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Harrison Appraisals, LLC

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Harrison Appraisals, LLC

Established in 1992, Harrison Appraisals is a regional personal property appraisal firm specializing Our principal, C. Mr. Ms.

Harrison Appraisals, LLC is a regional personal property appraisal firm based in Westminster, Maryland. The firm offers qualified appraisals of American and Continental antiques and fine art from the 17th century to present. Areas of expertise include antique and modern furniture; paintings and sculpture; silver; glassware, porcelain and pottery; folk art and primitives; and books and documents. T

he firm offers appraisals for purposes of insurance replacement and damage claim settlement, probate and estate division, divorce and equitable distribution, determination of federal estate and gift tax, non-cash charitable donations, casualty loss and pre-sale determination of value. The firm also provides expert witness testimony and litigation support. Established in 1992, Harrison Appraisals serves a select clientele of museums, legal firms, insurance companies, financial institutions and private collectors in the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan region. The firm’s portfolio contains appraisals of important historical and cultural artifacts, the possessions of a former President’s family and multi-million dollar Contemporary art collections as well as more modest estates and collections. Robert Harrison, ISA AM is a USPAP compliant, IRS qualified and accredited member of the International Society of Appraisers with more than twenty-four years of appraisal experience. He holds a Master of Liberal Arts degree from The Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in American History from the University of Maryland Baltimore County. Harrison studied American decorative arts at Winterthur Museum in Wilmington, Delaware and the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA) in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Our associate, Andrea Harrison, is an accredited public relations professional who manages the firm’s marketing, communications and social media. She holds two Bachelor of Science degrees, one in Art Education and a second in Public Relations, both from the University of Maryland College Park. She has also completed post graduate studies in decorative arts at Winterthur and the Foundation for Appraisal Education. Harrison’s specialties include Mid-Century Modern, Art Deco and Post War fine and decorative arts.

11/03/2024

We’re always excited when we find Maryland-made objects during an estate appraisal. This happened last week during an assignment in Central Maryland. Among the many items we inventoried that day was this set of hand-crafted silver spoons by Baltimore silversmith Robert Brown (1798-1882).

Brown’s name appears in Baltimore directories for much of the mid-19th century. He made both holloware and flatware beginning in the 1820s from his shop at 168 Baltimore Street. These three serving spoons, which are stamped “R. Brown” in a rectangular cartouche along with “10 15,” indicate they are Coin silver made between 1830 and 1835. Coin silver was the silver standard used in the United States from about 1790 until the 1850s. It was based on the coin standard of the period, which fixed the amount of silver used in 19th century silver dollars and other coins, and specifies the spoons contain at least 90 per cent silver. The 10-15 stamp is a quality mark that is also commonly found on Maryland Coin silver made during the 1830s.

Brown brought his son into the business in the 1840s and changed his mark to “R. Brown & Son.” Records indicate Brown continued to make silver for Baltimore patrons until 1852.

10/02/2024

We’ll be taping Season 12 of MPT’s “Chesapeake Collectibles” this weekend at the Irene and Edward H. Kaplan Studio in Owings Mills, Maryland. A couple busy days ahead.

Looking forward to seeing everyone’s treasures and hope to see you there!

10/01/2024

This 18th century delftware tankard with pewter lid comes from a Maryland estate we are currently appraising. Delft or faience is actually tin-glazed earthenware that was popular in the Netherlands, England and America from the 17th century until the mid-18th century. This tankard, which stands approximately 9 ½ inches high, is most probably Dutch or English. Its basic blue and white color palette with hand-painted floral decorations resembles European porcelain and is typical of the period. There is also an applied strap handle and hinged pewter lid with an orb-shaped thumb rest. The lid is decorated further with the owner’s initials and the date “1786.”

There are a few condition issues. Hairlines can be seen around the tankard’s cylindrical form and a few chips are visible on the base. However, these bits of “honest ware” are evidence of the object’s age and attest to its years of service and use.

07/25/2024

We recently completed an insurance appraisal of this hand-painted, German-made, porcelain allegorical group for a Maryland client. Dating to circa 1880-1890 and based on Apollo and the Nine Muses, the group depicts the Greek god of prophecy, oracles, music, song and poetry playing the lira da braccio before the Castalian spring. Apollo is inspired by the nine muses—protectors of the arts in Ancient Greece—who interact around him. Although the group is unmarked, its detail, craftsmanship and near mint condition make it a truly desirable objet d’art.

