Antiques Specialist to Appraise at Hillsdale Flea Market 5/27

An antiques expert from Doyle Auctioneers and Appraisers in New York will appraise the value of items at the Hillsdale Flea Market on Saturday May 27, over Memorial Day weekend.David A. Gallager, a senior vice president at Doyle, will examine the public’s heirlooms, antiques and other items and deliver a range for their valuation. The fee for the service will be $10 for up to two items, with all proceeds going to the Hamlet Committee’s efforts to upgrade and beautify Hillsdale’s downtown.“We are thrilled to have an expert of David’s caliber provide his services as a fun new addition to the flea market. David is a veteran of “Antiques Roadshow” on television, and has years of experience as a professional appraiser,” said Bart Ziegler, the Hamlet Committee’s chair.“Not only is this likely to be a highlight of the flea market, but who knows--someone may discover they have a valuable antique lurking in the attic or basement.”Mr. Gallager, a part-time Hillsdale resident, will offer his expertise from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the day of the flea market. The market will take place in Hillsdale Hamlet Park, located just southwest of the intersection of N.Y. Routes 22 and 23 at the traffic light.Categories of goods that Mr. Gallager can appraise include furniture, folk art, pottery, porcelain, silver, paintings, prints and glassware, etc. For large items such as furniture that can’t be transported please bring high-quality photos and a small piece of the item such as a drawer if possible. Jewelry, antiquities, tribal items, coins, stamps and dolls aren’t candidates to be appraised, though they are welcomed for sale at the event.All valuations by Mr. Gallager are estimates for non-commercial use only.​In addition to donating his appraisal services, Mr. Gallager is contributing a valuable item to a raffle to benefit the Hamlet Committee. Up for grabs is an elegant, modern nylon Alchemia side chair from Calligaris, a Milan-based furniture company. Lightweight, sturdy, stylish and comfortable, the chair is suitable for interior or exterior use. The chair’s retail value is $300.In addition, raffle ticket holders can win an exclusive in-home consultation with Mr. Gallager of Doyle.Raffle tickets can be purchased ahead of time at the Hillsdale General Store as well as at the flea market. Tickets are $5 each or three for $10​, and winners don’t need to be present.The flea market marks the return of a community event that in years past drew hundreds of shoppers to the center of Hillsdale. The committee has accepted over 40 vendors selling goods ranging from toys, kitchenware, furniture and clothing to antiques, jewelry and collectibles. The market will open at 8 a.m. for early-bird shoppers, at a charge of $10 a person. Free attendance will begin at 9 a.m. The market will end at 3 p.m. As this is an outdoor event, a rain date for severe weather is set for Sunday May 28, with the same times.More information can be found on the event’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/HillsdaleNYFlea or by emailing hillsdaleNYflea@gmail.comFood and beverages will be offered for purchase at the market, while a variety of eateries in the hamlet will be open as usual for breakfast and lunch.The Hamlet Committee is a volunteer community group that works to enhance the quality of life in the town’s core, both economically and aesthetically, under the auspices of the Hillsdale Town Board. Proceeds from the flea market will be used to further the committee’s mission.