The Road Show

Do you watch the Antiques Road Show on PBS? My guess is everyone does watch it, but I thought I would ask. I watch on and off. I like the 30 minute English programme best, but the U.S. version is nice, too.

The U.S. show came to my town a few years ago. I put in my name for tickets, but I was not chosen, unfortunately. Has anyone gone? Did you have fun? What was it like?

 

I've been to the US version twice. The first time was early on and we had to stand on a slowly moving line from about 9:00 am until about 4:00 pm when we saw appraisers. Thank God they figured out a new system. Now you have to get tickets that are timed, much more efficient. The second time we arrived and within 5 minutes were talking to appraisers.

Both times the appraisers were very nice and had some information for me about my items. None were very valuable and neither I nor my friends were chosen for TV. Since they have a much better system in place, if I had something to take and could get tickets I would be happy to go

 

Wow, you lucky ducky, Marie! Standing in a line from 9 to 4 does not sound like something I would have wanted to do, either. At my age, my body would not hold out that long anyway.

I am with you, though, in that if I could get tickets these days, I would go, too. Not 100% sure what I would bring with me, though.

 

I went once with some friends. We had a set time to show and get in line. Waited in line for an hour or so but it was great fun. Everyone showing each other what we brought and talking about them. The appraisers weren’t very helpful to us and seemed to be going through the motions. Our time was in the afternoon and I think they were understandably tired and ready to go home. I would definitely go again though would try to get an earlier sign in time.

 

Yes, I would do, too. Too bad they were not able to tell you much. Sorry about that, Patty. They have not been back to my town in a few years. I wonder how they determine where they will go each year.....

 

I think they're looking for the items to be filmed, and if you don't have it, all they want to do is move you along. It's a long day for the appraisers as well, and they can get pretty brusque as the day wears on.

I've been to the U.S. and U.K. versions - both filmed episodes in Toronto.

 

I think you’re right. But I also think it’s the timing. I had one item they passed around and were like “nope, none of us know what it is”. Maybe earlier they would have been more curious. Also had a ring that looks like Oakes Arts & Crafts. The appraiser said yes it looks like Oakes but I don’t see a mark. Well duh, I know that! I should post them on here.

 

We here...are quite the Show !!!

Sure..Show us !!!

 

I went once, about 10 years ago. Was so excited that AR was coming to town, tried to get tickets but couldn't get them, someone surprised me by buying some on Craigslist at scalper prices. (Side note, not crazy about free AR tickets being scalped.) But wasn't going to look a gift horse in the mouth, so agreed to go.

Went with my next door neighbor who is also an antiques buff, and we had a blast. I brought a framed embroidered piece and one of my greatest SAVERS finds: A drop-dead fabulous, multi stone mid-19C Scottish Brooch.

How it worked with jewelry at the time, we formed a single line that split off into 4 appraisers, so you didn't get to chose your appraiser, just whoever was open next.

I first got Christie Romero and it was kind of a unenthusiastic appraisal if I have to be honest, but then Barry Weber leaned over and really made a fuss over the piece. So I sort of had two appraisers. I think they appraised the brooch at $600-800.

Sadly, both of those appraisers are now deceased.

I remember seeing someone with a mint condition women's 1950s bicycle, showroom new. We started chatting, and they said that if had been a men's bicycle, it would have been worth thousands more. Apparently guys are more destructive on their bikes, so finding a mint condition one all these years later is near impossible.

Really the only other thing I remember is that my friend brought a large rug to be appraised, and so we had to wait for the elevator to get upstairs. When the elevator door opened someone was standing inside with a coffin! LOL, we were in hysterics.

 

I went to the Omaha NE one back in the early 2000s. I took a glass tray-like dish that was done in a blue opalescent hobnail. A supposed art glass expert told me that there was no way I was ever going to ID the maker. I posted it on the old eBay boards a couple of years later & had an answer within 15 minutes.

Like @moreotherstuff said earlier they are looking to get in front of the camera & if it is not something that will get them there the majority just want to move along.

 

Omg I’d have loved to have had Christie Romero.

 

Thanks moreotherstuff for this comment. "I think they're looking for the items to be filmed, and if you don't have it, all they want to do is move you along." That was my impression as well.

It was an interesting experience. They're certainly well organized but I felt a bit manipulated by the e/o day.

Debora

 

I’ll have to dig them up out of the “do more research pile” and I will!

 

Lucille.b, that sounds like a hoot! Thank you for sharing!

I would love to see a snap or two of your beautiful brooch, if you care to post some.

 

They must cut what they show in the US, it's an hour programme here.

Some of the experts are great. McConnell, Sandon, the bloke who does jewellery. There's also Cato who knows his furniture and a black chap who does odd stuff, he's excellent. I don't like guns much but that chap is good too. Judith Miller is clueless.

 

I am amazed so many of you know their names! I am afraid I do not watch it often enough anymore for names to stick in my head, although I do remember faces. I enjoyed the older fellow who appraises toys and the twin gentlemen who appraise furniture (on the U.S. programme). I used to know their names, but I have forgotten. Senility, you know.....

 

Looks like the UK programme is on tonight at 7:30.

 

The UK version is shown here as 2 half hour shows, back to back.

 

Really? My PBS station only airs one 30 minute episode once in a while. I usually miss it, unfortunately.

 

Yes, really. Every Monday night.