Antiques Roadshow: Shocking Auction Price Revealed!

A family heirloom, this climbing axe symbolizes the first ascent of Denali and a legacy of adventure. The guest presents a climbing axe. This is my great-grandfather's climbing axe from the first expedition up Denali. His great-grandfather's, Harry Carstens, who was part of the first expedition to summit Denali in 1913. Carstens had a remarkable journey, starting as a young man who arrived in Dyer during the 1897 Gold Rush. He learned survival skills from the First Nations people and built a reputation for himself. Along with Archdeacon Hudson Stuck, he led the climbing team, which included Robert Tatum and Walter Harper. While the others lost their ice axes during the climb, Carstens' axe is the only one known to exist today. The appraiser noted its significance as a milestone object in mountaineering history. It has been in the guest's family and was stored in a trunk in a barn. For insurance purposes, the appraiser estimated its value. For insurance purposes, $20,000. Oh, it's a little bit too much. Are you sure? Now I've got to lock it up. Rare Walter Johnson-signed baseball stuns its owner with an astonishing six-figure valuation. A guest brought in a Walter Johnson-signed baseball received from a friend named Big Dick. Big Dick, a toy and sports salesman, had the ball before passing it to the guest. From my friend Big Dick, who had it. He was a toy salesman and a sports salesman. The guest admitted knowing little about Walter Johnson, but was drawn to the ball's age. The appraiser explained that Walter Johnson, known as the Big Train, was a legendary pitcher. He was known as the Big Train because he had this blazing fastball. Johnson played for the Washington Senators from 1907 to 1927, achieving 471 wins and 10 20-win seasons. Well, Walter went on to pitch for the Senators for 21 years, starting in 1907 and retiring after the 1927 season. In 1939, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame alongside Babe Ruth. Walter Johnson-signed balls are rare, as he wasn't as widely known as Ruth and died young in 1946. The appraiser valued most Walter Johnson balls between $5,000 and $15,000. However, this particular ball was described as spectacular and graded at a 9 out of 10. The auction estimate for the ball was set between $60,000 and $80,000. I would put an auction estimate of $60,000 to $80,000. Oh, my God. The appraiser believed it could actually sell for at least $100,000. The guest was shocked and told to insure the ball for $150,000, calling the experience overwhelming. A dusty Apache basket, treasured by generations, holds a surprising value that connects family and history. The guest shares that the dusty Apache Oya basket belonged to her grandmother, who enjoyed playing with it as a child in the early 1900s. It was passed down from her great-grandmother, who received it as a gift. The appraiser confirms that the basket dates back to around 1890 and was originally used for grain storage. This basket speaks of the turn of the century, so it was probably created about 1890 to 1900. It's called an Apache Oya. He notes its remarkable condition and beautiful design, pointing out the intricate patterns and a dog figure on the basket. The guest has never had it appraised before and always viewed it as a practical yet beautiful item. While estimating its auction value, the appraiser said... Well, if this was to come to auction on a sophisticated marketplace, it would sell for about $15,000 to $18,000. Wow. That's really something. It's really gorgeous. The guest is surprised and delighted by this valuation. Both share a laugh over the basket's history and significance. This rocking chair is a piece of lawn furniture made in 1925 by Oner's grandfather. Chair has a unique hoop that starts here, goes all the way around, and then ends here. His grandfather was left-handed and was able to work with both hands. He made andirons, fences, furniture, and all kinds of things. This is one of the first metal chairs in tubular form, made of aluminium. Such chairs were common in Europe, but in America, production began in 1924. Oner's grandfather was an early producer of metal furniture. You told me you rolled it across the lawn. Right, you can roll it across the lawn to get it where you need to go. It's a sign of modism, and the verdigris at the top is amazing. Most of it is aluminium, but the seat is made of brass. This unique piece has an insurance value of... Easily be $7,500. Wow. $7,500. Wow. That's crazy. Oner shares a heartwarming story about her grandparents, their first baby Susan, and their summer cottage on Lake Erie in Huron, Ohio, near Norwalk. Signature belongs to Charles Curran, a well-known American Impressionist painter and a relative of the Oner. Appraiser identifies the date of the painting as 1894. Charles Curran grew up in Ohio, studied in Cincinnati and New York, and then studied in Paris. His artistic style was known for idealized landscapes and portraits of women with dramatic clouds in the background. They would sort of be bathed in sunlight, standing on a cliff or on a hill, and often it was an idealized rendition of Kragsmoor. Unique gold framing of the painting makes it look larger from a distance. Guests expect value to be in the range of $6,000 to $10,000. The subject matter, a woman in a white dress, contributes to the painting's value. You sold this at a retail gallery today, it might bring around $75,000. Oh my goodness, that's amazing. A rare 1882 poster shows the strange sport of six-day walking races at the old Madison Square Garden. The guest brought a poster of the original Madison Square Garden, built in 1879. I brought a poster of the original Madison Square Garden, I believe it was built in 1879. He purchased it at an auction in Indiana seven years ago. The poster advertises a six-day pedestrian race from 1882. Competitive walking was a huge craze back then. Famous athletes like Charles Rowell participated in these events. The poster was a stone lithograph, printed in New York before chromolithography became popular. Only a limited number of these posters were made and displayed in shops. After consulting experts, the appraiser valued the piece. We feel that at auction, conservatively, this would sell for $2,000 to $3,000. Oh wow, that's more than I thought. A yard sale find turns into a stunning $2,000 treasure with hidden elegance and history. A guest brought in a pendant watch she received from helping a woman at a yard sale. Attained this from a woman, I helped her do a yard sale. She wanted to pay me half of the money, which was like $20 from the yard sale. The woman claimed it was just costume jewelry, giving it instead of a $20 payment. The appraiser identified it has a turn-of-the-century watch enamel pendant. It's silver on gold with high-relief enamel and a beautiful porcelain dial. The appraiser noted that it has French hallmarks and is an unusual piece. The appraiser