Joan Seifried '01 (M.A.) owns Angel Appraisers and is certified as an appraiser by the International Society of Appraisers.

The Hot List
Silver currently is a hot market item. Silver spoons can be exceedingly old and valuable, and American silver of the Colonial period is much more valuable than English silver of the same period. Also popular are printed materials with interesting period graphics, such as early sheet music, and electronics such as computers and adding machines. Rising collectibles include baby boomer nostalgia items such as space toys, non-"P.C." Barbies and Kens, and dolls of ethnicity.

What's It Worth?
What you pay for an item is not the same as its value as part of a curated collection. In appraising individual pieces, I consider market value and
replacement value. To learn the appraisal process, get to know a dealer or collector who shares your passion, or educate yourself by attending auctions.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Start with the best and worst of the category. Collections should be the creative expression of the collector's eye. See the ridiculous and the sublime. If you collect period lighting, include a fine Civil War oil lamp and a 1960s lava lamp. Collecting is understanding cultural history through design, economics and desirability.

Getting a Head Start
A few items that might be valuable in the future: old high school
yearbooks; photographs of trailer parks; corkscrews; sewing and cigarette collectibles; ethnic jewelry, such as Cuban charm bracelets and Mexican silver; trophies, diplomas and awards; obscure musical instruments; anything to do with travel — space or otherwise — in the 1960s.