GENESEO — Livingston County residents no longer have to wonder how much their antiques are worth. This Sunday, Geneseo’s Not Dot Shop hosts certified antique appraiser H. P. Prazar, who is well-known in western New York as a collector and dealer of several types of antiques since 1972. Prazar has been a professional appraiser since 1984, and an antiques educator since 1988.
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The public is invited to bring one to three items to the Not Dot Shop, located at 127 Main Street. Appraisal of the first item is free, followed by a fee of $5 each for second and third appraisals. The Not Dot Shop opens at 11 a.m. Sunday. At that time, the shop’s members will begin handing out numbers for those bringing items to be appraised. Guests will be given a number for each item for tracking and timing purposes. Folks can come in anytime throughout the afternoon to get numbers and wait their turn for their items to be appraised. Those who get numbers early can enjoy Main Street and come back after 1.
At 1, Prazar will begin inspecting and appraising items, spending about 3-5 minutes per item. Times may vary depending on the complexity of the item or his familiarity with the items. Guests may browse the shop and enjoy refreshments while they wait. Not Dot Shop members will be present to ensure that guests get their time with Prazar when their number comes up.
Prazar has deep knowledge of most categories of antiques including silver, pottery, furniture, art, books, china, glass, and brass, though rugs are not an area of expertise. If guests are interested in certified, written appraisals of their items, they may make a future appointment with Prazar so he can provide the additional in-depth research required.
Prazar suggests that larger items such as furniture should be photographed for review. The photos must be of a good quality with detail of the item’s condition, and close-ups of any markings or labels. For china, bringing a piece or two from the set as well as photos of the balance would be ideal.
Not Dot Shop owner Marcia Podhorecki said appraisals from the event will be posted in the shop so folks could see how various antiques were priced.
“We have never done an event like this before, but based on what we are hearing, we are hopeful that it will be successful,” said Not Dot Shop co-owner Julie Meyers. “We will have plenty of staff available for questions, guidance, and check-out, and encourage guests to take advantage of this first-of-its kind opportunity in Geneseo.”