I don’t know if any of you out there ever watched American Pickers – well it’s about these two guys who go and find stuff and then sell it to antique shops and other dealers. They go searching for things all over and then talk about the items with a little history. Another one I love is Antique Roadshow where professionals look at antiques and clarify to the owners what exactly it is that they own. I find it so fun to guess the history and estimated value of these items are.
Do any of you watch these shows? How good is your estimating of the values? (Though, if you’re all constantly blogging, I don’t see how you find time to watch TV!)
#1 by EM on August 29, 2010 - 11:00 am
I’ve watched the Roadshow for years. When it comes to American furniture, I am spot on with respect to age, origin, and value. Which is really, really sad, isn’t it?
#2 by Karena on August 29, 2010 - 12:34 pm
Vicente.
I love Antiques Roadshow, I have not seen the other you mentioned!! Isn’ it great when someone brings in a treaure and had no idea of the value!!
Karena
Art by Karena
#3 by Decor Arts Now on August 29, 2010 - 2:04 pm
I have seen both. American Pickers only once and was shocked at the junk they picked and sold!,
As for Antiques Roadshow, I am pretty good with value etc. Due in part to my tenure at Sotheby’s for 5 years. I was a lawyer there but you can’t help learning stuff when you are surrounded by it daily. Best, Lynn
#4 by Carl on August 29, 2010 - 3:38 pm
I am not much of a TV watcher but I have seen Antiques Roadshow many times and love seeing the interesting items “folks” brought in to be appraised. I remember one old gentleman brought in a beautiful American Indian blanket that he had draped over his chair at home…estimated value over one million ! It brought tears to the gentleman’s eyes and to mine as well. He cried. I cried. We had a moment….sigh.
#5 by scone on August 29, 2010 - 4:37 pm
I watch and enjoy, but it is sort of cleaned up for middle American consumption. This particular subculture is kind of carnie/repo man/Aqualung weird, at times. Like the African beads I bought, and later was told came out of a grave site. I hope they were pulling my leg.
#6 by SL on August 29, 2010 - 8:21 pm
I am in front of my TV every Monday at 7. Antiques Roadshow is my favorite show. Its so bad I even find myself a little depressed when they are off. Its fantastic to see art and design that you’ve never seen before, and get a little history lesson that ties it all together.
#7 by melissa on August 29, 2010 - 11:59 pm
IN THE MIDDLE 80′S IN KANSAS I WAS A TEENAGER GOING TO ANTIQUE STORES AND LOVING IT ALL..
THERE WHERE NO OTHER PEERS DOING WHAT I WAS DOING!!!! I JUST LOVED BEAUTY AND I LIVED REALLY IN A VERY POOR FAMILY, SO I HAVE NO IDEA HOW I CAME TO BE ABLE TO FIND THE MOST REFINED THINGS IN THOSE STORES??? I LOVED ANTIQUE QUILTS SO MUCH THAT MY GRANDMOTHER SENT ME HER BEST ONE WHEN SHE WAS DYING WITH A NOTE TO NOT TELL ANY OF MY FAMILY MEMBERS AS THEY WOULD BE ANGRY…
XXOO
MELISSA
#8 by Gary Nelling on August 30, 2010 - 1:05 am
Vicente – Which do you like best about American Pickers; the fine, funky, rusty old items or adventure on the open road? The chase, calculation and the capture or the presentation to collectors?
Melissa – From a poor family in Kansas to a marriage of privilege to a single life in Santa Fe. There’s the subject matter for a song there. BTW my grandmother saved her Navajo rugs for me. A little encouragement goes a long way. – Gary
#9 by Bruce Barone on August 30, 2010 - 3:55 pm
I have been watching Antiques Roadshow for years. It is, however, unfortunate that they aren’t filming as many new ones; lots of repeats. It’s still entertaining and I can never guess what something is worth.
I had not heard of American Pickers until yesterday, Sunday, August 29. And I watched it with my fiance. We watched 4 back-to-back episodes. Obviously, we’re hooked.
#10 by Grace on August 30, 2010 - 10:02 pm
I watch them both and like them both for different reasons. I have only recently gotten better at the pricing. But what I have learned from these shows, the blogs, books is enormous. I spent a lot of time trying to figure out my style — good luck with that — first generation American, raised abroad — Europe and Asia, international development work as an adult — no home base. Stuff in storage for a decade, adding annually. Eclectic doesn’t begin to define it. But I finally figured it out — I am attracted to things for their unique beauty — as odd as it might be — and that speak to me. I love that there is so much to look at, admire and fantasize about. And I love how that one guy on Pickers gets so excited when he finds automotive cans — the moreso when they old liquid in them. Who’s to say.