Dr. Lori and woman standing with Native American baby papoose

My fun and informative antiques appraisal events, held nationwide for all types of groups and businesses, are where I reveal the inside scoop on the world of antiques. Here are some valuable stories and tips from my recent shows. The stuff is still out there. Which is your favorite?

1. Do you know your Spouse?

Papoose

At an event held in Hartville, OH, I met a couple who brought me an early 1900s Native American baby papoose of leather, beadwork, and wood for an appraisal. I asked the wife if anyone in the family was of Native American background and she replied, “No.” Her husband of 35 years interrupted with disbelief and said, “Hello, I am Cheyenne”. After the crowd erupted in laughter, I revealed the 12,000 dollar value of their family heirloom. Do you have Native American antiques? Watch me appraise Maria Martinez pottery live at an event and see the crowd’s surprise at its value. Plus, watch me appraise these valuable pair of moccasins from my event in Ft. Wayne, IN.

2. Estate Sale Find

Quaint Lititz, Lancaster County, PA in the heart of Amish Country was the site of my appraisal event where I surprised one event guest. He purchased a table from a neighbor’s estate sale for 35 dollars. After I identified the table as a late 18th/early 19th Century Chippendale gaming table made in Philadelphia, PA used for parlor games like bridge, backgammon, and chess, I revealed to the owner its 25,000 dollar appraised value. That value is based on what I have seen others actually sell for. Furniture is often overlooked. For example, could you spot a valuable Duncan Phyfe piece? Both originals and reproductions can be valuable.

3. Kids Like Old Stuff Too

At the annual Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island, NE, I host standing room only crowds of all ages at my appraisal events throughout the two week long fair. Recently, I met a cute 5 year old collector who brought me his grandmother’s Bakelite pin. The piece was an early 20th Century plastic figural pin of a brown squirrel. The boy treasured the 1940s era pin and it was worth 275 dollars on the costume jewelry market but it was worth even more to the little Cornhusker collector. Bakelite is a hot collectible now. Learn more about Bakelite and the other two must have collectibles at the writing of this post. Plus, see grandmother’s pin.

So which was your favorite? Got a fascinating recollection from one of my appraisal events? Share it on one of my social media channels or email me so I can include it in a future blog post. I’d love to hear it.