Thomas J. Perry established his business, One of a Kind Antiques, in Chester, CT, in 1975. He has over 47 years of full-time experience buying and selling antiques, art, and vintage objects, dating from antiquity through the 20th century. His wife, Cheri-Ann, joined him in business in 1985.
Their reference library contains volumes of research material. Their professional network includes experts in every specialty. They keep abreast of auction results and market trends affecting antique values all over the world. Back in 1976, Tom's research led to the important discovery of a library table made by Boston cabinetmakers Erving and Casson. This table was an inauguration gift to President Abraham Lincoln from his cabinet. Tom purchased it and donated it to the White House, where it is displayed. His letter of thanks from First Lady Betty Ford and White House Curator Clement Conger hangs in their office.
Tom and Cheri-Ann have sold over 10,000 items through their website at www.oneofakindantiques.com since 1995, and have over 1400 items currently listed as available for purchase. To date, they have completed over 1050 appraisals that have been used for probate, insurance claims, estate planning, or charitable donations.
Tom has regularly donated his appraisal services to the historical societies of Lyme, Chester, Essex, Killingworth, Haddam, Old Saybrook and Deep River and has been a quest appraiser for the Connecticut Public Television Antiques Connecticut Treasure Hunt event at Mohegan Sun, where he recognized a painting by French artist Charles Fredrick Soulacroix (1825-1879) valued at over $60,000.00, which was filmed as a highlight to be shown on a later CPTV broadcast around the Antiques Roadshow. Tom and Cheri have both successfully completed the National USPAP Course and have met the AQB Real Property Appraiser Qualification Criteria.