valued the watch at around $2,000 at auction. The watch can be worn as a pendant and is in excellent condition. The guest was surprised to learn the watch opens up, something she didn't know. The guest was thrilled by the unexpected high value. The guest brought two porcelain vases for appraisal that he purchased in Toronto, Canada 10 years ago. His wife found the vases while antiquing and he fell in love with the unique designs, reminiscent of spring. Initially, they were told the vases were German. However, the guest suspected they might be Japanese due to the lack of clear markings. For someone to think that they're German is actually a very logical thing to think. This type of design with a little bitty tiny white flowers completely covering the surface of the vase is called Schneeball, which actually means snowball. This style was popularized in the 18th century and later revived in the 19th. Applied flowers, branches, birds, and fruit were some of the features of these vases. These vases were only for decoration and not functional. Someone might say, what are these for? What do they do? And my answer is they don't do anything. They just sit there and look beautiful. The lids do come off and I guess suppose they could be used for flowers, but at that point I think that might be overkill. They dated back to the 1860s or 1870s and the appraiser believed them to be French made, most likely in or around Paris. The vases bore unclear blue marks, making attribution difficult. Reflecting their rarity, condition, and the artistry of their creator, these vases were appraised at. Retail value of this pair of vases would be somewhere between $3,000 and $5,000. Fabulous. A rare naval bayonet from the Kaiser's Navy with a history too rich to bury. The guest brought a bayonet his father-in-law acquired during World War II. Over the years, he eventually divulged where he got them, how he acquired them. He picked them up off of some German soldiers that were disposed of. His father-in-law fought in D-Day, Normandy, and took the bayonet from German soldiers. The appraiser identified it has an S-98 bayonet from 1898 to 1905, primarily used in World War I. The engraving indicates it was used by the Kaiser's Navy, a rare and exciting collectible. The bayonet was never officially issued, likely a private purchase. Its excellent condition and unique history make it valuable. While examining, the appraiser estimated its worth. On the market today, this would have a retail sales value of $1,200 to $1,500. Very good. That's a pleasure to hear. Wow. I told myself if I were on this show, I was not going to say wow like everybody else does. The guest was pleased with the news. The guest received an Alain de Kooning painting as a gift from his dearest friend, his high school English teacher, whom he had known for 50 years. Actually, when I first entered her home about 35, 40 years ago, I saw it hanging on the wall with a lot. She had a lot of other paintings, and this one just stuck out. And every time I go to her house, I would stare at it and just say, that is just... Alain Marie Catherine de Kooning was an abstract expressionist and figurative expressionist painter in the post-World War II era. She was the wife of Willem de Kooning, also a Dutch-American abstract expressionist artist, and created this piece around 1959 or 1960. De Kooning was a visiting professor in Albuquerque and befriended the guest's teacher. The painting was a very energetic mixed media work on paper, with elements very much like gouache, acrylic paint, and featured a bow at the center. Louise said she enjoyed going to the bullfights in Juarez and would go there quite frequently and became fascinated or enchanted with the whole bullfight. Alain de Kooning was part of the abstract expressionist movement, but maintained figuration in her work. And she didn't take any nonsense. And she put up with a lot of nonsense from Willem de Kooning, but she had her own flings as well. So she was quite an independent lady. She was feisty. She blended abstract expressionism with figuration, which was evident in her bull paintings and portraits, including that of John F. Kennedy. The painting's significance was heightened by Alain de Kooning's growing recognition as an artist, and it got appraised at... So would it surprise you if I said more likely at auction 50,000 to 80,000? Yeah. I'm delighted to hear that. Nice people still get surprised. And insurance value would be about the same? Insurance, you're going to be north of 100,000. So I don't think you should insure it for less than 140, 150,000. Oh, wow. Yeah. Okay. So you might want to have a word with your insurance. A rare beaded shirt from the 1850s tied to a boy traded for supplies reveals a powerful piece of history. The guest shared a story from her mother-in-law about her great-grandparents' trading post. Native Americans came in one day offering a boy in exchange for supplies. The boy had red hair and blue eyes and was taken in and raised by the family. The appraiser said the shirt, made around 1850, was decorated with glass beads and bison hide. The design suggests it might be a Kiowa shirt. The beads were sewn with animal sinew and the bison hide dates it to an early period. It was appraised in 2001, but its value has grown. He wanted to give us $10,000 for it. That was probably around 2000? 2001, I think. The appraiser estimated its value as... I would expect a retail price on this of around $150,000. Oh, really? Yes. Wow. This shirt represents an important piece of history. An authentic Gene Harlow autograph, tied to Hollywood's original blonde bombshell, could unlock hidden value with a mystery inscription. The guest received a Gene Harlow signed photograph from a late friend and his widow. The friend was a movie star autograph collector, and the guest had long admired this piece. The appraiser pointed out the signature on the lower left, reading, To my darling Ruthie, don't forget me. So much love. One of the things that is pretty widely known is that her mother signed most of the photographs that we see out there in the market. Gene Harlow's mother, Mama Gene, often signed for her, but this signature appears to be genuine. Gene Harlow, born in 1911, tragically died of kidney failure in 1937. Good to me. She was born in 1911 and she died so tragically young in 1937. The guest believes she died due to bleaching her hair, but it was actually linked to childhood scarlet fever. So she actually did die of kidney failure. The issue is, it wasn't peroxide that killed her. She actually, as a child, suffered from scarlet fever. The appraiser estimated the photo's value at around $3,000 at auction. If Ruthie could be identified, the value could rise to $5,000 to $7,000. Gene Harlow was a major Hollywood star, often seen as the original blonde bombshell. Her autographs are rare, increasing the significance and value of this photo. An elusive masterpiece by Arthur Kern, one of the