LACEY – You never know what might be sitting in your attic – until someone with a trained eye and a jeweler’s loupe takes a closer look.
Locals discovered just that at the Lacey Historical Society’s recent appraisal fair, held inside the charming Old Schoolhouse Museum. For just $6, attendees could have their antiques, family heirlooms, and dusty curios examined by two of the most seasoned collectors in the business: Daniel and Marilyn Melega.
The Melegas, lifelong New Jersey residents and founders of M&M Antique Enterprises, Inc. and Legacies Old and New, brought decades of expertise – and plenty of stories – to the event. The husband-and-wife duo have built a reputation as go-to “Team Garbologists,” a title proudly printed on their business cards. And yes, garbologists are a real thing – defined by Merriam-Webster as those who study modern culture through what people throw away. Daniel and Marilyn have simply made a career out of proving that one man’s trash may very well be another man’s treasure.
The couple’s passion for Depression glass, pottery, coins, and ephemera has evolved over the years into a full-scale operation. In addition to appraisals, their company hosts live and timed auctions, estate sales, clean-outs, buy-outs, and more. They’ve even authored a collector’s guidebook – “Tuckerton, New Jersey and Surrounding Areas” – published by Schiffer Publishing.
But while the appraisal fair was filled with laughter and intrigue, Daniel suggested that not everything old is worth a fortune – and sometimes, the real value has nothing to do with money.
The Melegas have done a number of area appraisal fairs where people come in to learn about the worth of their treasured items. Daniel sometimes has to gently remind eager information seekers about the difference between appraised value (what someone might pay for a particular piece) and its sentimental value.
Some of the items brought in had all three types of value – monetary, historical, and emotional. A woman from Barnegat, Christine Chapais, brought in a large family Bible dating back to the 1700s. It had been passed down through the male side of her family for generations and its handwritten entries of births, marriages and deaths told a history of their own. Daniel commended Chapais on taking on the expense of rebinding the book to preserve it.
“It’s irreplaceable,” Daniel told her. “Especially because of the handwritten family names inside.” While it may hold some insurance value, he emphasized its true worth lies in its legacy.
Books seemed to be a recurring theme at the event. Lacey Historical Society President Derek Lazok displayed a volume that chronicled firsthand Civil War experiences of soldiers from Monmouth and Essex counties. The rare volume, marked “Lincoln Post G.A.R.,” was a relic of the Grand Army of the Republic – a post-war veterans’ organization.
Daniel also examined a selection of cameos for another visitor, discovering that some were gold – even though they lacked the usual 14k stamp. Using a jeweler’s tool, he explained that better-quality cameos, particularly those from Italy, are often carved from stone instead of shell.
Other items sparked curiosity for their quirky backstories. Barnegat resident Vicky Vitkuske brought in some oversized art and an intriguing New York City sign that read “Cortland St. World Trade Center,” a poignant reminder of a place that no longer exists. Vitkuske said it was something her father picked up years ago.
What’s the most valuable item the couple have ever appraised? A piece from their personal collection: the Lord’s Prayer inscribed – yes, actually written – on the head of a pin.
“It was made by a gentleman in prison,” Daniel explained. “He did 11 in silver and one in gold. We own one of the silver ones. The story goes that it sat in ‘Ripley’s Believe It or Not’ in Atlantic City for years before someone found it in an attic, almost thrown away – until they realized what it was.”
The Melegas have seen the Lord’s Prayer pins appraised as high as $1 million.
Each appraisal offered a chance for people to learn more about the craftsmanship, materials, and origin of their pieces. Whether it was opera glasses, vintage jewelry, or obscure art, Daniel and Marilyn helped connect the dots between history, value, and memory. That itself made some people feel richer – even if the appraised value was low.
“There’s always a story,” Daniel added with a smile. “And sometimes, that story is worth more than the object itself.”
