Ep 10. Birmingham - Hour 1

Antiques Roadshow season 19 episode 10 is titled Birmingham - Hour 1. The episode takes place in Birmingham, Alabama, where the Antiques Roadshow experts are on the hunt for hidden treasures. It is the first hour of the show in which guests bring their heirlooms, family possessions, and rare finds in hopes of discovering their true value.

The episode highlights some of the unique and fascinating items brought in by the guests. One of the most remarkable items is a bronze statue of President John F. Kennedy that was created by artist Felix de Weldon. The statue was one of only four other statues created by the same artist and stands at the entrance of the U.S. Embassy in Ramallah. Another interesting item is a Civil War-era Wesson & Harrington rifle that was found in the attic of a guest's home. The rifle was still in excellent condition, with all of its parts intact.

Many other intriguing items are also showcased in the episode, including a pair of Louis XVI-style armchairs, a longcase clock with a hidden compartment, and various pieces of jewelry. The experts assess each item and provide the guests with information on their historical significance, as well as their current value on the market.

Throughout the episode, we see guests sharing sentimental stories and family histories connected to their prized possessions. One guest brings in a unique collection of vintage sports memorabilia, including baseball cards and signed photographs. Her grandfather was a sports journalist and had collected these items throughout his career. The experts are impressed by the rarity of some of these items and the overall condition of the collection.

The Birmingham - Hour 1 episode also explores the importance of provenance in the valuation of antiques. Provenance refers to the documented history of an object, including its ownership and use over time. One guest brings in a silver tray that had been in her family for generations. The tray had been gifted to her great-grandmother by Abraham Lincoln himself. While the experts cannot confirm the authenticity of the story, they acknowledge the significant impact that this history has on the value of the tray.

The episode also touches on the topic of restoration and its effect on an item's value. One guest brings in a pietra dura table that had been meticulously restored. The restoration process had greatly improved the table's appearance, but the experts note that it had also affected its value as a rare antique. Another guest brings in a beautiful quilt that had been in her family for generations. The quilt had been carefully preserved over the years, and the experts value it at an impressive sum.

Overall, Birmingham - Hour 1 is an enjoyable and informative episode of Antiques Roadshow. The combination of historical significance, sentimental value, and market value make for a fascinating look at the world of antiques and the varied stories behind them.