L. G. William Chapman, B.A., LL.B.
Jamieson Mills
Almonte, ON K0A 1A0
August 16th, 2022
My dearest Fi,
Given the nature of your most recent correspondence, involving as it did grandchildren and sterling silver, I thought it most appropriate to reply in kind; that is, embracing the gravity of familial matters and inheritance.
Allow me first to say that you have – perhaps unwittingly – flattered me exponentially to suggest I have any especial acquaintance with these delicate matters. They are heady subjects with which frankly I have had but little confluence other than professionally as in estate administration generally, representing executors and dealing with banks. Upon reflection however it appears that I am entitled to some authority upon the very subject. When we effected our downsizing about a decade ago we auctioned everything. We dealt with auctioneers in Toronto, Ottawa and Montréal. I recognize that auctioneers do not necessarily address biological and related testamentary issues but as you clearly esteem their services may be or become apt.
The singular consequence of dealing with auctioneers is that nothing sells for what you think it is worth. Indeed my experience is that some of them go so far as to investigate popular prices which they then reduce by 25%, insinuating it could probably be had for less (unless of course there is a reserve bid feature attached). And when it does sell, the auction fee of between 35 and 50% is deducted. What remains is yours or your grandchildren’s. Also, you have the memories of seemingly ephemeral ownership and/or possession. Remember those special dinners when it was such gasping delight to lay out the sterling silver flatware which you had so gleefully polished. Best not to recall what I am guessing were the subsequent instances when the identical flatware lay in the lower drawer of the sideboard, perhaps wrapped in soft cotton swabs, becoming in any event appallingly tarnished.
Jumping ahead – since I realize I needn’t persist in this mournful account – I spoke today with Dupuis Jewellers who in turn directed me to Waddington’s. If I am to adjudge by my dealings with Dupuis, you will find Waddington’s helpful.
Best wishes to you and His Lordship! Looking forward to our rally in September!
Billy
Hugs & Kisses