In Thomaston, Maine, Kaja Veilleux has pursued the thrill of treasure hunting for over 50 years. He made headlines recently after discovering a valuable portrait that might be attributed to the famous artist Rembrandt, tucked away in an old farmhouse. His treasure-seeking adventures include finding a copy of the Declaration of Independence and a $50,000 gold coin, the latter of which was unfortunately damaged by an eager owner trying to clean it.
Veilleux calls his work a daily treasure hunt. Many share his dream of uncovering long-lost family heirlooms. Recently, three Ohio sisters sold a rare dime for an astonishing half a million dollars, while a collection of vintage hockey cards from Canada sold for more than $3.7 million just a couple of years ago.
At 73, Veilleux uses his seasoned expertise to appraise antiques, furniture, and art, guiding people in separating valuable items from mere clutter. However, the world of art auctions can be unpredictable, demonstrated by the absurd price tag of a banana taped to a wall that sold for over $6 million.
Veilleux’s journey began at the tender age of eight when he started collecting coins. A mishap at an auction taught him a crucial lesson in scrutinizing items closely. After spending $350 on what he believed was an exquisite miniature painting, he realized it was a mere reproduction. This experience reinforced the importance of careful examination.
In the late 1990s, during a house call to a cluttered home, Veilleux uncovered a 1776 copy of the Declaration of Independence among heaps of discarded objects. While he auctioned it for $99,000, a legal battle erupted with the state of Maine seeking ownership, leaving both the buyer and seller empty-handed.
This year, his most significant find occurred during another house call. In Camden, Maine, he stumbled upon a stack of paintings in an attic, including a striking portrait of a young woman that may have been painted by Rembrandt himself. The painting was auctioned for $1.4 million, a figure that reflected the high stakes involved in art transactions, especially without confirmed provenance.
Every Tuesday, locals visit Veilleux’s office with their cherished items, hoping to determine their value. Appraisals are complimentary, but he earns a commission on any sales made through his auction house.
One recent visitor, Erika Taylor, brought in two artworks her father had collected while living in China. Though originally estimated at $30,000 each, upon closer inspection, Veilleux noted they were prints and not original paintings, leaving Taylor disappointed but ultimately trusting in his expertise.
Another client, Jean Koenig, received better news about a large aquamarine ring crafted by her grandmother. After agreeing to auction it with an estimated value of $10,000 to $15,000, she plans to share the proceeds with her siblings, mindful that the time had come to part with a piece that had simply been gathering dust.
In this small corner of Maine, the stories of hidden treasures and family heirlooms continue, capturing the imagination and the hopes of those who seek to unearth the past.
