Quite frequently, I receive letters such as the following one, asking me to provide a value for a textile, based on just a verbal description.
I have a feed sack panel printed with a pattern for two bunny toys. One is bubble gum pink and the other is depression blue. There is a stamp identifying that the bag was made by Werthan Bag of Nashville. The only information they could give me was that it must have been printed between 1928 and 1932 as they converted to camouflage fabric after that. There is only one small stain that does not affect the pattern. The feed sack panel has been hand quilted with cross-hatching on the background and outline quilting on the pattern. I would appreciate any information about this and especially the value of the quilt.
I love to hear from readers, and I love to know what kinds of wonderful textiles they have inherited, found at a flea market, or been given.
I do not appraise anything.
Why is that, you say?
Appraisals and appraisers represent a specialized niche within the quilt world. Certified appraisers are dedicated souls who devote their lives to thinking about “values” of objects. While that is a valid form of occupation, it does not lie within my interest area as a creative person and writer.
When I think about purchasing an antique quilt or other textile object, I usually have a reason for collecting it. Perhaps the object is in really poor condition, but I love the design and would like to re-create it, even if I end up throwing away the original object (which, by the way, is rarely the case). Mold or mildew on a textile would be the main reason I would discard it.
A good appraiser knows that it is necessary to actually view the object, in person. Photos are fine, but they can be altered to make something look better than it is. Much more about the textile’s condition, workmanship, and actual colors can be determined by seeing it.
I am leary of anyone who says that he/she can appraise something from a photo. I stand in disgust of appraisers who low-ball an appraisal, knowing that the object is worth far more, and then turn around and buy it for their own collection. That, my friend, is unethical! It is taking advantage of an unknowing person who has placed trust in the appraiser to do right by them.
Sometimes, I get the impression that I am asked about the value of textiles because it is a major hint for me to make an offer. I never do, approached in that manner.
The bottom line is this: If you own a wonderful old textile that you would like to share with others, online, send me a photo and information, and I’ll consider the merit of publishing it. I run an educational website, not an appraisal business. I am so happy when folks share details of their objects, as the lady did who wrote to me in the letter quoted above. Sorry to say, I just can’t and won’t ever attempt to share potential market values – it’s not my area of interest or expertise.
Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications
Tags: appraised values
