QuestionI just recieved a silver bracelet from my grandmother who got it from a relative in Germany in 1948, on the box it reads:
Ohren, Schmuck
Bestecke, Optik
Gottfried Muller (with 2 dots over the u)
Leer (Ostfr.)
Adolf Hitler Str.59
Ru(?) 2121
Any info of the possible value and time period of this piece would be great.
Thanks
Steph
AnswerG'day Stephanie and many thanks for your query
The first thing you have to realize it that the box - may not have anything to do with the bracelet, especially with the word 'Optik' which would indicate an "Optician" as it refers to the 'eye'.
Now you can see it, feel it, touch it - and will have information from your relatives which any jeweler or valuer can't possibly know.
Most valuers would approach this with help from the client (you) to provide acurate facts.
Assuming the box and the bracelet ARE original - then you would need to see someone who specializes in Military or Antique Jewelry from the period.
The address on the box is just the store name and address.
Antique items are considered to be 100 years old or more - so this doesn't qualify - although in the States for example - they accept 50 years or more (I don't know where you live?).
As for Value - You have to remember this is still just a silver bracelet. Silver is still the cheapest of the precious metals and doesn't become more valuable unless it has Antique (see previous comment) value or Historical significance.
A 100 year old bucket - is still just an old bucket.
What I mean by that is the item hasn't changed from silver to gold and suddenly sprouted gemstones and diamonds.
It is exactly the same as it was when it was first purchased. Unless it was owned by someone significant - it doesn't change the value although a good fitted box helps (but only by a small percentage).
Valuers can't value the box - only the jewelry inside - then add a small percentage to that price BECAUSE of the box - that's all.
You might like to add this query to my blog at: http://how2valuejewelry.com as someone may have come across this problem before and can shed more light on the subject.
Can't harm anyway.
Hope this helps....