few surviving works from a lost era, resurfaces with a striking auction value. The guest brought in a painting passed down from their father, who was an art professor at the University of- Came from my father. We've had the painting as long as I can remember. My dad was an art professor at the University of Southwest Louisiana. Southwest Louisiana. The artist of the painting is Arthur Kern, a New Orleans artist with a unique style. Kern studied in New Orleans before moving to- The artist. As I think you've discovered, the artist is Arthur Kern. Pennsylvania in the 1950s to work as a flooring designer. During his free time, Kern experimented with epoxy and polyester resin, creating textured dimensional pieces. The painting is titled Torso, featuring Kern's early use of thick impasto, possibly utilizing resin. Kern gained recognition in the early 60s with solo shows at the Ruth White Gallery near Central Park. He became quite successful. He had solo shows at Ruth White Gallery in New York, which was right near Central Park. And he also was exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art in a group show in 1962. He was also exhibited in a group show at the Museum of Modern Art in 1962. This painting survived, as indicated by the exhibition label from the Ruth White Gallery on its verso. Kern resurfaced in 2016 with a major exhibition at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art. The appraiser estimated the value of the painting between $8,000 and $12,000 at auction. So it's a little bit hard to pinpoint the value on this because he destroyed so many of the paintings from this period. The guest mentioned two other known paintings from the same period that are still in existence. A set of cherished childhood wind-up toys, including a rare Minnie Mouse, holds surprising value decades later. An appraiser reviewed three wind-up toys brought in by a guest. Brought me three little wind-up toys. Yes. How did you come by them? All three belong to my dad. The guest shared that her father received the toys in the late 1930s from a gift exchange. The toys featured Charlie McCarthy, Pinocchio and Minnie Mouse, all well-known characters. Charlie McCarthy was a famous radio character. Entertainment. You have Charlie McCarthy, who was very big on the radio and also in the funny strips. Pinocchio came from a Disney movie. Minnie Mouse, Mickey's girlfriend, was rarer and highly collectible. The appraiser noted that the Charlie McCarthy and Pinocchio toys were made of lithographed tin. Each of these tin wind-ups was valued at about $150 due to their condition. The Minnie Mouse toy was made of fragile celluloid plastic, which is rare to find today. The appraiser revealed that it's worth about $2,700 at auction. He emphasized the rarity of finding this toy in such prestige shape. The guest was surprised by the high value of the Minnie Mouse toy. She was the first at the yard sale and bought it for $25. This Tiffany Studios lamp base from 1900 shows the brand's signature craftsmanship. The bronze base showcases floral and leaf details typical of the Art Nouveau movement. The base has intricate green and turquoise mosaic tilework, reflecting Tiffany's natural motifs. It's called an arrowhead and it's a bronze and a mosaic base. This piece underwent changes over the years. It was originally intended to be used as an oil lamp and at some point, maybe in the 30s, I don't know, someone put on this base on the bottom. Louis Comfort Tiffany, founder of Tiffany Studios, was known for his innovative colored glass. This lamp base likely features Tiffany's Favril glass, inspired by nature and Japanese art. The jewel-like design offers soft illumination and showcases the glass and metalwork. Its exquisite design prompted the appraiser to value the item. I would put a value of this at $50,000. What? Yes. What? Yes. Oh my God. I'm definitely not kidding. This book belonged to his great uncle who passed away in 1997 and his father inherited it. The first US edition of Jules Verne's 20,000 Leagues Under the Seas, published in 1873. This edition features a green cloth cover with gold and black embossing, making it rare. You've got an American edition with an imprint of 1873. And so if you look down here, it says Boston, James Osgood and Company, 1873. This edition, published by James R. Osgood & Co. in Boston, introduced Verne's Nautilus and Captain Nemo to America. This edition is unique for using seas in the title, later standardized to sea. The book includes illustrations, a hallmark of Jules Verne's works, enhancing the story. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea is a celebrated work in Verne's Extraordinary Voyages series. The story presents an adventurous underwater journey, exploring curiosity and humanity's relationship with nature. Due to its unique features and significance, the appraiser valued the item. $10,000 to $15,000 at auction. So I think even though you think you're a collector, your wife's a little bit better at this. Yeah, she's got better eyes. Yeah, she's got better taste. A family treasure turns out to be a masterpiece of black forest carving, valued more than the expectations of its owner. The guest brought a family heirloom that turned out to be a carved wooden dog. When you first brought it up, I thought we had this great bronze dog. Did you really? Then I... Not a bronze piece as initially thought. The appraiser identified it as a stunning example of black forest carving, which originated in Germany and Switzerland in the early 19th century. Typical black forest was in Germany and Switzerland, a group of primarily Swiss carvers. The carving was attributed to Swiss carver Walter Maeder, dating from the late 19th to early 20th century. The appraiser praised the high quality of the carving, calling it the finest piece of black forest work seen on the show. I would say without question, this is the best piece of black forest carving. Despite some minor repairs, none of the damage affected the value or character of the piece. That's wonderful. Now, there's a few things wrong with it. Not a lot. We have a couple of repairs. Yes. This leg came off. At auction, the piece was estimated to be worth between $20,000 and $25,000. The guest was thrilled with the appraisal, expressing their excitement. For insurance purposes, the value was suggested to be over $50,000. Retail replacement would cost a significant amount of money. The appraiser described the experience as an honor to see such a remarkable piece. Cherished family heirloom, rich in history and craftsmanship, reveals its surprising value as a unique piece of folk art. The guest presented a shadow box picture, passed down through four generations of their family. This has been in my family for four generations. My grandfather got it from his father. My mother gave it to me. But the person I associate most with this is my grandfather. It depicts the 1885 America's Cup race, where the American ship