Author: Joyce

An Estate Jewelry Find from Johnstown, NY

Written on November 6, 2015.

We recently sold a beautiful piece of estate jewelry for a client from Johnstown, New York. While visiting our client on a house call in Johnstown, we were presented with this stunning 20.05 carat natural emerald. After coming to an agreement with our client, we sent the emerald to the Gemological Institute of America where it was professionally graded, which is a typical step in selling a large...

Victorian Halloween Postcards

Written on October 14, 2015.

We’re taking a look at Victorian Halloween postcards today! In the late 19th century, Halloween was an increasingly popular holiday for young adults and children. Halloween’s origins date back thousands of years to the Celtic festival of Samhain (“Sow-in”). The Celts believed that on the night of October 31st, the veil between this world and the next would thin, allowing...

Hidden Mother Photographs – Behind the Scenes of Early Photography

Written on October 1, 2015.

We recently came across this “Hidden Mother” tintype, just in time for the Halloween season. At first glance, the tintype is simply a charming portrait of a baby. On closer inspection, you can see the half-hidden form of the child’s mother crouching behind the chair. Some people find Hidden Mother photographs a little creepy, but they’re also a really great look behind the...

Antiques Appraisal & Buying Event – Bethlehem Public Library 10/17

Written on September 17, 2015.

Join Mark Lawson for an Antiques Appraisal and Buying Event on Saturday, October 17th, 2015 to benefit the Bethlehem Public Library! Do you have family treasures that you would like to sell or learn more about? Let the experts look at them! Timed tickets are required for the event and can be purchased in person at the Bethlehem Public Library’s front desk. $5 per item, limit 3 ticketed items...

The Sharon Springs Harvest Festival

Written on September 14, 2015.

Are you heading out to the Sharon Springs Harvest Festival on September 19th and 20th? Our last event in Sharon Springs was an Antique Appraisal Clinic for the Rotary in 2010, and we love seeing the renaissance that the area is currently going through! Sharon Springs is located west of Albany and is surrounded by a beautiful landscape of rolling hills and winding valleys. The town is named after...

The High Rock Spring Flows Back to Life

Written on August 28, 2015.

Stereoview of the High Rock Spring in Saratoga Springs

The High Rock Spring is one of the oldest and most enduring symbols of Saratoga Springs. According to local lore, healing properties of the mineral-rich waters drew the Native Americans of the region to take advantage of its strengthening properties. Some time during the 1700s, white men added their own part to the spring’s legend. The first documented white man to take the waters was Sir...

Restoring the William Aiken Walker Painting

Written on August 4, 2015.

An uncommon William Aiken Walker painting was the show-stopping surprise of our speaking event at the Malta Community Center in May this year. The painting is a beautiful example of Walker’s larger works on canvas and was a really nice find to end the day. As happens with many antiques, however, the years had not let the painting escape entirely unscathed. The William Aiken Walker painting...

Precision Swiss Timepieces: An Antique Patek Philippe Pocket Watch

Written on July 28, 2015.

A client brought us this beautiful Patek Philippe pocket watch in 2014, just in time to coincide with the renowned company’s 175th Anniversary. Patek Philippe is considered among the most prestigious of luxury Swiss brands and is respected for creating some of the most complicated mechanical watches ever made. The company’s origins lie in Geneva, Switzerland. Antoni Patek began making...

I was very impressed with you. You were very nice and understanding. I would certainly call on you again.

Ethel B., Ballston Lake, N.Y
I was glad that I brought my coins to Mark. He treated me fairly and I will do business with him again.

Phil B., Petersburgh, N.Y.
Both Steve and myself found you very professional and an experienced dealer. We will definitely be using your services in the future. We appreciate your honesty.

Pat & Steve W., Schenectady, N.Y.
My wife and I were very pleased with the professional manner in which we were greeted and made to feel at ease. We were very pleased also with the fair value of our goods.

Barb & Clayton S., Northville, N.Y.