Introduction to Dobesh Appraisal
If you need an appraisal of antique porcelains, Portland appraiser Jerry L. Dobesh, ASA, of Dobesh Appraisal, can help. Jerry has been active in the antiques business, full time, for over 40 years. Jerry performs appraisals of antique porcelains, fine art, furniture, decorative artworks, silver, glass, firearms, samurai swords, and a wide range of personal property. I worked at the Portland auction house O’Gallerie for most of the 1990’s. Looking back, one of my favorite consignments was the opportunity to sell a fantastic collection of Irish Belleek porcelain in the summer of 1996.
Belleek Porcelain Tea Urn at O’Gallerie Auction in Portland in 1996
Perhaps the piece that attracted the most attention at that sale was the large size Belleek Chinese Tea Urn on stand. It dated to the first period of Belleek (1863 – 1890). Chinese tea urns were hand painted, and there was significant variation in the amount of detail and coloration that urns can be found in. This particular urn featured sea green painted dragons that were covered in a rose tinted glossy overglaze. The wings were in matte chocolate glaze, and it was finely detailed in gilt. The woven handle was original. This urn was particularly well marked underneath with both a first style black mark, an impressed first style mark, and a British registry mark. Mr. Richard K. Degenhardt, who at the time was considered the world’s foremost authority on Belleek shared that he considered it “the finest Chinese tea urn he had ever seen, including those in the Irish National Museum”. At 14 inches in height, it has always been one of the most impressive and sought after of Belleek’s early pieces to collectors.
Belleek Porcelain is from from Belleek, County Fermanagh, in Northern Ireland. The pottery was founded circa 1858 by Mr. John Caldwell Bloomfield in partnership with Mr. Robert Williams Armstrong and Mr. David McBirney. Beginning circa 1863 they began producing examples of the fine quality parian ware that Belleek became so well known for.
Belleek Chinese Tea Urn on Stand
The Columbia Chapter of the Belleek Collector’s International Society is active here in Portland. We have meetings about four times a year. If you have an interest in Belleek porcelain, you can contact them at Columbia Chapter BCIS.
Looking for an Appraisal?
Contact Jerry for a quote, or call.
Appraising is his only business. He is not a dealer, and he does not buy or sell. With Dobesh Appraisal, you will receive professional objectivity without any conflict of interest. His sole interest is to provide you with an accurate, well supported, and unbiased appraisal. Jerry’s reports are USPAP compliant, and meet the 2022 IRS Qualified Appraiser/Qualified Appraisal requirements.
Most of Jerry’s antiques appraisal work takes place here in the Portland – Vancouver metro area, including all the neighboring towns and cities such as Gresham, Salem, Beaverton, Tigard, Hillsboro, and Battle Ground, Washington, on a regular basis. Jerry is willing to travel as necessary, including Brookings, Gold Beach, Bandon, and all along the Oregon coast. He has had a number of estate tax assignments in Roseburg the past year. If you need a valuation of fine art, decorative arts, antiques, fine art, swords, or firearms in the Pacific Northwest, give Jerry a call. He is happy to travel.
Check Out Jerry’s Oregon Live Articles
Jerry writes a monthly column for the Oregonian Home & Garden section. Click to read past Oregonian appraisal columns