Puritan defeated the British. The ship had a strong connection to Boston, being owned by John Forbes, a prominent Bostonian. This folk art piece, created between 1885 and 1900, features detailed paper sails and painted figures. This was made probably pretty close to the actual event. The charming figures on the deck were cut from paper, painted and sprinkled with mica to sparkle. The background is probably artist's board. The sails are made from paper that's been sort of sewn and appliqued. The sea is made from crinkled painted paper resembling choppy waters. The artist misspelled America's Cup, reflecting their enthusiasm for the subject. The appraiser praised the vibrant and unique craftsmanship of the piece. It was given an auction estimate of $4,000 to $6,000. The guest was thrilled with the high valuation of their grandfather's favorite item. A pioneer's voice in pages worn, with rights for women proudly sworn. The guest brought several issues of The Saturday Visitor, a Pittsburgh newspaper founded around 1847. This publication was started by Jane Swisshelm, a women's rights activist and abolitionist. She faced skepticism when she first approached a printer about her idea. Despite the challenges, The Saturday Visitor had around 6,000 subscribers. The Saturday Visitor had about 6,000 subscribers, according to Jane. They did publish the paper weekly and it cost a whole $2. Swisshelm played a significant role in legislation that allowed married women to own property in Pennsylvania. After her divorce, she moved to Minnesota and started another newspaper. Unfortunately, her press was destroyed by an angry mob over a public dispute. The appraiser estimates the collection's auction value. I would put an auction value of $3,000 to $5,000. That's wonderful, but I think her words in these papers are even more valuable. But the guest believes Swisshelm's words hold even greater value. A rare Imari charger, hand-painted with care, showcasing mountains and beauty so rare. A Navy chaplain brought this charger back from the Far East before World War I as a gift to the guest's husband's great-aunts. It passed through the family, eventually reaching the guest. My husband's parents got it from the aunts and we got it from his parents. The appraiser identified it has a Japanese Imari porcelain made in Arita. What makes this charger special is its mountain-themed decoration, which is rare for Imari pieces. It also has a production date of 1877 written in calligraphy. The hand-painted details and gold enamel add to its uniqueness. Despite some wear, it's in remarkable condition. Giving an estimate, the appraiser said... A typical Imari charger of this size could be worth anywhere from $700 to $1,200. This one between $3,000 and $7,000. Oh my goodness. A vintage Scary Santa store display from the 1940s surprises with a $1,500 appraisal. The guest's grandsons call the figure Scary Santa. It was given to her as a Christmas gift. He was given to me by my husband about 15 or 16 years ago as a Christmas gift. I collect vintage and antique Christmas items. She collects vintage and antique Christmas items. The Santa figure is made of plaster and has a manufacturer's mark. The appraiser explained that it was made by the modern Tuscany art company, likely in the 1940s. It was originally a store display for Christmas. While examining the item, the appraiser said... If I were to advise you on an insurance estimate, I would put a value of $1,500 on it. Oh wow. Oh wow, that's wonderful. A rare Warton Esherick stool showcases both beauty and value, proving timeless in design and worth. The guest presented a stool. It was given to my mother in the late 60s by my Uncle Henry. We had it in our lovely little kitchen in Philadelphia. We had two others. It was part of their family kitchen in Philadelphia. The stool was made by Warton Esherick, a famous furniture maker. Esherick started the studio furniture movement. Each of his stools was unique, with different designs and shapes. The appraiser highlighted the stool's beautiful curves and angles. It was signed W.E. for Warton Esherick, dated 1966. Much to the guest's delight, the appraiser confirmed the stool's value. And some sell for a little bit below that, but $8,000 to $10,000 is right on. Oh good. So between you and your siblings, you have $30,000 in Warton Esherick stools. Yes, and we love them all. Guest brought two heavy sculptures that her grandfather bought in the 1950s. Sculptures are signed as A. Carrier by Albert Carrier, a renowned French sculptor. Carrier-Berlusz was a successful sculptor who worked in England and France. Sculptures depict Michelangelo and Raphael, famous Renaissance figures. They're from the mid-19th century. With their original patina intact, these sculptures are not rubbed and have no broken parts. Quality and condition of the bronze casting and detailing of the sculptures are excellent. All the small details, right down to these wonderful tiny little pointy shoes, are wonderful. Insurance value of this lovely pair is... For insurance purposes, I would think of a value in the $20,000 range. A rare collection of personal items from Georgia O'Keeffe leads to a fascinating appraisal, as a guest shares unexpected stories about their time working for the iconic artist. The guest arrives at the appraisal table with several signed items from Georgia O'Keeffe. The appraiser asks about the guest's connection to the famous artist. When I was young and crazy, I was invited to work for her for a while as a cook, but she rapidly discovered that I was a terrible cook, so she fired me. But after quickly being fired due to their poor cooking skills, they transitioned to a secretarial role. While working for O'Keeffe, the guest helped with typing letters and reading aloud as the artist's eyesight began to fail. The appraiser asks if O'Keeffe ever discussed her artwork or her past. Looking over a letter in the collection, the appraiser remarks that O'Keeffe mentions prominent figures like Stieglitz and Henry Miller. The guest laughs, revealing how O'Keeffe wasn't always fond of those she mentioned. The appraiser values the book, signed by O'Keeffe, along with two letters. A guest brings a simple-looking spoon, which leads to an astonishing revelation. The guest presents a large silver serving spoon, believed to be made by Paul Revere. The appraiser examines the piece. The guest recalls it being purchased several years ago. I have brought a serving spoon that I believe was made by Paul Revere. My husband bought it seven, eight years ago in Baltimore. Upon turning the spoon over, the appraiser points out the distinctive Revere mark, confirming it as the work of Paul Revere Jr. The appraiser explains that Paul Revere, famous for his Midnight Ride, was also a skilled silversmith, who resumed his trade after the Revolutionary War. Dating the spoon to the 1780s or 1790s, the appraiser notes the craftsmanship is consistent with Revere's work during