Page 37 - JOA6-21

Journal of Antiques and Collectibles and Asheford Institute of Antiques have teamed up to present:

Asheford Institute of Antiques
www.asheford.com
APPRAISERS CORNER A Commitment to Excellence Since 1966

Certified Appraisal Training

Dear David –
While I was at an estate sale where the house
was built in 1760, I came across this piece.
There is a series of hooks along the bar and some
design work on each one. It measures about 23”
and has a nice green patina. The owner said it
was made in about 1830. I paid $75 for it and
am almost afraid to put anything on the hooks.
How much is it worth? Is it really that old? How
do I care for this? I just bought it because I love
the look.
Thank you,
Dawn
Hello, Dawn, and thank you for sending this
wonderful submission.
I have to ask; would you like to sell it
to me? I love it!! I would even pay you a
handsome profit! Alas, I am guessing not,
because you are asking for an appraisal.
Because I am an Antiques Dealer and an
Appraiser, one of the first questions I am
required to ask when a person brings me an
item is: Do you want this piece appraised? or
do you want to sell this piece to me? If you
want to sell it to me, I cannot appraise it, and
if you want the piece appraised, I cannot
purchase it at that time, because, as an
appraiser, it is a conflict of interest.
If an appraiser wants to appraise and pur-
chase the piece in the same setting. Be wary.
You might be happy to learn that I do not
believe this piece was made in the 1830s. I actually believe it could have for sale at a primitives auction,
been made when the house was built or between the 1750-1780 I would expect to pay $225 -
periods. I have seen a few pieces similar that were made of iron dated at $275+ for it. I believe $75 was
the French and Indian wars through the American Revolution period. a great bargain.
This type of rack had many uses – I have seen similar racks with There are two schools of
sharpened ends on the hooks used to hang wild game in the kitchen. thought regarding the utiliza-
Your hooks have dull ends and I believe this particular rack was used tion and cleaning of antique
to hang copper and brass pots and or Hearth cooking tools. I believe brass, copper, and iron. One
this could be made of copper, but I would have to inspect it to school says clean it and polish
know for sure. it and use it. The other says if you want to retain maximum value, use
Regardless if this was copper, brass, or iron, the hooks and the back it, but leave it crusty and old looking. I believe if you were going to
bar are entirely heated, twisted, and hammered by hand with the hooks make it utilitarian and hang pots on it that you currently cook with, it
then being attached to the bar by pins. I am guessing it was created needs to be clean and sterile. But if it were just decoration and you
by a local blacksmith in the area. It seems that this was a style on much simply are going to enjoy it for the antique and history it brings, then
of the East Coast of America at that time period. Each of these pot leave it just as you have found it. Because at present it is just dripping
hangers I have seen is the same basic style, but different and unique in history! I Love It.
its own right. Whatever you decide to do with it Dawn; love it, display it and
I believe it could be copper or brass not only because of the green enjoy it.
patina it has, but because it makes sense. What happens when a wet pot David L Moore CPAA
is placed on the iron pot rack? The iron rusts, but not so with copper
or brass. I would have to inspect it to know for sure.
If it is made of iron, I would not hesitate to hang lightweight items
on it. If it is copper or brass, I would inspect it for cracks in the hooks David Moore is part of the “Ask the Experts” appraising team for the
before I hung any weight on it. If the hooks are without cracks, I believe Asheford Institute of Antiques where he is an Honors graduate and a
Certified Asheford Institute of Antiques Appraiser. Mr. Moore has
lightweight items would be OK. been buying, researching and selling the rare and unusual in antiques
This piece would be very desirable in today’s market. It has a niche for over 50 years. David is currently the owner of D.L. Moore, CAA,
in the Folk Art, Antique Primitives, Kitchen Antiques, Antique Tools an antiques appraisal business.
market as well as Early American Antiques. If we were to find this piece

The Journal of Antiques & Collectibles and Asheford Institute of Antiques have teamed up to provide our readers with professional appraisers to help you learn more
about and value your finds. Do you have questions about something you have acquired? We welcome your questions and photos. Send your information to edito-
rial@journalofantiques.com or mail to Journal of Antiques & Collectibles, PO Box 950, Sturbridge, MA 01566 attn: Appraisers Corner. To learn more about
becoming a “certified” antiques appraiser, visit www.asheford.com or call the Admissions Office toll free at 877-444-4508.

June 2021 35