busy, busy, busy

We've just spent several hours going over the entire inventory with the couple that we bought the business from, in preparation for the Tampa Antique and Collectibles Fair coming up. What an enormous relief to have that review and actually handle each piece together, which we'd hadn't been able to do before. Many of the items had been unmarked; many more of the items had been marked with clearance pricing, since we'd encountered the couple when they were ready to retire from the business entirely, and so had reduced their prices to below cost in order to clear it out. This exercise brought us back to a normal price point on all items, and allowed us, even more importantly, to identify each and every item! No more mysteries! Doing a little happy dance right here in my kitchen....

We also took the time to review the website with the lady, who I think was happy to see her treasures on view for all to enjoy. She helped to revise a few items, which I really appreciate. Nothing like working in the dark to make one feel muddled.

Yesterday we had the opportunity to get another mystery solved, when we brought a piece of Nippon Moriage that had belonged to Bob's grandmother in for an appraisal at another antique show that was offering professional appraisals for a $5 donation. At least, now we know that it's a Nippon Moriage vase - up until yesterday we only knew that it was a pretty green vase with bumpy white dots on it. We were even certain that it was of Japanese oprigin, because we couldn't make out the mark on the base. (That's what the "moriage" refers to - the heavy application of enamel on Nippon porcelain. Now we know!) We also got an estimated value on the vase, which was a nice surprise all around. Now the vase will get a rightful spot in the china cabinet, instead of being perched precariously in front of the fireplace.