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Flea Market Finds
The Most Valuable Flea Market Find
30 min.
Collecting antique marbles, cufflinks, cookie jars, hurricane lamps, vintage telephones and metal lunch boxes. Also: key phrases to use when bargaining. Hosts: Ralph and Terry Kovel.
posted on October 25, 2002 07:17:44 PM new
Yes, I went to the Roadshow when it was in Milwaukee. We got there at 10am, I think we were number 8,000 or so. Doors closed at approximately 10:30am with the maximum amount of people to have up to 3 items appraised. We didn't get our items appraised until 6pm. I am sure that it is the same no matter where you go. I didn't have anything of valuable. I did have a book that I wanted to have appraised and the gentleman appraiser was so rude. This experience was not worth my time. Talking with others that were there, they also had the same experience. I think when they film the show they do the beginning because the people are so excited by 6pm everyone is grumpy.
posted on October 25, 2002 07:36:46 PM new
I'd hate to be one of the appaisers. Telling people that their stuff was worthless for 8 hours and see their reactions to the truthful appraisal would be tough. Might as well get a job at a funeral parlor.
posted on October 25, 2002 08:21:14 PM new
I was at the one in Tulsa and was really impressed with the organization...We waited in line several hours but it really did go quickly and it was fun seeing what everyone else brought. The guy who appraised an antique Chinese item I had was VERY rude and dismissive...took a cursory glance at my item, said "$5.00" and literally tossed it back to me. I can handle being told something isn't worth much but there was no excuse for his attitude and rudeness. The person who appraised a French bronze was MUCH nicer and more pleasant...The item was worth about what it was purchased for but the guy told me a little history and said, even though the piece wasn't especially vauluable, it was "quite nice." So, even though the appraisal wasn't what I'd hoped, I left feeling good because of the professionalism of the appraiser...What a contrast with the first appraiser! Overall, though, it was a most pleasant experience!
