Riches Appraisals & Consult

Riches Appraisals & Consult Providing USPAP Compliant Appraisal Reports, Estate Management, Sales Consultations and Auctioneer Services for Fundraising Events

Eek! My copy of Ornamentum finally arrived today. I think this may be one of my favorite issues yet!!Congratulations to ...
05/26/2026

Eek! My copy of Ornamentum finally arrived today. I think this may be one of my favorite issues yet!!
Congratulations to everyone who worked so hard to make this happen ✨️

POISONS & INTOXICANTS

The Spring/Summer 2026 issue of Ornamentum magazine explores some of the materials, objects, approaches, perspectives, and impacts of toxins and intemperance on Canada's decorative arts.

While conducing research for a recent donation, I came across this novelty lighter designed to resemble a camera mounted...
02/23/2026

While conducing research for a recent donation, I came across this novelty lighter designed to resemble a camera mounted on a tripod stand - again! It is surprising how often this particular model pops up my world of appraising. The Cont-Lite models were produced in Occupied Japan, 1940's-1950's

Although its resale value in the secondary market is minimal, it remains quite impressive. Upon close inspection, you can see the tiny compass located on the left hand side.

Shown here is a modern interpretation of a piece that is believed to have been created by a woman named Patty Polk.Polk ...
02/17/2026

Shown here is a modern interpretation of a piece that is believed to have been created by a woman named Patty Polk.

Polk originally created a traditional embroidered design with garlands of flowers and a stylized image of Washington’s Tomb. The sampler read "Patty Polk did this and she hated every stitch she did in it. She loves to read much more.”

Although these words cause me to chuckle, they also serve as a reminder that women did not always opt to engage in stitching. It was an activity imposed upon them by patriarchal standards that dictated a rigid definition of femininity and compliance with a woman's designated role.

Sampler Goals!

As of early 2026, precious metals have experienced unprecedented trading levels, prompting many collectors to sell their...
02/12/2026

As of early 2026, precious metals have experienced unprecedented trading levels, prompting many collectors to sell their prized possessions to capitalize on the market surge.

Recently, we discovered a collection of commemorative Canadian coins while working on an estate. Among these is the 2017 USS Enterprise $100 Canadian silver coin. That's right, it's a coin.

We all know The Royal Canadian Mint (RCM) produces commemorative coins that honour Canadian history, wildlife, and significant anniversaries. However, it's rare to discover a three-dimensional Trekkie collectible like this one. Mintage 1000.

Would you sell this?

Image 1 - courtesy of mint.ca
Image 2 - courtesy of Riches Appraisals

Honouring the life and legacy of celebrated sculptor and printmaker David Ruben Piqtoukun ᑎᕕᑎ ᐱᑐᑯ ᕈᐱᐃ (1950–2026).PEOPLE...
02/07/2026

Honouring the life and legacy of celebrated sculptor and printmaker David Ruben Piqtoukun ᑎᕕᑎ ᐱᑐᑯ ᕈᐱᐃ (1950–2026).

PEOPLE OF THE MIDNIGHT SUN, 2017

Image 1 - courtesy of Riches Appraisals
Image 2 - courtesy of AGO - Art Gallery of Ontario

Considering the current temperatures, the subject matter of this painting seems oh-so apropos❄️Arent Arentsz (1585/86–16...
02/03/2026

Considering the current temperatures, the subject matter of this painting seems oh-so apropos❄️

Arent Arentsz (1585/86–1631)
SKATERS ON THE AMSTEL, c. 1620
Oil on wood

Art Gallery of Ontario, Bequest of W. Redelmeier, 1956

Images taken during an early January art crawl in Toronto. "Making his museum debut, Canadian artist Ranbir Sidhu brings...
02/01/2026

Images taken during an early January art crawl in Toronto.

"Making his museum debut, Canadian artist Ranbir Sidhu brings his futuristic vision to the AGO with an exhibition of three new monumental sculptures.

Blurring the line between form and ideas, industry and intuition, Sidhu seamlessly weaves Sikh history and iconography into a contemporary visual language. His ambitious sculptural works are exquisitely engineered in a variety of metals."

A snippet of shots from Metamorphoses. An excellent mixture of 2D and 3D works of art - on now at the AGH.
11/28/2025

A snippet of shots from Metamorphoses. An excellent mixture of 2D and 3D works of art - on now at the AGH.

There was a lot to take in  todayI encountered many familiar faces and made a few new friends along the way! Showcased h...
10/24/2025

There was a lot to take in today

I encountered many familiar faces and made a few new friends along the way! Showcased here are just a few of the works that made me stop and contemplate. 🤯

Plans to visit? Be sure to stop by the booth (CT5) and say hi !

Helen McNicoll (1879-1915) Seen here are detailed images of works from Helen McNicoll: An Impressionist Journey. The exh...
08/14/2025

Helen McNicoll (1879-1915)

Seen here are detailed images of works from Helen McNicoll: An Impressionist Journey. The exhibition is on display until August 31st at The Art Gallery of Hamilton.

As a decorative arts appraiser, I am always fascinated by the "furnishings" captured in works of art and find that a certain type of intimacy and peacefulness exists within interiors.

These were painted in Britain at the height of the suffrage movement. What can we see? 🔎... A brass candlestick and an alike fireplace fender, a tea kettle, chest of drawers with swivel mirror, a woven basket, a wall sconce with a glass shade, a small rocker, breakfast table and even a Chintz sofa🌸

Image 1: THE OPEN DOOR, c. 1913, Oil on canvas
Image 2: INTERIOR WITH MIRROR, c. 1913, Watercolour
Image 3: THE CHINTZ SOFA No 2, c. 1913, Oil on canvas

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317 Dundas Street West
Toronto, ON
M5T 1G4

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