Antique appraisals can cause shift in values

   I’m really not into antiques, but I enjoy watching Antique Road Show. I love seeing people’s elegant heirlooms passed on for generations or kitschy knickknacks they picked up along the way. I love hearing the history behind them. But most of all, I love seeing their owners’ surprise when they learn that what might look like a piece of junk to someone like me turns out to worth thousands of dollars.

   While browsing through the Lilburn Antique Mart one rainy day, I discovered we don’t have to wait for the TV show finds its way to Gwinnett County. A lady from Snellville known as Joni comes to the mart four times a year and does free appraisals of whatever people happen to bring in. People curious about the value of something they found in the attic or inherited from a great aunt line up at the door to see what their treasures are worth.

   Joni pointed out that age alone is not a factor in determining the worth of an item. Rarity, craftsmanship and condition all play into the value. “Some things from the 15th century are worth only a few dollars,” said Joni, who surprises people in different ways with her appraisals.

   Terri from Norcross brought in a chipped up Mr. Peanut bank. Joni said, “It would bring in $470 in perfect condition, but a collector would definitely pay $250 for it as is.”

   Suzanne from Lawrenceville carefully unwrapped what she believed was an ivory statue. “It was a gift from a Japanese friend in 1955,” she said. With a quick glance, Joni could tell it was only plastic and worth $15 at the most.

   “It’s still sentimental. I still love it,” said Suzanne, who had no intention of making any money off of it anyway.

   Diana of Lilburn brought in a blue carnival glass bowl. “When my grandmother died, there was this big box full of dishes. We each could choose one this and for me, this was it,” she said. OK. When my grandmother died, I inherited a bowl very much like Diana’s, only orange, not blue. I’ve seen bowls like mine priced at around $40, so I did an instant assessment in my head. Not Joni. She looked it up in her 800-page price guide.

   “There are over 2,000 different carnival glass patterns,” she said. “According to the book, this bowl with field thistles is worth $675 minimum.”

   Then Gary, of Lilburn, handed Joni an old watch. “It was my grandfather’s. It was his retirement gift from AT&T,” he said.

   “It’s a Hamilton,” said Joni, “Just holding a Hamilton gives me the chills.”

   As she examined it, admitting watches were not her strong point, a gentleman in line stepped forward. “That’s a railroad watch. I can tell from the markings,” he said. “Only the railroad had that style. So your grandfather must have worked for a railroad.”

   “Never.” said Gary, “He worked for AT&T all his life.”

   “Then maybe he won it in a poker game,” the gentleman replied.

   If you have a treasure you’d like to put a price on, bring it to the Antique Mart at Five Fork Trickum and Killian Hill Roads this Saturday afternoon between 12:30-5:00 PM. You may experience some surprises of your own!

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