Northwest Persian Serab Runner, ca. 1868
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GUEST:
This rug came to my grandfather in 1966. He received it from a friend of his who had passed away. And the gentleman originally had bought it from an antiques dealer.
APPRAISER:
Okay.
GUEST:
So we really don't know a lot about it.
APPRAISER:
Well, what you brought in today is a Northwest Persian Serab runner. It's a typical example for this type of rug. Most have repeat medallion designs, as this one does. And most have a liberal usage of natural, undyed camel's hair. As you can see at the outer borders, almost exclusively in that as well as the field color. Now, did you have any idea what this writing was up at the top?
GUEST:
We thought maybe it was a signature or a date. We don't know if it's the family that this rug was made for or if it was the person who actually made the rug.
APPRAISER:
The first is the date. And this translates in the Islamic calendar to 1284. 1284 comes out to around 1868 in the Western calendar. We date these based on the colors that are used. This is all done in vegetable dyes, so we know it's a true 19th-century example. And the other area of script could be an inscription; it could be a signature of the weaver. But, in any case, the fact that it's dated and it's possibly inscribed will add to its value. Now, the rug is generally in good condition. The perimeter of the rug is usually the first thing to show wear and tear. So you have the edges, which are slightly barren, and you have one area down here at the bottom which is showing some fraying.
GUEST:
Yes.
APPRAISER:
It's not a significantly large repair job. It's probably a good thing investment wise to have that done. Now, with this rug in its current condition, we'd have a retail replacement value of $5,500.
GUEST:
Okay.
APPRAISER:
I believe the restoration costs on this carpet would probably be around $1,000.
GUEST:
Oh, okay.
APPRAISER:
And when that is properly restored, it will add approximately $3,000 to the retail replacement value.
GUEST:
So it would definitely be worth it, then.
APPRAISER:
Absolutely. It would be a good investment. Okay?
GUEST:
Okay. Great.
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