THE W.H. STARK HOUSE
NELDA C. & H.J. LUTCHER FOUNDATION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Patsy Herrington
The W. H. Stark House
(409) 883-0871
whstarkhouse@starkadmin.org
Antiques Appraiser Beth Szescila Shares Tips for Collectors
ORANGE, Texas, September 18, 2007 – Appraisal tips, auction advice, and even Antiques Roadshow were key topics of Beth Szescila’s lecture on Monday, September 17 at Lutcher Theater in Orange, Texas. Over 200 people from across the region attended the discussion hosted by the W.H. Stark House.
Szescila offered advice on determining an item’s value, which is affected by the quality of workmanship as well as aesthetic appeal – not just age, as common myth suggests. She also urges shoppers not to assume everything in an antiques store is an actual antique, as the definition varies by individuals. Another key tip she offered: “Always buy the best in what you can afford to collect.”
Attendees George and Sandra Bullington of Beaumont learned the importance of selling appropriate antiques by the location of its origin, among many other things. “I took three pages of notes with lots of good info,” said Sandra.
Derrill Conley of Port Neches also picked up “several tips on collecting and identifying collectibles.”
Auctions were also covered in the discussion, with Szescila sharing two important tips for potential buyers: always preview the items first, and determine what you are going to spend prior to the auction.
Fans of Szescila’s appearances on Antiques Roadshow were also treated to some backstage tidbits. Of the nearly 15,000 people who attempt to appear on the show, only about 50 actually make the cut. Plus, those appearing on the show must actually own the item they are presenting for appraisal.
A question-and-answer session followed the lecture, during which Szescila explained, “Antique appraisers are not regulated as are real estate appraisers. Most antique appraisers receive their training from associations they are members of. Never get an appraisal from someone that sold you something.”
After the lecture, guests were treated to light refreshments at the Carriage House, located across from the W.H. Stark House.
The W. H. Stark House is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is designated a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark by the Texas Historical Commission. Tours begin at the entrance through the Carriage House at 610 W. Main Avenue and are available Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Regular admission is $5 per person and $2 for seniors age 65 and over and students ages 10-18.
For more information on the W. H. Stark House, or to make a tour reservation, call (409) 883-0871, or visit www.whstarkhouse.org.