that period. A monogram on the spoon may even be linked to its original owner, further adding to its potential value. The appraiser highlights the size of the spoon, almost nine inches long, larger than the typical Revere teaspoon, making it a rare and desirable piece. To the guest's surprise, the appraiser values the spoon at an amazing price. The guest is astonished, marveling at the value of what seems like an ordinary spoon. This spoon would likely garner $8,000 to $10,000 should it cross the auction block. That's amazing. A spoon. A spoon. The guest presented a painting that had been in their family for generations, hanging in their grandparents' home, their mother's, and finally in their own living room for the past 20 years. They identified it as a work by Fern Coppedge. The appraiser acknowledged the painting and pointed out a price tag revealing it was titled December Mist, originally purchased for $100. I did notice a price tag with a title that says December Mist, $100. Fern Coppedge is one of the best-known Pennsylvania Impressionists. They emphasize that Pern Coppedge is a well-known Impressionist, making this piece a quintessential example of her work. I think it's gotten a little dark with age. Okay. This would have been painted probably early on when she came to Pennsylvania. So she came to Pennsylvania in 1920. The appraiser explained that it likely darkened with age, noting that it was painted early in Coppedge's career after she moved to Pennsylvania in 1920. Before that, Coppedge studied at prestigious institutions, including the Art Institute of Chicago and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. The appraiser confirmed this aligns with Coppedge's relocation to Pennsylvania, highlighting her passion for white and color. They noted that the painting is approximately 100 years old and discussed the accumulated dirt that obscures its colors. Despite this, they pointed out the intricate attention Coppedge paid to the varying hues in the snow, which would become more vibrant with cleaning. The appraiser mentioned that the painting is an oil-on-canvas and likely retains its original frame. They praised Coppedge's typical subject matter, especially her affinity for snow. Typical kind of subject matter that she loved. She loved the snow. She would even go out and paint in a like in a bare skin. She would paint en plein air, which means paint outside. Right. She was very much into the reality of the moment. And shared that she often painted en plein air, capturing the essence of the moment. They described her association with the Philadelphia 10, a group of progressive female artists who supported one another in a predominantly male art world. The appraiser concluded by stating that her market value has been on the rise, recommending an insurance value of no less than $120,000. Her market has been doing very well recently. I would insure this for no less than $120,000. Oh, really? Wow. Wow. About eight years ago, a guest had the incredible opportunity to meet Maya Angelou, a person he'd admired since college for her poem Phenomenal Woman. And I just fell in love with her from my time when I knew of her back in my college years for a poem Phenomenal Woman. His wife is also a huge fan. He met her in Winston-Salem not long before she passed away. After her death, there was an auction of her estate in Kennersville, North Carolina, which surprised him because he didn't know she lived there or worked there. While going through the auction catalog, he came across the Spring-On Award. His mother was part of the first graduating class at Spring and High School in Washington, D.C., so he found that connection interesting. Digging deeper, he discovered that the first recipient of the award. So I delved even deeper, and the first recipient of this award was my fraternity's founder, Dr. Ernest Everett Just. It was Dr. Ernest Everett. This particular award is 10 carat gold and holds immense significance. It's a prominent recognition given by the NAACP to outstanding African-Americans. It's 10 carat gold, and I looked at who won this award, and it's a prominent award given by the NAACP to African-Americans. Oprah Winfrey has won. Sidney Poitier has won. The appraiser chimed in with recognition of the names, noting the importance of the award. He was willing to bid as high as necessary, thinking it would go for at least $5,000, but it only went for around the gold price of $1,100. He had forgotten about a second award they give, known as the walk-around version, which can be replaced if lost or stolen. A friend of his attended the auction and purchased this for him for just $80, presenting it to him on his 50th birthday. For auction estimates on the walk-around, the appraiser mentions prices ranging from $3,000 to $5,000. Given the importance of the award, he estimated it could fetch between $20,000 and $30,000 at auction. An important award, I wouldn't be surprised to see it go in the $20,000 to $30,000 range. The appraiser suggested that if the guest plans to keep it, he should consider insuring it, recommending a value of around $50,000. If you're keeping it, which is the plan, then you probably want to insure it. Something I would probably want you to insure for around $50,000 to protect yourself. The guest discovered the paintings in their parents' house while exploring a closet. The parents had purchased the home from a cousin. When asked about when they found the paintings, the guest mentioned it was at the end of 2019. I found them in my parents' house in a closet. They had purchased the house from a cousin who had affiliations with people in Florida. Do you recall when you located them? It was the end of 2019. Upon discovering them, they realized these could potentially be Florida Highwaymen paintings. The appraiser confirmed the guest's suspicions, stating that both pieces are by Rudy Daniels. The appraiser noted that despite the name Highwaymen, there was one woman among the original group. All of these artists were African American, and the movement started in the 1950s. Those artists were all African American. And in the 1950s is when this all started. And they weren't considered serious artists. They weren't allowed to be displayed in commercial or institutional galleries. They faced challenges in gaining recognition and were often excluded from galleries. Instead, they sold their artwork from the trunks of their cars. Often going door to door and pricing their pieces between $10 and $30. Newton, who was one of the original Highwaymen. And so those younger artists that came along later are considered the second generation. I'm not exactly sure how many of those artists there are. But Willie Daniels was one of the more prominent members. Willie Daniels, born in 1950, moved to Georgia, Florida as a child. He has been inducted into the Florida Hall of Fame of Artists alongside the original 26. Although these pieces are not dated, they are likely