What’s It Worth?: Museum fundraiser features antiquarian James Supp

The event runs from 1-5 p.m., and admission for all is $10, for this special event. Admission plus appraisal of one item is $30. (Limit one item per person.)

Orr explained in a press release: “Determining the historical and/or monetary value of an object — whether a fine painting, photograph, print, cup and saucer, vintage tool, old cupboard, Persian rug, or family album — is an art in itself. This weighing of the objective and subjective factors is a balancing act, one best left to the experienced, trained ‘eye.’ And who better to tell you ‘What’s It Worth?’ than antiquarian James Supp?”

Supp has explored every aspect of the antiquarian world from collector, restorer, researcher, seller/buyer, and estate appraiser, according to a press release. His expertise has even led him to reproduce a variety of vintage and historic items, including antique tools. Supp’s early specialty was crafting fine reproductions of ancient Roman surgical tools and then medieval armor. He combines an intimate knowledge of the specific characteristics of a wide range of types of objects with, and most significantly, a first-hand understanding of the methods/processes used to manufacture them.

“These experiences make James’ uniquely qualified in the appraisal world,” Orr said.

Supp will start with a short presentation about the international antiquarian world of appraisers/dealers/collectors who are always on the lookout for the next great find.

The rest of the afternoon will be devoted to watching Supp take on local collectors and their treasures. Maybe your grandmother’s teapot belonged to Queen Victoria, or the photograph tucked away in your family album is a previously unknown Ansel Adams, or that black pot is by noted Native American artist Maria Martinez. Find out.

Also open at the History Museum is the new exhibition “FIRE: Eagle Creek 2017.”