What's It Worth?

Out of the attic and into the spotlight

R.L. McOllister Watercolor and Beaded Purse

| February 22, 2010

Dear What’s It Worth, I have 4 western paintings that are watercolor by R.L. McOllister that handed down from my grandfather to my father to me.  I am 72 years old and I think these must be 50-100 years old.  They are painted like Charlie Russell’s westerns.  They are 24 x 36 inches.  I can’t [...]

Limoge Coffee Set

| February 16, 2010

Dear Ms. Alexiadis, A number of years ago I bought a Limoges coffee set, as pictured in the accompanying pictures. While I thought it quite beautiful  – I liked the cobalt blue color and the hand painted sailing ships – I want to sell it now and have not much idea what it is worth. [...]

Santa Cruz School

| February 8, 2010

Hello Ms. Alexiadis. I am a fan of your column in the Contra Costa Times and I hope you can help me settle an old family dispute. I am in possession of a painting purportedly painted by my Great-Grandmother.  There is no signature or other script for identifying the artist or dating the painting. My G-Grandm’s [...]

P.E. Chillman & C.R. Raymond Paintings

| February 1, 2010

Dear Ms. Alexiadis, I read your column in the Contra Costa Times here in Walnut Creek ,California and it occurred to me that maybe you could shed some light on two family paintings that I inherited. Both are watercolors that have been in my family since at least my grandmother (died in the late ’50s) [...]

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