Westchester’s Antique Roadshow

I admit it. I am addicted to tag sales. In my rational moments, I sometimes ask myself, “What is it about other people’s junk that I find so alluring?” I have long ago given up the hope of finding an original Currier and Ives print in someone’s attic. Yet I still can’t pass up a sale that advertises “collectibles” or “1950’s costume jewelry” or “many one of a kind items.” That is how I succumbed to TV’s Antiques Roadshow. For the uninitiated…the Antique Roadshow is a program where people bring a treasure purchased at a tag sale or one found in their attic to experts who appraise the value of the item.  The excitement is palpable when someone is told that an Orrefors vase that they bought for $40 at a tag sale is worth say $10,000. Thus, it was total serendipity that our friends at Chubb Personal Insurance (https://www.chubb.com/personal/home.jsp), Mary Sheridan and Caitlin Rascelles, invited ArtsWestchester to partner with them on an “Appraisal Day,” a concept similar to Antiques Roadshow, but a Westchester version. Imagine my delight as I thought about which of my bargains to bring to the event on Saturday, October 15, at the Woman’s Club of White Plains (305 Ridgeway). I settled on a pair of ornate brass candlesticks, but guests at this event can feel free to bring fine jewelry and watches, clocks, paintings, works on paper, small sculptures, porcelain, coins and religious items…only three items per family. And if you can’t make it to the event and still hanker for a bargain, you can find trips, dinners, artworks, jewelry and sports tickets in ArtsWestchester’s online auction. Like the preverbal tag sale, your purchased item may in fact be worth more than you pay for it. Or, to feel even better, think of it as a donation.