06/06/2024

It’s time for our big announcement. Robert will be hosting a one-hour documentary for Maryland Public Television called “Chesapeake Collectibles: Behind the Scenes.”

The documentary takes viewers behind the scenes of MPT’s popular collectibles show and offers them a unique view of how the program is made. You’ll hear from the producers, technicians, fans and appraisers who’ve made Chesapeake Collectibles a 10-year success. Robert will also be interviewed during the premier as part of MPT’s annual pledge night.

“Chesapeake Collectibles: Behind the Scenes” will air Monday, June 10 at 7:30 p.m. on MPT. And as you’re watching the show, be sure to look for Andrea during the breaks. She’ll be handling the phones that night.

05/15/2024

It’s been a while since we posted. That’s because we had a very busy spring that’s taken us across three states and back. In fact, Robert is working on an American Brilliant Period cut glass collection on the first day of a large estate assignment we just accepted. There is a little bit of everything here, so we‘ll be working in lots of different areas.

We also have an important announcement coming later this month. Be sure to watch for updates in the next two weeks.

03/18/2024

This restored circa 1880 pastoral landscape by the American artist George Innes (1825-1894) was part of a large fine art appraisal we just completed. It is one of three Innes landscapes in the collection and the best of the group by far.

Often called the “father of American landscape painting,” George Innes was greatly influenced by both the Hudson River and Barbizon schools of painting. This oil on canvas laid down on board depicts a figure with horse and cart walking along a country lane toward the viewer. A cottage, believed to be located near the artist’s home in Montclair, New Jersey, can be seen among the trees in the background. Identified by the late Dr. Maurice H. Goldblatt as being from the artist’s “Middle Period,” Inness’ works from this time evoke the peaceful coexistence of agrarian life and industrialization that formed the basis of a post-Civil War philosophy the artist called “peace and plenty.”

The work measures 22 inches high x 24 inches wide and is signed by the artist at lower right. In our opinion, it is a magnificent painting that has been professionally restored making it a great addition to any art collection.

02/26/2024

Tonight, on an all new episode of Chesapeake Collectibles, Robert will appraise a late 19th century "Black Forest" figural humidor.

Will the value be high or low? Tune-in to MPT at 7:30 p.m. to find out.

02/21/2024

This United States Naval officer’s bicorn hat has seen better days, but it’s been in the family of the original owner since the mid-19th century. The naval officer who owned and wore this hat was a Maryland medical officer stationed at the United States Naval Academy.

Made of knapped beaver skin with gilt ribbon, a regulation U.S. Naval button, black cockade and gold bullion tassels at each end, the hat was a uniform requirement for commissioned officers until the 1940s. We discovered this bicorn hat during a recent estate appraisal.

01/15/2024

Join us tonight for an all new episode of Chesapeake Collectibles. Robert will be appraising an 18th century wrought iron “Betty Lamp” with Pennsylvania German decorations.

Betty Lamps were a primary source of lighting in Colonial American homes. They burned both animal fat and fish oil decades before the use of whale oil and kerosene; however, the lamps were dirty and smoked excessively. See what makes this lamp truly unique.

Be sure to watch Chesapeake Collectibles tonight at 7:30 p.m. on Maryland Public Television.

01/08/2024

An all new season of Chesapeake Collectibles premieres tonight on Maryland Public Television at 7:30 p.m. Tonight’s episode will feature Robert’s appraisal of a 19th century monumental French shelf clock.

Be sure to tune in to see why it took two appraisers to lift this clock into place prior to taping.

12/15/2023

Andrea’s working on a large sterling silver collection from Baltimore County. The object she’s examining is a circa 1733-34 George II sterling tankard by London silversmith Richard Burcombe.

At some point in its existence, the tankard was converted to a pitcher and a spout was added. It measures 8 ½ inches high x 5 inches in diameter at the base and still retains its original domed lid, crooked handle, thumb rest and circular base. There is also a full set of hallmarks on both the lid and side of the vessel.

During the 18th century, tankards were commonly used as everyday drinking mugs in English and American taverns. However, the fine craftsmanship and ornamental appeal of these utilitarian receptacles have elevated them to objects of art.

12/12/2023

Congratulations to our principal & senior appraiser, Robert Harrison, for successfully completing another professional requalification exam.

