What's It Worth?

Out of the attic and into the spotlight

R.L. McOllister Watercolor and Beaded Purse

whatsitworth | 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 forward [...]

Limoge Coffee Set

whatsitworth | 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. My [...]

Santa Cruz School

whatsitworth | 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 name was Ellie [...]

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

whatsitworth | 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) but may [...]