Farmer, if you were me and had a couple of old things you'd heard from childhood were 100 years old, let's say a very ornate I-think-japanese, uh, I don't know the name.... Something like the world's most ornate small cookie jar, with a lid. I've never seen anything like it. Should I look at Butterfield's or what possible place can I physically take it for review, and trust the review, one way or the other.
osso, Mirimi ware and other Japanese stuff can be very valuable (condition determines everything). I would never reccomend putting a valuable antique onto an e-bay or anything that doesnt have a good appraisal net beneath it. Butterfields is your neighborhoods best bet. They will draw from their extensive client list and draw people to a sale where theres really outstanding stuff. Yes your commission is higher but your sale price will make up for it by a long shot.
We collect federal and painted Pa German furniture. Weve never seen anything worth our time through e-bay. (We look for blanket chests and, from the photos you can see fetures that dont fit, but you cant see the subtle fetures that determine whether a real item is worth 300$ or 30000$ That can only be seen by close inspection and backed up by a strong appraisers position amnd an auction houe that will (no questions asked) take something back if it aint right.
I would look through Maine ANtiques Digest (its a monthly antiques trade paper). It has all the reputable dealers all over the country and even lists them by their specialties.
