An Unexpected Treasure Hunt
THOMASTON, Maine (AP) — For over five decades, Kaja Veilleux has been on a quest for hidden treasures throughout New England’s attics. His remarkable finds include a copy of the Declaration of Independence he discovered among discarded items and, most impressively, a million-dollar portrait believed to be painted by the Dutch master Rembrandt, uncovered in a dusty old farmhouse in Maine earlier this year.
Veilleux recounted a memorable incident when he encountered a $50,000 gold coin stored away in a tool drawer. Unfortunately, the well-intentioned owner inadvertently damaged the coin’s value by scrubbing it with a scouring pad before he had the chance to auction it off.
“Every day feels like a treasure hunt,” he remarked with a light-hearted laugh.
The Thrill of Discovery
Many individuals dream of uncovering valuable heirlooms hidden among their possessions. Illustrating this point, three sisters from Ohio recently sold a rare dime for over half a million dollars. Similarly, a collection of old hockey cards unearthed in a Canadian home fetched a staggering $3.7 million just two years ago.
The Art of Appraisal
At 73 years old, Veilleux uses his extensive knowledge to help people differentiate between valuable items and mere junk. He assesses furniture, antiques, and art by referencing past sale prices in the market. However, the art auction landscape can be unpredictable; who would have thought a banana duct-taped to a wall could sell for more than $6 million?
Lessons from Early Mistakes
Veilleux’s journey began at the young age of 8 when he cultivated a passion for collecting coins. His expertise in antique dealing has been honed through real-life experiences, including a pivotal lesson he learned when he mistakenly bid on a miniature painting, only to discover upon closer examination that it was a clever print with just a few painted details to enhance its appearance.
“I spent $350 on a $35 piece, which taught me to always examine items closely,” he recalled, emphasizing the importance of vigilance in his line of work.
A Significant Discovery in Maine
This year, Veilleux faced his most remarkable find yet during a visit to a house in Camden, Maine. As he and an assistant searched through the attic, they uncovered a stack of paintings, among which lay an exquisite portrait of a young woman attributed to Rembrandt.
Although the artwork was identified as “after Rembrandt” — meaning it mimics the master’s style but lacks definitive proof of his authorship — it still attracted a buyer for $1.4 million, including auction fees, suggesting a willingness to bet on its authenticity despite the potential risk of it being merely a replica.
Valuing Heirlooms
Every Tuesday, Veilleux opens his office in Thomaston, Maine, to individuals eager to appraise their treasured items. While the appraisal service is complimentary, Veilleux earns a commission if the items are sold through his Thomaston Place Auction Galleries.
On a recent Tuesday, Erika Taylor brought in two pieces of artwork that her father acquired in China during the 1940s, after fleeing Nazi Germany. Initially, Veilleux estimated these pieces could sell for up to $30,000 each. However, upon closer inspection, he revealed they were prints rather than original artworks, leaving Taylor disappointed.
“It’s disheartening,” she admitted, “but I respect his expertise.” Nevertheless, she considered seeking a second opinion to confirm the valuation.
In contrast, another client, Jean Koenig, received favorable news regarding her large aquamarine ring, which her father had found in a Brazilian mine. Fashioned by her grandmother with additional rubies and diamonds, the ring is now estimated to sell for between $10,000 and $15,000 at auction. Koenig plans to share the proceeds with her seven siblings, saying, “It has just been sitting in a box for years, and we decided it’s time to sell.”
