1913 Russian Magnifying Glass

Appraised on: July 26, 2003

Appraised in: Chicago, Illinois

Appraised by: Frank Boos

Category: Jewelry

Episode Info: Chicago, Hour 1 (#801)

Originally Aired: January 5, 2004

IMAGE: 1 of 1  

Appraisal Video: (1:51)

GUEST: It's a piece which I believe is Russian, perhaps Fabergé, and I think it's commemorating the 300th anniversary of the Romanov Dynasty.

APPRAISER: And where did you acquire this piece?

GUEST: I bought it at an antique show here in Chicago.

APPRAISER: Part of your story is correct and part is not correct.

GUEST: Okay.

APPRAISER: Yes, it in fact does commemorate the 300th anniversary of the Romanov Dynasty. The date, 1613, is on one side and on the other side is the date 1913, and it's got the Russian gold marks. It's 14-karat yellow gold and enamel. And it's a lady's magnifying glass-- small, very dainty. This would have been used by a noble lady who could afford to have enamel and 14-karat gold in the form of a magnifier. This would be not very common in Russia. This would have been used to read a newspaper or read a book during the czarist period. Do you have any idea what it's worth?

GUEST: No, I don't.

APPRAISER: What did you pay for it?

GUEST: I think I paid way too much. I think I paid about $1,000 for it.

APPRAISER: You paid about $1,000. And how long ago was that?

GUEST: Oh, over ten years ago.

APPRAISER: Well, today in a well-advertised auction, a piece of Russian gold and enamel of this quality from the czarist period would sell in the range of $4,000 to $6,000.

GUEST: Oh, that's great. I'm surprised-- wonderful.

APPRAISER: Thank you very much for bringing it in.

GUEST: Thank you. But it's not Fabergé?

APPRAISER: No, it's not Fabergé, but it is Russian.

GUEST: Okay.