Where New Discoveries Begin— Celebrating 50 Years of Free Appraisal Day
In the world of fine art and antiques, the most remarkable discoveries often begin quietly—as a moment of curiosity, dusting off an heirloom in a New England barn, or a long forgotten object brought in for a free appraisal, and where hidden histories are sometimes revealed.
Occasionally, such moments reveal exceptional finds. Most recently, a collection of jewelry attributed to Fulco di Verdura and dating back to the 1930s surfaced during a Free Appraisal session. Later consigned, the heritage designs went on to attract regional, national, and international attention from collectors worldwide.
The discovery emerged during a recent Tuesday session, where specialists uncovered seven exceptional miniature works of art that were later consigned and presented in partnership with a local Maine charity. Bold yet delicate, the jewelry uniquely reflect Verdura’s distinctive blend of European refinement and modern design, while offering a rare view into the past designs and fashions of the 1930s.
Comparable designs attributed to Fulco di Verdura are held in the permanent collection of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, underscoring the historical and artistic significance of the pieces. Proceeds from the sale benefited a local charity, reflecting the gallery’s ongoing commitment to supporting the local community by helping to provide support for families in need in Maine. The jewelry collection went on to become a prominent feature of the Winter Enchantment Auction, a highly successful sale that generated international interest.
From the appraisal desk to the auction block, the heritage designs ultimately achieved remarkable results at auction. Yet discoveries like this are nothing new. For fifty years, moments like these, at times large and sometimes small, are unfolding weekly in Maine.
The Origins of Free Appraisal Day
The tradition first began in 1976, when Kaja Veilleux originated an innovative concept that would become a defining Maine tradition: Free Appraisal Day. First held in Newcastle Square, the event invited members of the local community to bring paintings, antiques, jewelry, and curiosities for expert evaluation—establishing a longstanding tradition with no appointment required and no cost to participate.
Long before television programs such as Antiques Roadshow captured the public imagination—the BBC series debuted in 1979 and the American version followed in 1997—Free Appraisal Day in Maine was already well underway and offering the local community direct access to professional appraisers while uncovering stories hidden within everyday objects.
For its time, the idea was remarkably forward-thinking. What began as a modest weekly gathering soon grew into a beloved New England tradition. Today, the tradition continues every Tuesday at Thomaston Place Auction Galleries—Maine’s largest and internationally renowned auction house—where visitors bring objects for expert antique and fine art appraisal and evaluation, ranging from family heirlooms, to unusual collectibles to flea-market finds. While many items reveal modest histories, others emerge as extraordinary discoveries that capture the attention of collectors and media from around the world.
As recently reported in Antiques and The Arts Weekly— “Thomaston’s Winter Enchantment Sale Gets Year Off to Explosive Start”—stories like this continue to demonstrate why Free Appraisal Day remains such an integral part of Thomaston Place’s mission. For five decades, the tradition has uncovered rare finds, historically significant artifacts, and museum-quality objects that have gone on to captivate collectors from around the world.
Equally important, it reflects the company’s belief and ongoing commitment that the world of fine art and antiques should remain approachable, educational, and accessible—and where discoveries made in Maine can resonate with collectors from anywhere in the world. From Maine to the world—and the world back to Maine.
Honoring the Past & Looking Ahead
As Free Appraisal Day celebrates its Golden Anniversary, the tradition continues, reaching an even broader international audience. Through online and virtual appraisal services, consignors from around the world can connect with Thomaston Place specialists and submit objects for evaluation online—allowing experts to review items from virtually anywhere.
For fifty years, museum-quality objects discovered in barns, early American brown furniture passed down through generations, and unusual artifacts from around the world have all crossed the appraisal table in Thomaston Maine, and many continuing on to the auction block. For Kaja Veilleux and the specialists at Thomaston Place Auction Galleries, each Tuesday still holds the promise of a remarkable new discovery.
The auction house is currently accepting consignments for its upcoming Summer Splendor Auction, taking place June 26–28, with a consignment deadline of April 17.
Learn more about consigning at: https://www.thomastonauction.com/consign
For all other inquiries, please contact us.