Ep 23. Vintage Baltimore

Vintage Baltimore is the 23rd episode of Season 18 of Antiques Roadshow. In this episode, the Roadshow visits the eclectic city of Baltimore, Maryland, known for its rich history and cultural diversity. As always, the show features a variety of unique and fascinating antiques and collectibles brought in by local residents.

The episode kicks off with a visit to the Baltimore Museum of Art, where appraiser Nicholas Dawes examines a collection of rare and valuable vases from the esteemed Rookwood Pottery company. Rookwood Pottery was founded in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1880, and quickly gained a reputation for producing some of the finest art pottery in the world. The vases on display are exquisite examples of the company's work, showcasing intricate designs and vibrant colors. Dawes provides some fascinating insight into the history and influence of Rookwood Pottery, and offers an expert appraisal of the collection.

Next, appraiser Leigh Keno meets with a local resident to evaluate a stunning late-19th century Crazy Quilt. Crazy Quilts were a popular style of quilt making in the late 1800s, featuring an eclectic mix of fabrics and textures sewn together in a seemingly random pattern. The Crazy Quilt on display is a true masterpiece, featuring intricate embroidery and beadwork, as well as hand-painted silk and velvet. Keno provides some background on the history and significance of Crazy Quilts, and offers an appraised value for the quilt that takes into account its exceptional craftsmanship and unique design.

Later in the episode, appraiser Laura Woolley meets with a collector to examine a fascinating artifact from the early days of professional baseball. The item in question is a rare, game-used baseball jersey from legendary Baltimore Orioles third baseman John McGraw. McGraw was one of the most talented and influential players of his era, and went on to become a highly successful manager after his playing career ended. The jersey is a fascinating piece of baseball history, and Woolley provides some insight into the evolution of baseball uniforms and the role of individual players in shaping the game.

In another segment, appraiser Kevin Zavian visits a local resident to evaluate a charming collection of vintage Fisher-Price toys. Fisher-Price is a beloved brand of children's toys that has been around for nearly a century, and has produced countless iconic and memorable toys over the years. The collection on display includes a variety of vintage pieces from the 1960s and 70s, including a wooden Fisher-Price pull toy featuring the famous Little People characters. Zavian provides some background on the history of Fisher-Price and the appeal of vintage toys to collectors, and offers an appraised value for the collection based on its rarity and condition.

Finally, appraiser Suzanne Perrault takes a look at a unique piece of militaria that has been passed down through generations of a local Baltimore family. The artifact in question is a Civil War-era sword, rumored to have been personally used by legendary Union general and future president Ulysses S. Grant. The sword is a fascinating piece of American history, with a well-documented provenance that lends credibility to the claim of its association with Grant. Perrault provides some background on the significance of military artifacts like the sword, and offers an appraised value for the piece that takes into account both its historical value and its potential as a collector's item.

As always, Vintage Baltimore features a diverse array of antiques and collectibles, each with its own unique story and appeal. The expert appraisers offer invaluable insight into the history and significance of each item, helping to shed light on the rich and fascinating world of antique collecting.