Appraisals

Whether at our gallery, on call at an estate, or at a charity appraisal fair, there are times as auctioneers and appraisers that we are forced to burst bubbles. Sometimes, we’re shown something that is believed by its owner to be of high value, only to dash the hopes of the presenter. Other times, we’re shown something about which we’re given an elaborate or incredible story, only to contradict and disprove the teller’s tale. We do so not with malice, but with a responsibility to be honest and to share our knowledge with those who have come seeking it.

Most people take disappointing news well and just sigh or shrug and say something like, “Oh, well. Now I know.” There are a select few, however, that when their dreams of a windfall and early retirement are destroyed, or when their erroneous conception of an item is challenged, they lash out in ridiculous ways.

Continue reading “Poe’s Time Machine”