Set of 12 Ball, Black & Co Knives in original case. Inscribed on knives the date of Nov 16, 1854. Looks to be given as a gift to someone. I think they are silverplate but not sure.
This picture was recovered from an older painting that had an ugly frame that my Grandma got back in the 40's - 50's from a women who lived in a small town in Central Illinois.
About 3-4 years ago, my mother replaced the frame and the picture was behind the main one. After some searching, I found out that it is George Dewey, a famous Admiral in the US Navy.
Now I can't tell if it is a picture, or a painting. I'm not sure how that stuff worked back when this was produced. To me, it looks like a painting, but it has no texture to the touch, so I am unsure. Maybe it is a picture and I just don't recongize that.
Here is a picture of the item in question..
Here are some closeups of his buttons, etc..
I've always wondered if this had any value, or if it was just one in the millions found around the country. I have been hesitate to take it to a dealer to pay $200 to get it appraised only to find out it is worth $10.
