Rare Victorian Est. 2008 · The Curator's Archive
Forum News No. 489

I Never Saw a Purple Cow: This Week's Forum Roundup

Originally published

Renaissance RevivalAuctionAppraisalInsurance

I Never Saw a Purple Cow: This Week's Forum Roundup
I Never Saw a Purple Cow: This Week's Forum Roundup
This past week, we had a huge brush fire burning just blocks from our home and it made me think long and hard about the contents of our house and what we'd be able to save if disaster struck. It was a frightening few hours and not ones I want to experience ever again, but it was a cruel reminder of how important it is to update your home owners insurance on a regular basis. Ironically, insuring antiques is one of the topics that came up for discussion in the forum (site no longer available)this week. Monkecmonkedo asked for advice about insurance appraisals and our members were only too happy to oblige. Home owners insurance -- you hope you never need it but you'll be glad it's there if you do. On a lighter note, here are a couple of things you don't see everyday . . ebonized-renaissance-revival-parlor-set-in-bw-cow-hide First, a Renaissance Revival Parlor Set upholstered in black & white cowhide! It's just one of the items up for sale at Red Baron's Antiques upcoming auction (site no longer available). Other standouts include a carved, winged monkey armchair circa 1880, a carved table with porcelain column legs, and a lovely Louis XV 21 drawer Cartonnier. Thanks Woodwright for the heads up on this great auction. rococo-settees-in-vinyl Cowhide not your thing? How about pink or purple vinyl? Here are four Rococo Settees from a New York eatery (site no longer available) that is going out of business. Gee, I wonder why? I can't imagine having these bright bits of Victoriana in any establishment that serves food, unless of course, you're running an old-fashioned ice cream parlor, and then they fit right in. You know, I really shouldn't read the message board (site no longer available) before going to bed. I'm sure I'm going to have nightmares now about pink and purple cows running from a brush fire. Who knew antiquing could be so scary!

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I Never Saw a Purple Cow: This Week's Forum Roundup

1 comment

  1. John Hutchinson
    Dear John, and crew In regards to insurance for your art and antiques: I often do appraisals for insurance purposes. The most important thing your readers must know and realize is the difference between 'Market Value' and 'Replacement Value.' Market Value is just that, what is the piece worth at the time of the incident. Replacement Value adds in the extra expenses of finding the exact piece, time, commissions, brokerage fees, etc. and etal. The 'R.V.' naturally will be higher than the 'M.V.' A good appraiser will realize this, however, you don't want to go to high and pay for an elevated insurance. I also, always recommend that your art and antiques should be on a separate 'rider,' under the general umbrella of a homeowners policy; with its own aggregate sum total. For those very special and rare pieces with very high values, i.e. over $20 k, an individual rider would be recommended. Also, always take photos and keep records; and ideally once a year, update your inventory so it is current and can be matched with the policy. Any questions, please feel free to ask. John, RVR

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