Antiques Roadshow (w/o the road): Bonham & Butterfield Appraisal Day

Filed under: House + Garden — StyleGuide @ 6:39 am

If PBS’s Antiques Roadshow has you wondering if the table you bought at the neighbor’s garage sale could earn you a cool half-mil, then consider Bonham & Butterfield’s Appraisal Days.

Once a month, appraisers at Bonham’s Sunset Boulevard location will say (in an honest but gentle manner) whether your stuff would be worth anything at auction.  The crowds arrive early, take numbers by category (Asian Art, Paintings, Books, etc.), then wait in chairs set up classroom-style for the experts to call their numbers. 

My hour-long wait to have two pieces appraised flew by — mostly because the atmosphere of nervous anticipation (tempered by the boredom of waiting) seemed to make everyone friendly, chatty and supportive.   

Those I spoke with fell into two categories.  Half were giddy with the thought that their bric-a-brac might someday fund a vacation cruise.  The others kindled a sad hope that selling their family heirlooms might chip away at overwhelming medical and nursing homes bills. 

When my numbers were called, I quickly learned that of all my worldly possessions, I own absolutely nothing of value.  

A nice little adventure, a shot at untold riches, and a fascinating glimpse into people’s odd relationships with their things — and it didn’t cost a dime!

Price:  Free

When:  Check Bonham’s website for the schedule; the next one is October 31, 2007  from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Where:  7601 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, Ca  90046

Call:  323-850-7500

www.bonhams.com/us

Have you been?  Talk to us.

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