The Blanchard House Blog

Stuart Whitehurst appraises an oil painting at the 2009 event

Back by popular demand, the Andover Historical Society will host its fifth annual “What’s it Worth” Appraisal event with Skinner appraiser Stuart Slavid.“What’s It Worth?” will be held Friday March 18, 2011 from 7:00 until 9:00 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation on Locke Street, around the corner from the Historical Society.

“What’s It Worth” with Stuart Slavid will start at 7:00 p.m. Guests may bring one item to be appraised or come to listen and enjoy Slavid’s entertaining and enlightening appraisals.  Tickets for the event are $15 for Andover Historical Society members and $20 for non-members.  Coins, stamps, jewelry and musical instruments will not be appraised at this event.  To register for the event, purchase tickets below or call the Historical Society 978-475-2236.

Ellen Marcus holds the 18th century rifle she brought to be appraised in 2009

“What’s It Worth” is an open format appraisal event, which has become increasingly popular as appraisers have found that guests are just as curious about the treasures brought by other guests as they are about their own.  As guests enter they register their appraisal item, place it on tables at the front of the hall, and then take a seat in the audience.  Slavid will examine and discuss each item on the tables, appraising up to 50 items during the event.  Slavid is an entertaining and informative speaker whose goal is to teach the audience something new with each item he examines.

“What’s It Worth?” event appraiser Stuart Slavid joined Skinner in 1989 as Director of the Fine Ceramics Department, specializing in English and Continental ceramics of the 18^th through the 20^th centuries.  Stuart is internationally recognized as one of the world’s foremost authorities on Wedgwood.  In 1993, Stuart was appointed Director of Skinner’s European Furniture & Decorative Arts department which includes fine European and late 19^th century American furniture and decorative arts.  As a leading auctioneer and general appraiser at Skinner, Stuart often lectures, conducts benefit auctions such as this event, and can be seen regularly on a popular PBS television series.

Skinner antiques appraiser Stuart Slavid

With galleries in Boston and Bolton, Mass., Skinner is a leading full-service auctioneer and appraiser of antiques and fine art.  Skinner is widely regarded as one of the most reputable names in the auction business.  Skinner’s appraisers and executive officers appear nationally on a popular PBS program.  Skinner’s specialty departments amass the expertise of dozens of trained fine art and antique specialists who stay current on the latest issues and developments in the worldwide marketplace.