Colton’s Point, MD – Antique owners, collectors, and appraisers gathered from all over Southern Maryland Saturday, Jan. 26 for the 15th annual Appraisers Fair at the St. Clements Island Museum.

The fair spanned most of the day, beginning at 10 a.m. and finishing at 3 p.m. and typically sees around 200 Southern Marylanders sitting down with appraisers to value their art, dolls, clocks, coins and other possessions of potential value.

“The fair gives people an opportunity to have their items seen and evaluated from appraisers who have expertise in their fields,” said coordinator Christina Barbour. Organizing the event since its inception in 2004 has allowed Barbour to see many antiques and interesting items. One of her favorites was a blanket that may have been of Native American origin that had been used as a throw and passed down through a family. Though the blanket didn’t have great monetary value–as many of the owners of the items brought to the fair find out–the historical significance and knowledge about items is often enough, according to Barbour.

One of the appraisers was Mike Johnson, a clock appraiser who has made and appraised clocks since 1992. The Piney Point resident currently drives ambulances for the District 2 Volunteer Fire Department but owned and operated Johnson’s Flower and Garden Center in a previous life. Since then his son has taken over the business, freeing up the clock enthusiast’s time. Johnson told TheBayNet.com that he enjoys “[talking] to people and [sharing his] knowledge.”

David Rose saw an ad for the fair and decided to bring some valuables he received from his fiancé’s great grandfather. “I just would like to find somebody who can take care of them and keep them,” said Rose of the items he brought which include some paintings and “mummy beads.” Rose also mentioned that he has “boxes of items” at home that may be of value. Most notably are some letters sent by his fiancé’s great grandfather during his time in the Navy.

Some other appraisers at the fair were Linda Neeley from the Black-eyed Susan Doll Club of Southern Maryland and William Parron, a coin appraiser from the area. Neeley saw a substantial increase in appraisals, looking at around 25 dolls on Saturday versus only four a couple of years ago.

The St. Clements Island Museum hosts the fair every year. For more information on the museum or the fair visit the Visit St. Mary’s website.

Contact Jerold Massie at staffwriter@thebaynet.com.