Town and Village

BAJC hosts annual antique appraisal day

BRATTLEBORO — Brattleboro Area Jewish Community (Congregation Shir Heharim), will be producing its sixth annual Antiques & Collectibles Appraisal Day on Sunday, June 4, from noon to 5:30 p.m. at 118 Elliot Street.

Five specialists will be present to evaluate and appraise all categories of antiques and collectibles, including sterling silver, art glass, china, pottery, oriental rugs, fine art, signed prints, musical instruments, records and entertainment memorabilia, estate and costume jewelry, coins, currency, ephemera, photographs, toys, dolls, clocks, watches, tchotchkes, and more.

Firearms, knives, ammunition, or weaponry, rugs larger than 6 feet by 9 feet, or bulky furniture cannot be accepted.

The five evaluators are:

• Kit Barry, a 50-year expert in ephemera who will appraise any item either printed or handwritten. He will also advise on how to treat, display, store, or repair paper items.

• Stephan Brandstatter, founder and owner/operator of Mainly Music in Brattleboro. He has more than 30 years experience evaluating recorded music of all formats and styles, entertainment memorabilia, performing arts, theater collectibles, concert posters and merchandise, music collectibles, autographed items, and anything related to music, theater, and dance.

• Charles Suss, an experienced and highly-respected coin dealer in Bennington, who is an active member of the American Numismatic Association (A.N.A.) and has appraised coins for Camelot Antiques and currently works at KF Armstrong Jewelers. He will bring test equipment for diamonds, gemstones and precious metals.

• Brian Bittner, founder of Bittner Antiques, is a third-generation Vermont antique dealer with more than 20 years of experience. His business handles a broad range of antique, vintage, and old objects, with a focus on such categories as jewelry, silver, watches, paintings, and coins.

• John Pappas, owner and licensed auctioneer for Keene (N.H.) Auctions, has more than 40 years experience having also operated the former Knotty Pine Auctions in Swanzey, N.H. He's knowledgable in all categories.

Admission is free, and the appraisal cost is $8 per item or 6 for $40, with a limit of six items per person. Cash, or a check payable to BAJC, accepted.

Ten percent of proceeds will benefit The Atowi Project (atowi.org), an Elnu Abenaki community initiative to affirm Native relationships to the Land and its inhabitants, raise Indigenous voices, and foster inclusion with understanding. Through collaborations with other local entities, the Project provides a place-based center to engage with the broader community, while enhancing capacity and creating awareness for future dialogue.

If you have any questions or want more information, contact Brandstatter at [email protected].

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