Anyone know anything about antique ceramics and restoration?

[crispini]

So I have these two old ceramic statuettes that, family legend tells me, my great-grandfather brought over from England when he emigrated. I've tried to search around on the web for information about English ceramics but I am not particularly up on this stuff and could not find out any information on them, so I have no idea how old they actually are, how where they're really from, how valuable they might be, etc.

Here's a picture of the two. They're about 6 inches high, and as you can see, both beheaded. :)



Here's my full album of all the various shots. No identifying marks on the bottom or anything.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/crispini/sets/72157600860652069

Anyway, so they're currently sitting in a box (as they have been for the last 40 year probably) and I'd like to actually get them out and restore them. However, I was quoted an estimate of around $600 - $700 to restore them. That's a bit steep for something that purely has sentimental or family value. On the other hand, I hate just leaving them in a box. I don't want to get rid of them, though, because, well, old family heirloom and all, and they might be worth something, who knows?

So I guess the question is, how should I proceed? Does anyone here know what they might be, or are there experts who can give me an idea of what I have and how much it might be worth? Should I have them restored? Should I just hang on to them?

Thanks all!

[LeftyFingerPop]

1. Here is how I would proceed...

Try to get at least a rough ballpark estimate of what these things might be worth before you spend all of that money on a restoration.

Here is a site where it looks like you can get an appraisal for $9.95...

http://www.wiw2u.com/index.cfm

You might want to get at least one additional appraisal, perhaps at a brick and mortar antique store.

Once you are confident that you have a fair value for these items, you can weigh this value (along with the sentimental value that they hold) against the cost of restoration.

Good luck.

[crispini]

2. Thanks, that's a great link!

Very good idea. I agree, it makes sense to find things out before proceeding. Thanks!