Last weekend, the Westminster Historical Society held an Appraisal Fair that benefitted the organization. The WHS group is dedicated to the preservation of local history and traditions. For a fee, participants could bring several items to be verbally appraised by an expert and all the money was donated to the organization. There were 24 appraisers on hand who all donated their time, and three of the appraisers were from Denver’s Antique Row. I was next to Janice Woods of Black Tulip Antiques and Sue Gallagher of Gallagher’s Books. Janice specializes in decorative arts, and Sue specializes in books – and let me tell you, both stores are incredible. What a joy it was to be next to these extremely knowledgeable and talented women. Both being experts in their field, I listened in as they appraised item after item that came through the fair. We also helped each other when looking at items we weren’t sure about.
One of the wonderful items that came through my station was an early Steiff Teddy Bear valued at $2,000.00. I also saw an old Skookum Indian doll that was made with a dried apple head valued at $400.00
The fair saw hundreds of people that day. While I was proud of all the appraisers in the room who gave of their time and knowledge on this Saturday afternoon, I was especially proud of Janice and Sue. Being a woman in a once man-dominated field, or a woman in the antique business can be tough. These women have worked hard to be where they are today, and have a wealth of knowledge, and were happy to freely give of their time and information.
If you have not visited Black Tulip Antiques or Gallagher Books on Denver’s Antique Row, make these two places on the top of your to-do list on your next antiquing adventure. Tell em’ Rachel sent ya!
Black Tulip Antiques: 1370 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80210
Gallagher Books: 1454 S Broadway, on Denver’s Historic Antique Row, Denver, CO 80210
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