Author: Mark

On Authenticating a Potential Degas Drawing

Written on May 31, 2013.

One of the most interesting parts of this business is the detective work required to investigate and authenticate a potentially high value work of art. Recently a client came in with this pastel drawing on paper of a ballerina signed Degas. It had been purchased at a small auction house in New York City in the early 1960s. To look at, it appeared more or less “right,” trade parlance for authentic...

Buying & Selling Gold & Silver Bullion Coins

Written on December 3, 2012.

These are gold & silver bullion-type coins that we buy and sell regularly. With the meteoric rise in gold and silver prices over the past few years, we see many people either cashing in on what has been a very good investment (up to 500% to 700% profit over the last 10 to 20 years!), or purchasing hoping for comparable gains going forward. Along with this activity comes the question, “Should...

Interesting Antique Caucasian Rug from the UUCSS Event

Written on November 2, 2012.

We had a great turnout at the Antique Appraisal Day and Gold and Silver Buying fundraising event at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Saratoga Springs this past Saturday. As is usual for these events, we saw many wonderful treasures including this 19th-century Caucasian Kazak long rug that was brought in. The size of this Caucasian rug (5 feet by 10 feet) suggests that it is a “kellegi,”...

Century Club of Amsterdam Buying Event 11/3

Written on November 2, 2012.

Join us this Saturday, November 3, for a Gold, Silver and Antiques Buying Event at the Century Club of Amsterdam, N.Y. We’ll be evaluating and purchasing items from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., so if you’re looking to get a little extra cash for the upcoming holiday season, or are just interested in downsizing a bit, come and see us! Flyer courtesy of the Century Club of Amsterdam, NY We...

Upcoming Appraisal Day & Gold Buying Event on 10/27

Written on October 27, 2012.

We are going to be doing an appraisal day and gold buying event this coming Saturday as a fundraiser at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Saratoga Springs. These are always fun events because you never know what is going to walk in the door; we often see amazing things. It’s kind of like Antiques Roadshow—people line up curious and hopeful that that special thing passed down and cherished...

Folk Art Found at the Bethlehem Public Library Appraisal Day Fundraiser

Written on October 16, 2012.

We helped with an appraisal day fundraiser at the Bethlehem Public Library this past Saturday. Here’s a picture of an amazing early 20th-century folk art marquetry box that a woman brought in that was made by a relative and passed down. Amazing quality workmanship—there is a marquetry inlay panel on the lid that depicts a view out of a window into a landscape with several birds perched on...

Walt Whitman Signed Postcard

Written on January 1, 2012.

Hammer Price: $12,500

Mark Lawson Antiques Announces the Discovery in a Schenectady Home of an American Masterpiece

Written on November 15, 2007.

Mark Lawson, proprietor of Mark Lawson Antiques & Auctioneers, Inc., announces the discovery of an important American oil painting lost since 1917 that could be worth a small fortune. The masterpiece, from a local Schenectady home, is by American painter Edwin Lord Weeks, (1849-1903). Extensive research has revealed that the painting, titled “Lake at Oodeypore, India” was originally...

I was very impressed with you. You were very nice and understanding. I would certainly call on you again.

Ethel B., Ballston Lake, N.Y
Both Steve and myself found you very professional and an experienced dealer. We will definitely be using your services in the future. We appreciate your honesty.

Pat & Steve W., Schenectady, N.Y.
My wife and I were very pleased with the professional manner in which we were greeted and made to feel at ease. We were very pleased also with the fair value of our goods.

Barb & Clayton S., Northville, N.Y.
I was glad that I brought my coins to Mark. He treated me fairly and I will do business with him again.

Phil B., Petersburgh, N.Y.