tag:typepad.com,2003:weblog-1862493 2012-01-24T16:26:00-05:00 What's that antique / art worth? TypePad tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341cdd0d53ef0168e603b1c0970c 2012-01-24T16:26:00-05:00 2012-01-26T09:08:41-05:00

Question: Hello Mr. Langer, I would like your opinion regarding my Chinese Temple Jar, which is 20 inches tall and 10 inches in diameter. I purchased it from an antique dealer in Minneapolis in the 1970's - the only information he gave me was that it was from the early 20th century and had been acquired from a temple. There is what appears to be discoloration from incense smoke in the interior which also contains a number of paper streamers. In my internet research I came upon examples and description of the Fahua technique and because of similarities I wonder...

TheStarryEye Astrologer tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341cdd0d53ef015438348532970c 2011-12-12T11:32:11-05:00 2011-12-12T11:31:58-05:00

Hello, My father-in-law had these items. He brought them back from the Pacific Theater. I have been trying to find someone who could tell us what they are and and their value. If valuable they would like to sell them. I would be interested in buying them from my in-laws if the original owners could be located. I would return the photographs to the owner or relatives of the owner. Otherwise I would sell the items for my in-laws. Perhaps you can tell me something about these items or refer me?Any help is appreciated. Thank You. Items: One blue covered...

TheStarryEye Astrologer tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341cdd0d53ef0162fd7e224d970d 2011-12-07T13:56:31-05:00 2011-12-07T13:56:57-05:00

Hello Mr. Langer, I greatly appreciate your expertise in evaluating this carving. It is of extraordinary size, 22 inches tall and weighs in excess of 50 pounds. It is nicely carved in high relief with phoenix, lion dogs, elephant head handles, etc. The phoenix lifts off revealing a 7 inch deep cavity. There are no markings on the bottom. and it is identical on both sides. The rosewood base is intricately inlaid with fine brass wire. I have found nothing online comparable in size, so I am guessing it may be quite unusual in that regard. I thank you in...

TheStarryEye Astrologer tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341cdd0d53ef0162fc61f842970d 2011-11-21T11:44:00-05:00 2011-11-21T11:44:00-05:00

Question: I don't have any information on these, but I would appreciate an appraisal if at all possible for any or all of these. If it is possible, could you email me the link to the appraisal if it is posted online. Thank you very much. RD Langer Answers: Unfortunately, I cannot appraise nine American Indian items for you; appraising is iike a work of art; it takes a great deal of time to get it right. You might want to contact America West Archives, 435-586-9497; perhaps they may be able to accommodate your request.

TheStarryEye Astrologer tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341cdd0d53ef0162fc61ed03970d 2011-11-14T11:50:09-05:00 2011-11-14T11:41:39-05:00

Question: This vase was passed down to me from my great-grandmother. It was a gift she received while abroad on the R.M.S. Franconia “Around the World Cruise” of 1930. I have her log book and journal from the tour around the world. I’m not sure what palace she visited when she was given this vase. The story behind it is so precious to my sister and I. She was given a sightseeing break and visited a palace. She spent some time visiting with a shiek that resided there and he was taken by her humbleness and appreciation for the surrounding...

TheStarryEye Astrologer tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341cdd0d53ef01543667ccc7970c 2011-10-25T15:07:09-04:00 2011-10-25T15:07:09-04:00

Question: Hi I have a jade carving that I would like you to value please. When I first bought it it was covered in hard wearing paint. I have since removed the paint to discover that the carving was jade underneath. What baffles me is why would any one want to paint over such a beautiful carving. I have been advised that it may be a burmese jadeite hat ornament from the 1900s. The reason why it may have been painted was to hide the value of the item so that it would’t be confiscated by the communist goverment. Can...

TheStarryEye Astrologer tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341cdd0d53ef015435742432970c 2011-10-02T13:33:00-04:00 2011-10-02T13:33:00-04:00

Question: I need you to look at this soap Stone Carving Vase. When my father was in the Marine Corp in World War II, he traveled to many countries and brought this. Please take a look and tell me how much the piece is worth and who I can sell it to. RD Langer replies: It is a very nice piece of chinese soapstone. What is the size? What state do you live in?

TheStarryEye Astrologer tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341cdd0d53ef015391a1076d970b 2011-09-27T13:35:00-04:00 2011-09-27T13:35:00-04:00

Question: Dear R.D. Langer, I would sincerely appreciate your help with a vase that my father has, we took it into a place to have it appraised and not only did it take her weeks to get back to us but we truely believe she is way off base on the appraisal. This originally belonged to my grandfather who had it appraised back in November of 1973, at that time he was given the history on the vase and an appraisal. I can tell you this person we took it to recently appraised it $900 less then what it was...

TheStarryEye Astrologer tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341cdd0d53ef015391b9d539970b 2011-09-21T12:03:00-04:00 2011-09-19T14:48:17-04:00

Question: I have an ancient Sinhalese palm leaf script and a coin along with that, coin is 13-14th century and script we believe from 15 -16th century. What is your assessment about it? Thank you. RD Langer replies: This is way beyond my scope. You need a very special individual who concentrates on this type of collecting. I strongly suggest you contact Bonhams and Butterfield in Los Angeles. Send them them photos. The script appears to be south east asian; the coin greco-roman. Let me know what you learn, and good luck. RDL

TheStarryEye Astrologer tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341cdd0d53ef015435741d40970c 2011-09-15T13:31:46-04:00 2011-09-15T13:31:46-04:00

Question: I am trying to value this vase. Greek Vase - . It is just beautiful and has the attached emblem on bottom. Can you please help? Please see attached photo’s. Sparkles incredibly and has so much gold trim – very thick. Pictures show a bit of cracking on bottom – but nothing like this on rest of vase. I just know it is valuable and very old! If nothing else the 24K trim has to be somewhat valuable! RD Langer replies: Kelly, I think your vase is modern. However, phone William Jenack Auctioneers, ask for their e-mail address, and...

TheStarryEye Astrologer