Boston Swan Boat Model, ca. 1930
Appraised Value:
$1,500 - $2,000 (2012)
IMAGE: 1 of 3
Appraisal Video: (1:01)
Appraised By:
Ronald Bourgeault
Decorative Arts, Folk Art, Silver
Owner, Appraiser and Chief Auctioneer
Northeast Auctions
Appraisal Transcript:
GUEST: Well, this was a gift to my grandmother about 1930 from the man who made it, who proposed marriage to her. She didn't accept, but they were friends for life.
APPRAISER: This model is so beautifully made. It's primarily made out of wood. There's a little bit of metal, the little arms and the backs to the chairs. It is magnificently carved here. You have the wings carved, and you can see the pedals in there. It truly is as Boston as Boston could be. And the Swan Boats were here a long time before Make Way for Ducklings were there.
GUEST: That's true.
APPRAISER: And would you show how the rudder works and the flag moves?
GUEST: The rudder turns like that, and then little tiller ropes go on there so the operator could steer without turning around.
APPRAISER: And now the big question is, what is it worth? I could see it selling retail to a true Boston collector, easily $1,500 to $2,000.
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