More Tips For Finding Treasure

     The Antiques Roadshow was on tonight on PBS.  Love, love, love that show.  I like the new thing they added where they price things randomly as people are standing in line waiting for their appraisal or maybe they are waiting for the "feedback booth."  That feedback booth can be a real hoot.  Everybody says they had a great time and they really act like they had a blast.  Back to the recent change I've noticed.  The camera zooms in on a particular item and a price appears on the screen over it.  It's great because more values for items are given, so we don't just get the ones that made it for a TV appearance.

     I've got some more useful info about collectibles for you, if you're up to it.  Hope you are taking notes.  Good, glad to hear it.

     My go to for this subject is Kovel 's.  Traveling routinely through the states keeps them in the know.

• The original fringe on an oriental or Indian rug should never be altered in any way.  The difference in value is too big not to notice.  An untrimmed rug could be worth $1500.  And that same rug with the fringe altered or missing altogether, $100.  Huge difference!
• The paint on a vintage cookie jar is applied over the glaze and may come off if put through a dishwasher cycle.  Hand wash only and then be very careful.  I would  just leave it alone.  That seems to be the rule.
• Engravings removed from Silver is a big NO, NO.  This will actually decrease the value.
• Dolls with original hair and hair-do bring the most money.  Don't even wash it.
• Prices are up for exceptional pieces of cut glass.  And even 25% more than that if signed.
• Restoration lowers the resale price of old Christmas ornaments.  Leave it alone.  The wear adds to the charm.
  
• Stay away from vases with a hole in the bottom.  Those vases were headed to be lamps.  
• All Mission furniture is getting lower prices.  With original finish it is worth 10% to 25% more than if refinished.