History buffs and antiquers
Both groups will appreciate appraisal fair in Marseilles
I would consider “The Monuments Men” by Robert M. Edsel a fascinating book for antiquers and others interested in the sacking of treasures by the Nazis in World War II.
Released in September, the book recounts the work of about 350 soldiers and civilians from 13 Allied countries who took part in history’s greatest treasure hunt.
The team’s assignment was to locate, protect, and repatriate the priceless paintings, sculptures, books tapestries, and jewelry stolen by the Nazis during the war and stored in castles, salt mines and abandoned factories.
A story last month in AntiqueWeek notes German Dictator Adolph Hitler’s wanted to build the world’s greatest art museum with the treasures his troops stole throughout Europe.
As the war was drawing to a close, with Hitler on the losing end, the dictator declared from his bunker hideout in Berlin that if he couldn’t have these treasures, neither could the world.
Much of the art the Nazis hid was ringed with explosives, waiting for Hitler’s order of destruction.
Despite the Allied team’s efforts to save the treasures, hundreds of thousands of art pieces and millions of library books, manuscripts, religions objects and other pieces stolen by the Nazis are still missing today.
Edsel, the author, values their worth into the billions of dollars. He believes more stolen art is bound to be recovered.
Long story short, “The Monuments Men” is part detective narrative, part thriller, and part jigsaw puzzle. It could be a grand Christmas present for someone on your list. I’m putting in my order for a copy.
Antiques do have value.
I found a fluted clear glass antique decanter with handle at the Threshermen’s Reunion in Pontiac in September. I wasn’t sure what it was worth, and the stopper didn’t match, but it was a quality piece. The dealer sold it to me for $15.
I had a matching stopper at home. I washed up the decanter and topped it with the stopper. Nice. Monday evening, I found an identical decanter with stopper on eBay at $100. Which proves you never know where you might find a treasure.
Experts at the Marseilles Antiques Appraisal Fair on Sunday, Dec. 6, will be happy to discuss the value of the family heirloom you’ve inherited, or the neat find you picked up at a flea market or garage sale because it had appeal.
The appraisal fair is at the Marseilles Lions Club building on Commercial Street. Hours are 1 to 6 p.m. There’s no charge for admission. Appraisals are $6 for one, or $10 for two, the maximum per person.
If you’re looking for an unusual or unique Christmas gift for a collector friend, the Kane County Flea Market at St. Charles could have what you want.
The market offers quality antique furniture and small items, a great selection of collectibles, lots of fine jewelry, and quality “junque.” Some real quality dealers set up at this market. This is a good venue for antique dealers, serious collectors, investors and decorators.
The Kane - as the regulars know it - with 200 to 400 indoor and outdoor vendors, is from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5, and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 6.
Also, this will be The Kane’s last market until the first weekend in March.
Every month since its founding in the mid-1960s, the market played at the Kane County Fairgrounds on Illinois 38 at the west edge of St. Charles.
Then in a break with tradition, construction on the grounds halted the market last January and February.
The market will close this January and February because of the economy and the lower attendance during the cold weather months.
Jo Ann Hustis is a writer at the Morris Daily Herald. She can be reached at (815) 942-3221 x 2035 or by e-mail at jhustis@morrisdailyherald.com
