SPECIAL SERVICES
Will has been actively engaged in the antiques, coins, fine arts and collectibles trade since 1981 and has owned and operated several businesses from New England to North Carolina including T&G Edged Weapons, Nor'East Militaria, Will Gorges Antiques and Battleground Antiques, Inc.
As a nationally known specialist in antiques and original American Civil War era Union and Confederate memorabilia, Will has been and is currently an active consultant to the industry from the private collector to national institution levels. He currently is retained by several national museums as an authenticator as well as a certified vendor.
The bulk of his private collection, once housed in the New Bern Civil War Museum, formed the basis of the Pamplin Park Civil War Museum collection in Virginia. He is a former member of ISA , current member of the Association of Online Appraisers (AOA) and a host of antiques and collectibles oriented groups nationwide and has held a Federal Firearms dealer license since 1981.
Lynn Lancaster GorgesTextile Conservator / Restoration Specialist and owner of Historic Textiles Studio, Lynn is available to evaluate and appraise textiles from the early 1800's to present. She has studied at the Smithsonian Institute, The Campbell Center of Preservation, Schoolhouse Studio of Lawrence, KS, Cooperstown Textile School, NCSU College of Textiles, and Colonial Williamsburg.
Her specialty is in the area of conservation of military uniforms, flags, vintage clothing, and quilts. She is also trained in the area of quilt restoration. Historic Textiles Studio houses an 8' x10' stainless steel wet tank which is serviced by a deionized water system. The services rendered are: fiber analysis, fabric dating, stabilization, construction of exhibition mounts, wet cleaning, and storage consulting based on an evaluation of the storage site.
We offer a wide range of appraisal and authentication services for your convenience. While our field of specialization is American Civil War material, we span the era of 1500 to modern times with most military artifacts. We recently appraised the artifacts found on the pirate ship of Blackbeard, the Queen Anne's Revenge! We have experience in estate settlements and expert court witness testimony, and can travel to accomodate your needs.
All fees are negotiated at the time of contact and most do not require formal contracts. Larger collections and long distance travel is performed under binding legal contract with set fees. All information is strictly CONFIDENTIAL and treated as such. Neither our client base or mailing list is ever made public nor sold or released in any manner. All employees, regardless of position, must sign legal contracts to that effect. If we may assist you in any manner, please do not hesitate to contact us.