Hidden Treasures
by Leigh Keno and Leslie Keno

Review by Mark Gezella – March 2005

This month's review is based on a new addition to the library.  You might recognize the author's last names for several reasons; they're well known in the field of rare antiquities, they're seen on multiple shows on PBS, and they've authored many articles related to fine antique furniture.  They also bear a striking resemblance to one another - yes, they are twins!

Though still quite young, these two brothers have led a full life.  They grew up on a 95 acre farm where both decided at an early age to pursue collecting as a vocation.  The youngsters spent many days venturing off into the woods on "treasure hunts".  Their first target was old pots.  With these, they learned how to look for distinguishing features, e.g.; decoration, markings, etc., anything that added value to a piece.  A subsequent foray into collecting came as they recovered old (18th and 19th century) barn door hinges of the big, hand-wrought strap-iron style.  These were prized by the twins as a tribute to the artistry of period blacksmiths.  But they didn't overlook monetary value either; back then, a good set with accompanying door handles could sell for around $100 (though Leslie recently purchased a pair for $4000 - serious stuff!).

As teens, they attended flea markets with their parents.  Surprisingly, they were willing to get up early and even sleep in their truck to get first peek at the "rarest" finds.  It was at these markets that they learned the "art of the deal", through personal experience and vicariously while watching others negotiate.  In addition to this real-world experience, they took classes in archeology, which taught them proper excavating techniques - these guys were focused!  During this timeframe their parents gave them a set of dirt bikes, which enabled them to wander further into the "backwoods", ultimately opening more opportunities for collecting artifacts.  These explorations are periodically described in excerpts from a diary the boys kept - a "professional" journal if you will.  A modicum of photos accompany many diary entries.  What really floored me is how they looked growing up - what hippies!

After the first few chapters the book leads you to New York, where the young men take positions at highly respected Antiques companies.  Leslie hired on at Sotheby's fresh out of college and has remained to this day.  Leigh began work at Doyles, was a Vice-President at Christie's, but desired to have his own shop and now runs Leigh Keno American Antiques.  Both men have earned quite a reputation in their own right.  Descriptions of the Keno's world-wide adventures abound as each traveled to evaluate exquisite furniture along with some fakes.  Personal triumphs notwithstanding, they've also seen increased success through the magic of PBS.  Their biggest claim to fame is probably the spots on "Antiques Roadshow", but they now have their own show called "Find!" where they visit homes and businesses to evaluate pieces and ascertain values.  Some are duds, but others are worth large sums of money.  It's always fun to watch, regardless of outcome.

But you probably want to hear about the woodwork, correct?!  The brother's studied many classical furniture styles, but eventually settled on American designs.  As you encounter different pieces in the book, you'll find exceptional detail regarding construction; use of primary and secondary woods, joinery techniques, marquetry and inlay, finish techniques, etc.  The book has some amazing photographs of some of the finest furniture that has ever come to auction.  It speaks of several record sales that were set, then subsequently broken, most of which the twins were a part of.  You may recognize the makers of these items; John Goddard, Christopher Townsend, and Duncan Phyfe to name a few.  These were prodigious furniture makers whose sought-after collectibles include chairs, tables, secretaries, bookcases, etc.

The best example is saved for the last chapter.  It is devoted to a secretary made of prized mahogany, considered to be the "…most exceptional piece they've ever encountered…".  It sold for over $8,000,000 (yep - that's six zeros) during an auction in January, 1999.  It descended from the Appleton family who apparently owned it for generations.  Some sleuthing by the brothers led to the discovery of a maker's mark on a drawer bottom that shot the value skyward.  It had a few discernible letters; T, W, N, D, which they had photographed with an infrared camera to provide unquestionable proof that it was crafted by Christopher Townsend of Newport style fame.  They also realized it originally rested on four ball feet, which were long gone.  Sotheby's reproduction department crafted new pads for it, which added over five inches to the height.  This completed the piece by giving it a commanding presence they felt it deserved.  The final photos attest to the grandeur of the secretary.

I hope you don't mind my bias towards the twin's escapades in this article.  I just found it interesting, especially with their "celebrity" status now.  The book is entertaining reading.  You won't find any how-to stuff in it, but you will find wonderful examples of what defines a masterpiece..  If you’re a fan of antiques, furniture, and/or PBS you'll probably enjoy this offering.  It is currently available for check-out in the Guild library.