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Community Corner

Antiques Appraised at Historical Society Event

This was the second year the program was held and it was another great turnout.

More than 150 people interested in knowing what their treasured items were worth came to the second antique appraisal at  in Emmaus on Aug. 15.  The event was sponsored by the .

They arrived with furniture, toys, bells, jewelry, books, glassware, dishes and more for auctioneers from Alderfer’s Auction and Appraisal of Hatfield to appraise. Some were disappointed, others surprised at what they were told.

Only one item had the five auctioneers stumped. The nearest they could figure, the item was an old style torch, but that didn’t seem right to them either.  So, the owner said he will keep searching to find out just what this item is.

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Several U.S. coins and paper money were brought to the appraisal. One coin—a $10 gold piece—was of some value. One of the appraisers, Charles Moyer, told the coin's owner the best way to get the most money would be to sell it for scrap. She could net $700 for it at current gold prices, he said.

Moyer recommended that all items of value have a separate insurance policy.  Most insurance companies do not cover antiques and valuables against vandalism, theft or fire, he said. 

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He also reminded people to identify all pictures, photos and mementos with names, dates and any story related to the item. This will help future generations, and sometimes add value to the items.

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