Kaja Veilleux, an appraiser, examines a bronze item brought in by a client at Thomaston Place Auction Galleries in Thomaston, Maine, on Tuesday, November 19, 2024. AP Photo


December 13, 2024 Tags:

Kaja Veilleux has spent over 50 years uncovering hidden treasures in New England attics, and his discoveries have often made headlines. One of his most notable finds was a rare copy of the Declaration of Independence, which he stumbled upon in a pile of trash at an old farmhouse. More recently, he discovered a portrait believed to be painted by the famous Dutch artist Rembrandt, which sold for over a million dollars. However, not all finds have been as fortunate. Veilleux recalls a time when a well-meaning homeowner accidentally ruined a $50,000 gold coin by cleaning it with a scouring pad, diminishing its value.
Veilleux, now 73, has seen a variety of priceless heirlooms and collectibles over the years. In one instance, three sisters from Ohio sold a rare dime for more than $500,000, and just two years ago, a box of old hockey cards found in a Canadian home fetched $3.7 million. While these treasures can be highly valuable, the world of antique dealing is unpredictable. Veilleux, who has a deep understanding of the value of items, notes that art auctions, for example, can be surprising. Who would have thought a banana duct-taped to a wall could sell for $6 million?

Veilleux’s journey in the antiques world began when he was just eight years old, collecting coins. His sharp memory for objects helped him excel in his field. However, one early lesson came with a costly mistake. He bid on a miniature painting he thought was valuable, only to realize later that it was a print with painted touches, not an original. This experience taught him to carefully examine objects before making a purchase.

In the late 1990s, Veilleux was called to a house in South Freeport, Maine, where piles of trash were being discarded. Among the clutter, he spotted what turned out to be a 1776 copy of the Declaration of Independence. He sold it for $99,000, but the state of Maine sued to take possession of it, leaving both the buyer and seller with nothing. This case highlighted the complexities of ownership and authenticity when it comes to rare finds.

Silverware is being weighed as part of an appraisal process at Thomaston Place Auction Galleries in Thomaston, Maine, on Tuesday, November 19, 2024. AP Photo

One of his most remarkable discoveries came just this year. Veilleux, along with an assistant, was sorting through a home in Camden, Maine, when they uncovered a painting of a young woman, believed to be by Rembrandt. Although it was not definitively proven to be the artist’s work, the painting sold for $1.4 million. The buyer took a considerable risk, hoping the portrait could be authenticated as a genuine Rembrandt, which would have made it worth much more.

Every Tuesday, people visit Veilleux’s auction house in Thomaston, Maine, bringing in items they hope to sell. While the appraisals are free, Veilleux earns a commission if the items are sold at auction. Sometimes, the news isn’t what sellers hope for. Erika Taylor brought two paintings her father had collected in China during the 1940s. Veilleux initially estimated their value at $30,000 each, but upon closer inspection, he determined they were prints, not original artworks. Despite the disappointment, Taylor acknowledged Veilleux’s expertise.

Appraiser Kaja Veilleux examines a set of silver pieces at Thomaston Place Auction Galleries in Thomaston, Maine, on Tuesday, November 19, 2024. AP Photo

Jean Koenig, on the other hand, had better news. She brought in a large aquamarine ring her father had found in Brazil and had it made into jewelry by her grandmother. Veilleux estimated it would sell for between $10,000 and $15,000, and Koenig decided to auction it, planning to share the proceeds with her seven siblings.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

You may also like

Trans Day Of Visibility Honors Hamilton Woman Who Died In 2003

March 31 marks International Transgender Day of Visibility, a day to honor transgender individuals and raise awareness of the challenges....

Harper Beckham Dazzles With Blonde Hair At David Beckham's 50th Birthday Bash

Harper Beckham turned heads during her father David Beckham's 50th birthday celebration in Miami. The 13-year-old stole the spotlight in....

Luxury $2.8M Muskoka Cottage Available In Home Lottery Draw

Time is running out to grab your chance at owning a luxurious Muskoka cottage while helping fund vital cancer research.....

H&M To Use AI Clones of Models, Raising Industry Concerns

Global fashion retailer H&M plans to create digital versions of its models this year, sparking fresh concerns about the impact....

Rare $100M Coin Collection, Hidden For Decades, Going To Auction

A massive coin collection, hidden underground for over 50 years, is heading to auction and is expected to sell for....

Naomi Watts And Her Canine Co-Star Steal The Show In Style

Naomi Watts made a memorable entrance at the New York premiere of The Friend, but she wasn’t alone. The actress....

5 GTA Coworkers Celebrate $60M Lotto Max Jackpot Win

Five coworkers from the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) are celebrating after winning a massive $60 million Lotto Max jackpot. The....

Murphy, the bald eagle famous for nesting a rock, dies in Missouri storm

Murphy, a bald eagle loved by many for treating a rock like his own egg, has died after severe storms....

Meghan Markle Launches Online Store with Her Fashion Favorites

Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, has introduced a new online store where fans can shop her favorite clothing, accessories, and....

Katie Holmes stuns in a chic and classy bodycon dress

Katie Holmes made a stylish appearance on Thursday evening at a high-profile fashion party. She attended the celebration of Printemps,....

Calvin Klein turns up the heat, while Mugler goes bold and surreal

Model Alex Consani is making waves again. After being featured on a major magazine's April cover, she is now part....

Order of Canada honoree confuses $25M lottery win for $25K

Charley Coffey, an 81-year-old retiree from Toronto, recently won a massive $25 million Lotto Max jackpot from the January 31,....