Appraisal Fair
Gas Lamp Antiques Mall will have their second Appraisal Fair on Saturday, August 7, 2010. The first Appraisal Fair, held May 1, was “very successful despite the rains and start of Nashville’s great flood,” according to Gas Lamp owner Lauren Bugg. One of the highlights was a rare Bible box, or “strongbox,” that was examined by certified appraiser Marshall Fallwell, ASA. The box featured intact and original painted decorations, elaborate wrought-iron strapwork, and original locks. The inscription “ANO 1741” dated the box to 1741, and the carved Old German Fraktur lettering suggested either European or American origins. Fallwell suggested that the owners have tests done to confirm the mid eighteenth century origins, including a wood analysis to determine if it is an American or European species, and a chemical analysis of the paint. Fallwell also arranged for Leigh Keno, of PBS’s Antiques Roadshow fame, to examine the box more thoroughly, and Keno expects to put the rare box up for auction in October. Contact Gas Lamp Antiques for information about submitting items for appraisal: 297-2224.