from the mid-1980s. One of their works was even featured in the White House by Michelle Obama. Both pieces, as a pair, would likely sell for between $2,000 and $4,000 at auction. I would say at auction, both of these pieces as a pair would sell for between $2,000 and $4,000. Really? I had no idea. A guest brings a simple book only to discover its astonishing connection to American history. The guest presents a book filled with letters from prominent abolitionists inherited through their father. The appraiser explains that the book, titled The Centennial Record of Free Will Baptists, 1780 to 1880, documents the 100-year anniversary of the Free Will Baptist Church. The guest shares that the letters in the book are from abolitionists who were invited but unable to attend the event in Ware, New Hampshire. One of the letters is from Frederick Douglass, who praises the church for supporting the cause when others shunned it. Another letter is from Harriet Beecher Stowe, who speaks of the church's influence on her writing. There's also a letter from future President James Garfield, who was too busy running for office to attend. The appraiser emphasizes the rarity of Douglass' letter, estimating its value. At auction, I would put the Frederick Douglass letter. If you just had it by itself, the Frederick Douglass letter would be $50,000 to $70,000. The Stowe letter is valued as well. The Harriet Beecher Stowe, also very popular, would be $3,000 to $5,000. The appraiser then values the whole collection. So at auction, the entire book, I would say $55,000 to $75,000. The guest is surprised at the incredible value of the historical artifact. The guest shared that the painting once belonged to their father. He passed away, leaving behind six similar artworks. Each child received one from their stepmother. The appraiser inquired about the artist, to which the guest responded that the artist's name was Cahoon. Primarily with mermaids and sailors. Some of them had hot air balloons. He was born in 1910. He died in 1982. This is a mid-20th century work. The appraiser explained that was a Cape Cod artist, recognized for his whimsical nautical motifs, reminiscent of the 19th century, often featuring mermaids and sailors, as well as hot air balloons. Born in 1910 and passing away in 1982, Ralph Cahoon spent most of his life on Cape Cod. This particular painting is a mid-20th century oil on masonite, presented in what appears to be the original Victorian frame, typical of Cahoon's style. With sailors, and then we have an American flag. And we're either, it looks like the Antarctic, but it could have been in the North Pole. This is a nice, cool picture. The vibrant artwork features 13 mermaids, a sailing ship with sailors and an American flag, set against a backdrop that could suggest either the Antarctic or North Pole. The appraiser expressed enthusiasm upon seeing the piece, recalling experiences of living on Cape Cod and hearing stories about Cahoon. We have a sailing ship with sailors, and then we have an American flag. And we're either, it looks like the Antarctic, but it could have been in the North Pole. This is a nice, cool picture. Who was remembered as a kind-hearted individual with a great sense of humour. The painting was described as a delightful, folky creation, and the appraiser estimated its auction value to be between $30,000 to $50,000. And I think a good auction estimate would be $30,000 to $50,000. Great. Good price. The guest presented a handkerchief printed at the time of the death of George Washington, featuring eulogies from soldiers, sailors and citizens, capturing all the tears of America. It has the eulogies of the soldiers, sailors, citizens, all the tears of America. It was in my husband's family. It had been passed down through her husband's family, and as a Christmas gift, his parents had it beautifully framed, making it a cherished possession for the past 50 years. The appraiser noted that the handkerchief dates back to 1799 and is created using copper plate printing. We've had it about 50 years. This is from 1799. It is copper plate printed, the copper plate printing technology. A technique that was highly developed in England, suggesting it was likely printed there. The appraiser emphasised the profound emotional resonance of the piece, highlighting the deep mourning and admiration for Washington at the time of his passing. Due to its rarity and exceptional collectability, the appraiser estimated that it could fetch between $6,500 and $7,000 at auction. If this were to come up at auction, because of its rarity and extraordinary collectability, it would sell for between $6,500 and $7,000 at auction. That is wonderful. Walter Anderson, born in New Orleans, spent much of his life in Mississippi. Although he gained fame posthumously, he was a unique and fascinating artist known for his unconventional methods. His family also produced pottery, and today there is a museum in Mississippi dedicated to his work. The appraiser acknowledges that this relates to Shearwater pottery. The guest confirms that this is when they acquired the piece and recalls that they paid around $75 to $80 for it. The appraiser notes that many of Anderson's works are not signed, including this one. Occasionally, he would use a monogram or initials, but signed or dated pieces are rare. The appraiser finds Anderson to be a compelling figure. You can see this work embodies that energy that you see in his watercolors. And in this one, you get a glimpse of his working method. It looks as though he perhaps uses a little bit of pencil line here. You can see traces of the graphite here. Representing the visionary, driven artist, he sought a profound connection with nature, often isolating himself on Horn Island, living a frugal life. Anderson dedicated himself to creating art, believing in its transformative power. He wanted to create work that had mass appeal, but was well produced, that a lot of thought had gone into, and that was affordable to many people too, which is why he would produce pottery. He aimed to produce work that was appealing, thoughtfully crafted and accessible to a wide audience. This philosophy influenced both his pottery production at Shearwater and his linocuts, which allowed him to share his art more broadly. I think he's a fascinating individual. He really epitomises the visionary, driven artist. And it was very important for him to be both in and of nature. The piece in question showcases the energy typical of his watercolors, with visible pencil lines suggesting a preliminary sketch. Anderson often outlined his compositions before applying paint. Through Shearwater, and why he produced linocuts as well, which was a good mass medium to get his work out there. You can see this work embodies that energy that you see in his watercolors. The appraiser estimates it could reach between $10,000 and $15,000 at auction. I think this one at auction would reach probably $10,000 to $15,000 