Antiques Roadshow Part II

If you remember, we left off with the General Lee plummeting halfway down the ravine. Well, actually, we're going to now show you the camera view which shows the tires hadn't really even left solid ground yet.

Or something like that. Actually, when we got to the second room at the Antiques Roadshow, they took a look at our stuff and told us which section to take our stuff to. My boat was labeled as a "toy", which seemed easy enough. However, the guy then said that taking the cookie jar to "ceramics" would probably take too long, so I should take it instead to "dolls". Oookay, I thought. In any case, we were then led to a rather small circle of blue banners which surrounded the action of the Antiques Roadshow. All the big shots were there, constantly appraising the stream of items which came into their area. I recognized both of the appraisers who eventually appraised my items. I had expected that they were only brought out when someone had something worthwhile, but that was apparently not the case.

First, I should mention that this guy (who was, as expected, wearing his standard Hawaiian shirt) was going crazy with some of the other appraisers just before I was about to get the cookie jar appraised. It appears someone brought something of true merit to the show, but didn't own it. Therefore, she couldn't be on TV with it. Turns out, it was worth $5,000-$10,000. Could I be next I wondered?

In a short answer, NO. As I showed this guy my cookie jar, I could tell I didn't have a winner. He told me that it was made from Japan and maybe worth about $10. Well, it was worth a shot. We then found out that Becky's book was worth more in thought than in actual monetary value. I then went to this guy to get the boat appraised. As I showed him it, I could tell I didn't have a winner again. Once again, it was made in Japan (although it said "Made in USA" - he said, "no way, Jose") . To make matters worse, the paint was chipping off as he was holding it. But he seemed to take an interest in the decal that was on the sides. And then he described how to play with it, and then told me that it was somewhat desirable. And then - $200. That's right. I know it's not the huge find that you probably see every episode on the Antiques Roadshow and I know that it's not even mine to sell, but I was in shock. The way it started, I didn't think it was going to be worth much at all.

So that's my story. I recorded a little session in the "Feedback Booth"; hopefully it makes it to air. If it doesn't, I'll have to describe it one of these days. I also won an Antiques Roadshow shirt which shows the tour dates on the back - it was great. So that's all for Antiques Roadshow.