Antiques appraised, money raised for veterans
More than 200 people dusted off items from around their house and came to the Pheasant Lane Mall in Nashua on Saturday in hopes of hitting the antiques jackpot at the first New Hampshire Appraisal Day.
“We saw some marvelous things today,” appraiser Jason Hackler said. “You just never know that old piece collecting dust in the house may be worth a lot of money.”
Hackler noted that the most valuable item he appraised during the event was an original painting by landscape artist Alexander H. Wyant. The late-19th-century painting was appraised at $4,000-$5,000.
“The woman who brought it in had no idea it was worth anything, so she was shocked,” Hackler said. “The element of discovery and surprise is always fun.”
The line started forming as early as 9:30 a.m. for the event, which ran from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Attendees brought items that included jewelry, artwork, furniture and various other antiques.
The event, which was put on by Simon Malls, the New Hampshire Antique Co-op and James D. Julia Auctioneers, was a benefit for the Easter Seals of New Hampshire Marine Cpl. Michael W. Ouellette Fund. Attendees paid $7 for each item being appraised, or $10 for two items.
“We have been wanting to establish an event around Veterans Day for a while, and this was a great opportunity for everyone,” said Melinda Robinson, the representative from Simon Malls who helped organize the event.
“The event is like a local version of ‘Antiques Roadshow,’ but for a great cause.”
Ouellette was a 1999 graduate of Manchester Memorial High School who was killed in combat in Afghanistan in March. Ouellette’s family created the fund to benefit the Veterans Count program at Easter Seals, which helps support families of servicemen and women who are on deployment and assist them after they return home.
“The fund is a meaningful way to honor Mike’s memory and to pay tribute to his service and courage,” said Donna Ouellette, Michael’s mother.
The Veterans Count program was established in 2006 and is specific to New Hampshire. It has helped more than 800 service members and their families since its creation. Currently, the program is managing more than 300 individual cases.
“Not many people know that Easter Seals has a Veterans Service branch, so this event helps build awareness, as well as raise money,” Ouellette said.
Robinson’s husband, Gordon, brought photos of an antique table that was given to him by his mother, who had received it as a wedding gift, to be appraised.
“I wasn’t expecting it to be worth a lot of money,” Gordon Robinson said, “but I wanted to talk to an expert to see what way would be the best to refurbish the piece.”
After speaking with Hackler for about 10 minutes, Robinson was informed about the history and ways to properly refurbish the piece.
“The appraisers are fantastic,” Ouellette said. “They are fantastic at what they do, and you can tell that they enjoy their job immensely.”
Hackler and the other seven appraisers donated their services so that every dollar raised at the event went directly to the Ouellette Fund.
“When Melinda approached us with the idea, we were more than happy to help,” Hackler said. “It’s a unique fundraising idea for a great cause.”
For anyone who couldn’t attend the event and may have some knickknacks up in the attic that they think might be worth something, the good news is that the event was such a success that the organizers have decided to make it an annual occurrence.
Ryan Leach can be reached 594-6523 or rleach@nashuatelegraph.com.