or so. Very nice. A guest shared that he had purchased a collection of items from a friend who had passed away. The friend's wife intended to leave the items to her son, but since he wasn't interested, the guest offered to buy them. Initially, the guest was drawn to a gun that fascinated him, even overlooking the other items in the collection, such as moccasins. When asked about the price he paid for the gun, the guest revealed it was $3,500. Although he knew it was a Winchester, he had no idea of its actual value. The appraiser identified it as a 73 Winchester, describing it as a typical... And did you know what it was at the time? I know it was a Winchester. Well, it is a 73 Winchester, kind of a beat-up old gun. It's kind of a typical doctored-up 73 Winchester. Okay. Somewhat worn example that had been altered to look like it was used by Native Americans. The appraiser explained that the modifications, including rawhide coverings and decorative tacks, were all fabricated, detracting from its authenticity. They would cover them with rawhide for repairs, and they put some tacks in them, and this is a little medicine wheel. Unfortunately, that's all fake, and basically it's a 73 Winchester. He assessed the value of the items. The Winchester would likely fetch between $600 and $800. The 73 Winchester in this condition probably would bring about $600 to $800. All right. A small Lakota knife scabbard would bring about $150 to $200. Your little knife scabbard would probably bring about $150 to $200. And the three pairs of moccasins could also reach around $150 to $200. An Iroquois bag was similarly valued between $150 and $200. And the Iroquois pouch would probably bring about $150 to $200. These are auction values. He mentioned that he had only encountered one similar piece in 12 years of appraisals. The appraiser estimated its market value to be between $8,000 and $12,000. But that particular bag on today's market would probably be worth about $8,000 to $12,000. You're kidding. Oh, my God. The guest shared that the piece once belonged to their grandfather, who lived in Brooklyn, New York. After World War II, he invested in art, acquiring several old master prints and ceramics. Upon his passing, the guest's grandmother donated some of the more special items to the Brooklyn Museum, likely between 1962 and 1967. The guest inherited the bowl in 2010, but it remained tucked away on a shelf, partly due to its mismatch with other items and a desire to keep it safe. The stunning copper red glaze and the expertly controlled white rim achieved during the fire process. Well, this is a Chinese porcelain bowl. And what captured my eye was, first of all, the brilliant copper red glaze and the perfect pulling of the white on the rim, which is so beautifully controlled during the firing. Unlike many ceramics of its time, this bowl was crafted at the Imperial Kilns in Xinjiangchen, marking it as a genuine mark and period piece significantly enhancing its value. The appraiser emphasized the rarity of the bowl shape, which deviates from the more common flared or flat forms typically found in copper red dishes from that period. The rain marks on vessels and ceramics are an indication of something that is made in the style of a period. But this piece, on very close examination, was made at the Imperial Kilns in Jingdezhen. It was suggested that this unique shape may have been used in some type of ritual during the Qianxi era, with the glaze often referred to as sacrificial red. This is often called sacrificial red, this glaze, just so even in color and so absolutely beautiful. The bowl could fetch a pre-sale estimate of $30,000 to $50,000 at auction. If this went up for auction, it would carry a pre-sale estimate of $30,000 to $50,000. Oh, dear goodness. In a quiet town, a seemingly ordinary ring held the whispers of history, beauty, and an unexpected fortune. The ring belonged to her great-great-grandmother, who passed away in 1912. She believed it was not an engagement ring, as such rings were uncommon at the time. She had a portrait of her great-great-grandmother wearing a wedding ring, but the ring she brought wasn't visible. The appraiser examined the ring and identified it as a platinum, diamond, and sapphire piece from the Edwardian period. He speculated it was likely purchased around 1900, based on the great-great-grandmother's date of death. He highlighted the platinum setting with milgrain accents, which added extra sparkle. The centerpiece was an oval-cut sapphire, flanked by two old European-cut diamonds typical of the era. He emphasized the importance of origin when discussing sapphires. The featured aspect of this ring is, of course, the sapphire. And when I saw that sapphire, my eyes lit up. Much like that sapphire appears to light up in the setting. Most sapphires from that period came from the Burmese region, or Kashmir in northern India. Kashmir sapphires are renowned for their beauty, colour, and quality. He recounted how a landslide in Kashmir in 1880 revealed sapphire deposits. He pointed out that determining a sapphire's origin requires testing at a gem lab, but there wasn't one in Sheldon, Vermont. Kashmir sapphires are considered to be the most beautiful, perfect, standard sapphire that you could have in a piece of jewellery. Despite that, he expressed strong belief that the sapphire was indeed from Kashmir. He clarified that if it were a Burmese sapphire, it would still be beautiful, but less rare and valuable. So every Kashmir sapphire that we see today came out of the ground in the Kashmir region of India in that five-year period. So they are very rare. The estimated auction value of the ring was between $50,000 and $60,000 if it were Burmese. If it is just a Burmese sapphire, I would say that the value for this at auction today would be somewhere between $40,000 to $60,000. If the sapphire were confirmed to be from Kashmir, the estimated value could range from $100,000 to $150,000. If it is indeed a Kashmir sapphire, which I feel pretty confident it is, at auction I think we're looking at somewhere between $100,000 and $150,000. Oh, wow. Okay. