B would be glad to sell it for them in San Francisco.

"That's the reason we're doing this," he said. "We've done well in Carson City before. Some great stuff turns up at these things."

Daniel, whose office is in Reno, will have business cards available, as will the other appraisers, for those who wish to follow up on items.

-- Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.