Accredited members of the International Society of Appraisers (ISA) must requalify every five years to maintain their professional credentials. This includes completing a three day professional standards and methodology course. A seven hour Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal (USPAP) course is also required every two years to maintain compliance. In addition, published articles and lectures must be factored into the process. The requirements are grueling, but well worth it.

Once again, congratulations Robert! We like to stay current.

12/08/2023

This deeply carved oak chest is a bottle box or campaign Tantalus dating to the late 18th century. Appointed with a carved and hinged lid and compartmented interior, the chest comes with six liquor bottles and two stemmed glasses. The glassware is hand blown and stenciled with hand applied gilding.

Such chests were commonly used by 18th and 19th century military officers and civilians whose travels always included ample amounts of alcoholic refreshments. The acanthus leaf, heraldic shield and confrontational bird carvings suggest a Continental or English provenance. There is also a cast brass bale handle on the lid.

We discovered this chest in a Baltimore County estate earlier this month tucked away in a basement where it had been stored for decades.

11/18/2023

Tomorrow marks the 160th anniversary of the Gettysburg Address.

We celebrate the dedication ceremonies at the National Cemetery with this famous Mathew Brady ambrotype of President Abraham Lincoln delivering his Gettysburg Address on November 19, 1863.

10/04/2023

The Woodsboro Historical Society’s Appraisal Fair was held Saturday in the historic town of Woodsboro in Frederick County, Maryland. We started early and ended late as visitors queued up to share their stories of important family heirlooms.

We saw a variety of objects. Two of the more interesting finds included a circa 1797 surveyor’s compass by Fredericktown clockmaker Frederick Heisely (1759-1843) and a GAR roster owned by Second Lieutenant John H. Missemer of Co. G, 151st Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment. The 151st Pennsylvania fought at both Chancellorsville and Gettysburg during the Civil War.

The feedback we received made it all worthwhile. Thanks to R. Steele Michael of the Woodsboro Historical Society for chairing the event and to Andrea Harrison for coordinating the logistics and keeping the lines moving all day. Thanks too to Jim Callear who appraised silver, coins and everything else that came his way.

09/26/2023

We’ll be appearing at the Woodsboro Historical Society’s “Antique Appraisal Fair” this Saturday, September 30 from 1 to 4 pm. The fair will be held at the Woodsboro American Legion Post 282, 101 West Elizabeth Street, Woodsboro, Maryland 21798.

We only appear at a few community events each year, so we’re looking forward to seeing everyone at the Historical Society’s Appraisal Fair. Space is limited and tickets are required.

For more information, call the Historical Society at 301-524-5167 or visit our website at www.harrisonappraisals.com

09/18/2023

This set of twelve Coin silver spoons was made by Philadelphia silversmith Nicholas LeHuray, Jr. (1797-1846). A jeweler and clockmaker as well as a silversmith, LeHuray worked out of his shop located at 172 N 2nd Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania circa 1821 to 1846.

This set of spoons was made in the “fiddle back” form, a style popular in the first half of the 19th century. The backs of the handles are stamped with LeHuray’s name in a saw-tooth cartouche and his pseudo-hallmark of an American eagle facing left. Each spoon is handmade and measures 5 ¾ inches long. The knops, or handle tips, are monogrammed “MB” in free hand script.

We recently came across this set of spoons in northeastern Maryland where they are part of an insurance appraisal of family heirlooms dating to the first decades the 19th century.

Address

204 East Main Street
Westminster, MD
21157

Opening Hours

Monday	10am - 6pm
Tuesday	10am - 6pm
Wednesday	10am - 6pm
Thursday	10am - 6pm
Friday	10am - 6pm
Saturday	10am - 2pm

Website

http://www.harrisonappraisals.com/

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Videos

Chances are you recognize the iconic portrait “The Blue Boy” (ca. 1770) by the English artist Thomas Gainsborough (1727-1788), but did you know the 18th century masterpiece has been undergoing extensive structural and visual restoration at its permanent home in The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens? The first phase of the two year restoration project will culminate in an exhibit at The Huntington on September 22, 2018 titled “Project Blue Boy”. In anticipation of the show, curators working on the project have compiled a Triple B GIF that documents their progress (click image below). Among their findings, a small dog initially discovered by X-rays in 1994 and the ghosted image of a male portrait from an earlier work by Gainsborough. Enjoy!