How to Get on Antiques Roadshow
This wildly popular PBS program started in 1990 and has been largely responsible for the growing awareness of antiques. If the Roadshow comes to your town, don't miss a chance for a free appraisal--and a chance to be on national television.
- Difficulty:
- Challenging
Instructions
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Check for tour stops on PBS.org. Each year the Roadshow visits a number of major cities.
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Send a postcard with your name and address to enter a random drawing for tickets. If your postcard is one of the 3,000 drawn (per city), you'll receive two tickets to the event--for free.
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Choose your antique wisely. There's no sure-fire item that will land you an on-air appraisal. Unusual and older items tend to receive more attention.
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Weigh your options. If you decide to bring along a large hutch, you'll have to figure out how to get it safely from home to the show and home again. You and your back might be happier toting a nice piece of jewelry instead.
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Wear an outfit that's suitable for TV, but also dress comfortably, especially when it comes to shoes. You'll spend a lot of time on your feet.
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Get in line early. The Roadshow suggests you arrive no earlier than 30 minutes prior to the doors opening, but expect the crowd to be there then anyway. When you reach the head of the line, general appraisers will listen as you tell what you know about your antique. Then they will point you toward the right table for an appraisal.
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Be a star. If appraisers see something rare or unusual in what you've brought, they might film your appraisal. You won't receive any information until the cameras roll; the show is looking for a genuine reaction. If you're chosen, don't assume you'll receive good news. Some treasure hunters learn the hard way that they spent too much.
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Tips & Warnings
Share everything you know about your antique, such as how long it's been in your family, who the previous owners were or what it was used for. It not only helps the appraiser put the right price on something, it's good TV.
If you're worried about damaging an item while you wait in line, or transporting your antique to the show site, don't bring it.
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Comments
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I have an old breast pump still in the box that pum[ped one ounce of milk by hand and some Maybelline Mascara. the mascara is the kind that you had to wet and then apply to a brush to apply. they are all in really good condition. I also have some old hair pomade that sold for.20 cents back in the 60s. How do I find out if it is worth anything?
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I have a drawing, Mevagifsey, Cornwall by Will Danielle that says "drawn and engraved by Will Danielle, Rufsell Plce, Fitzroy Square, Londaon May 20, 1825. How do you know if it is authentic?
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I have a lions head chair.I think mid.to late 1800s.It had horse hair in the seat and back.It was all redone out of necessity.Did it lose value?
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tamf3
Sep 24, 2009
I have a collection of Ken Griffin 78's; he was an organistthat played at the movie theaters many many years ago. In original hard-cover binder; perfect condition. Help! Thank You tamf -
icyspots
Jul 16, 2009
I have a lamp, passed down in my family since the 1940's. I can find no signature or mark anywhere and would like to know the maker, how old (exactly) etc. The shade is pewter 22 in. in diameter, the base is grey/blue ceramic (?) and stands approx. 30 in. tall. The shade has colored glass (jeweled?) pieces. Red, blue and white. (13 total, including peak). If anyone has any info. it would be helpful. I have searched the internet extensively and can fin nothing. I have photo avalible.
