Antiques Roadshow…featuring yours truly

A few months ago I was contacted by the North Grenville Historical Society, asking if I would be willing to perform on-site valuations for their members.

Of course I agreed. It would be a great way to meet the local Historical Society, get a chance to see unusual items, and further spread the word about my profession and skills. Once we established a time and date, we worked out a screening process so that I would be prepared for what would walk in the door of the NGHS.

With the help of Brian McKee acting as coordinator, I received photos and emails describing items and pertinent history on all manner of items. After Brian laid forth a spread of goodies fit for a queen – or a very hungry appraiser – I insisted that the bounty be shared with those waiting their turn.

Some of the items I looked at had me joyfully diving down rabbitholes as I dug into the sweet earth of history. One innocuous-looking plate decorated with a fruit motif was found to be loaded with Christian symbolism; a lovely ambrotype dated back to approximately 1860; a carved statue depicting a saint with a book and a child; a vintage radio from the 1950s turned out to be highly collectible; an absolutely magnificent set of silver items with unshakable provenance and links to a prominent (non-hockey playing) Senator.

The day of the valuations had me enthralled as one person after another came forth with their items. A beautiful Canadian Ensign flag dating back to 1876, showing signs of heavy wear, could be of interest to a museum. A collection of delightful penpal letters between a Canadian and Japanese schoolgirl in the early 1900s included by a copy of a cheeky bathhouse scene.

It was a true pleasure to meet everyone who had sent photos of their belongings, then brought in the item for a hands-on inspection. Though the original session was planned for two hours, three and a half whistled by in no time.

Thank you again to Brian McKee and the North Grenville Historical Society for inviting me to conduct valuations. I look forward to doing more in the future!

Have a great Canada Day everyone!