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to see such a rare piece, noting how infrequently he encountered Kashmir sapphires. I'm so grateful to have seen it and for you to have brought it here today because it's not something that we see. A guest shared a captivating story about a rug that belonged to her grandmother, purchased in the early 1960s during an exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. The rug was acquired from dealer J. H. Dildarian in New York, with a receipt indicating it was made around 1700 in Asia Minor, mentioning Transylvania. The purchase price was $3,500, noted on April 2, 1963. An appraiser examined the rug and confirmed its significance. He noted that it is actually a Turkish Smyrna rug, crafted circa 1650 to 1700, and praised its exceptional qualities. Date given in the receipt and the catalogue is a little late, and it was made in Anatolia, which is the Asian landmass of Turkey. The appraiser was particularly taken by the rug's stunning saffron gold ground adorned with intricate blue, white and red floral motifs known as parmets. This colour scheme is notably unusual, as most rugs of this type typically feature a red ground with yellow floral designs. It is actually of incredibly unusual colouration, in that it has this beautiful kind of saffron gold ground with the blue, white and red floral motifs which are called parmets. The rug is made of 100% wool, featuring a knotted pile on a wool foundation. While it originally measured twice its current size, it has been expertly rewoven. The rug's been completely rewoven. It's been knotted together. Probably in the 18th century, 19th century, it was deteriorated enough that someone cut it in two. Likely in the 18th or 19th century, after deteriorating. Despite this repair, the rug's rarity and quality significantly enhance its value. Probably in the 18th century, 19th century, it was deteriorated enough that someone cut it in two and then joined it back together with that bit of rewoven. The appraiser estimated that if the rug were to be auctioned today, it would conservatively fetch between $35,000 to $50,000, primarily due to the reweave. The estimate would probably be double that. Wow. And even with that repair, because the rug is so rare on its own, that I wouldn't be surprised if it exceeded that $35,000 or $50,000 auction estimate. Wow, that's fantastic. In the dim light of the appraisal room, her velvet kaftan whispered tales of elegance and heritage. The guest presented a velvet kaftan from Fortuny, a renowned couture design house in Italy. The appraiser confirmed the piece was by Mariano Fortuny, born in 1871 to a family of well-known artists in Granada, Spain. After his father's death, his mother moved the family to Venice, where Fortuny continued his work until his death in 1949. The appraiser described the kaftan as a silk velvet piece in a T-shape. Lifting one side, he pointed out the simple long lines and seams, emphasising its intended drape and softness. The guest marvelled at the fabric's luxurious feel. The appraiser elaborated on Fortuny's proprietary techniques, especially the mysterious method for stamping metal onto the silk velvet. What we have here is a silk velvet kaftan. It is a T-shaped. I'm going to lift up one of his very simple, simple long line. He noted that the kaftan is a classic open jacket robe, focusing on its expression, colours and motifs. In this example, it's actually how he stamped the metal onto the silk velvet. We don't know how he did the metal stamping. It's a mystery and it's luscious. They still stamp things and it's still a secret. The stamping evokes the brocaded Ottoman and Renaissance velvets, with tendrils and abstract floral designs around the neck. He mentioned that the roundels at the bottom symbolise a tree of life, designed to drape elegantly over a bohemian figure. The appraiser pointed out a small area of damage, acknowledging it as a common stress point. Here it looks, we've got these roundels. It's very reminiscent of a Coptic tunic, with these roundels. At the bottom, we have a very wide printed area. Although Fortuny opened his couture house in 1906, it can be difficult to date his pieces accurately. He estimated the kaftan to be around from 1925 to 1930, though he couldn't find this exact pattern. He revealed the retail price for similar pieces, stating they consistently sold in the $15,000 to $16,000 range. On the market, this is the retail price I'm going to give you. They are selling consistently in the $15,000 to $16,000 range. The guest laughed in disbelief, exclaiming how crazy that was. That's crazy. They come up on the market and they are beloved. He concluded by placing an insurance valuation of $18,000 on the kaftan, indicating its value if it needed to be replaced. I would put an insurance valuation of $18,000 on this if you had to replace it. Amidst family heirlooms, a haunting drawing of an execution revealed not just history, but a legacy waiting to be uncovered. The guest brought in a picture of an execution in Warrington, Virginia, passed down from her mother. She said it was her great-great-grandfather, noting her mother recorded their lineage on the back. The appraiser explained that the drawing showed a brigade in the army of the Potomac during the Civil War. He found a private from the 96th Pennsylvania who likely created the drawing. However, he noted the two tintypes were of an infantry officer, a lieutenant, and could not find anyone with that name in the brigade. The appraiser said the images likely did not depict her ancestor. You provided us with the name of your ancestor, complete with a middle initial, and I did a little research on the men that were in this brigade. Still, he was confident the drawing was made by a witness, suggesting the items may have been mixed up. The appraiser noted that depictions of executions were rare among soldiers' drawings. He said this execution occurred in the summer of 1863, a less common event. The images are not of the gentleman you believe it is, but I am firmly confident that the drawing was done by a witness to the event who was in that brigade and more than likely is your ancestor whose name you provided. He speculated the executed individual committed a serious offense to warrant a battlefield execution. The appraiser remarked on the drawing's excellent conditions, noting fold lines from mailing it home. He explained camp scenes sell for $500 to $2,000, depending on quality. This gentleman did something particularly egregious, that they felt the need to have a battlefield execution. He estimated this drawing could sell for $5,000 to $7,000 at auction. The appraiser estimated the tin types were worth $400 to $600 for the pair. He suggested the entire grouping might reach over $8,000 if everything tied together. The appraiser hoped the piece would remain in the family, valuing its historical significance. A serene 18th-century Amida Buddha statue holds a hidden prayer scroll within its timeless, gilded form. The guest brought in an Amida Buddha statue. I brought an Amida Buddha, which I believe is from the Edo period. My husband's great-grandparents brought it over from Japan. It had been passed down through the family since 1917. The statue, carved from wood and gilded with lacquer, dates back to the early 18th century. Its serene hand gesture and third eye symbolize peace and contemplation. Despite some wear and cracking, the statue remains majestic. Inside, it holds a prayer scroll, sealed in a hidden cavity as part of a consecration tradition. Giving an estimate, the appraiser said, I think at auction today, I would place what is perhaps a conservative auction estimate of $3,000 to $5,000. Oh, wow. That's great. The guest was thrilled to learn more about its history.