'I Love Your Rooster' and Other Antique Appraisals

Even though the material was antique porcelain, papier mache, German handpainted plates and various types of collectible glassware, Joan Komlos used the material she was given to create a sort of Antiques Roadshow lounge act for those assembled at the Fenton Historical Sociaty's spring luncheon Saturday

"I love your rooster," Komlos said as she looked over a rooster-shaped teapot brought by Judy Luebbers, of Fenton. "It's $85."

"Be careful how you handle that castle," Komlos told Todd Finger, of Fenton about a 1920's era castle made of papier mache before assessing it at more than $100.

"I'll bet you think this is a letter opener," Komlos told one woman as she looked over an ivory, ruler-shaped item. "Well, its actually a beer foam scraper that was used at the 1904 World's Fair, and even though it doesn't say "World's Fair" anywhere, it's worth $125-$150."

Komlos, microphone in hand, kept up a rapid-fire style as she went from table to table evaluating the goodies. Alice Alt's candlesticks from the late 1800s? $400. Stacy Whalen's Sterling silver tongs and cake server? $15 and $7 respectively.

Komlos, of Arnold, has been doing appraisals since 1983, after having owned an antiques mall. These days, she mostly appraises items informally at fundraisers for local organizations. It's clear she knows her antiques.

"Once you know your merchandise you can just tell by looking at it," she said.

Komlos may have been the entertainment at the Fenton Historical Society's luncheon, but it also marked the annual gathering of the Society members and friends. Dozens of items from businesses in Fenton and the surrounding area were available during a silent auction. There also were a variety of attendance prizes and a raffle for a handmade quilt. Society members provided many luscious desserts for the event.

Society president Vera Glick noted that work is continuing on a soon-to-be-published book that will cover the history of the Hessoun Bohemian Catholic Orphanage that was located in Fenton in the first half of the 20th Century.

For more information about the book or abouth the Fenton Historical Soociety, call (636) 326-0808.