Hi Wally,
I wanted to request an appraisal on the attached column that I purchased not long ago. It is somewhat unusual, and I was hoping perhaps that you might be able to provide some information on this piece. Here is what I know:
The seller I had bought this item purchased it originally from an Antique Art Store in Southern California. It was advertised when she had purchased it, as an Authentic architectural piece of column and head from the recently renovated Grauman's Egyptian Theatre (circa mid-late 90's). This is a partial column with head circa 1920's...it is made with plaster mixed with horsehair throughout, which can be observed from the rear of the column.
Any information you can add would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Matt
AW says: I buy the story, the items had the lines and form of a Hollywood adornment, but there's really only one way to prove the provenance of this, and it would be well worth doing so in my opinion.
That would be quite simply to provide a picture of the theater with this column adorning it. After an extensive Google search, I have not found one such, which is my only hesitation to calling it an item off of Grauman's Egyptian Theater.
I believe an exhaustive photo search would prove this to be an item that was on the theater prior to restoration.
In 1922, showman Sid Grauman (who owned several of the Broadway movie palaces) helped shift the entertainment center from downtown to Hollywood Blvd. when he built the Egyptian Theatre - five years before Grauman built his famous Chinese Theatre down the street.
Rest assured, although I can't authenticate it as a Grauman's column, I can appraise it either way.
Date range: 1920s
Retail value: Off of Grauman's Theater $1,200 - Period 1920s column not off theater $300-$500.
(top price)
Wholesale value: Off of Grauman's Theater $700 - Period 1920s column not off theater $200.
(The mid range price you could expect to achieve at a well advertised live auction. The price that is most often realized)
Quick sale value: Off of Grauman's Theater $300 - Period 1920s column not off theater $100.
The price your likely to get if you have to sell your item immediately and your prospective customer is aware of this.
Common terminology, nicknames, keywords: Art Deco period, Grauman's Egyptian Theater, Hollywood column, architectural antique
In most cases, I believe it would be beneficial for your to give the prospective buyer a link to this page, and to bookmark it via your favorite bookmarking service.
On occasion I've had readers ask for the contact information for the owners of items I've appraised here.
If you are interested in an item which was appraised here, state so in the comment section and leave your email address if you wish to be contacted by the owner of the item. I do not give out client emails.
If you've had your item appraised here, you may want to check back to see if anyone has expressed interest in it via the comment section.
Care and storage tips: This should only be professionally restored if any attempt is made at restoration.
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Comments
we have two full months of ...n.y. times papers 01-04-1901--02-28-1901, first auto race n.j. to n.y. vanderbuilt wedding queen victorias death etc.etc. would like some price guidlines need to sell. they are soft bound since published
@ Joe I have a pretty good resource for you. Take a listen to ep43 of The AuctionWally Show. Here's the link
www.talkshoe.com/tc/25106
That episode features a major antique newspaper dealer, there is a ton of information and links referenced in the show.
Good luck,
AW
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