Ep 1. Spokane (2016) - Hour 1

In this episode of Antiques Roadshow, the team heads to Spokane for the 20th season premiere. The hour-long show is split into several segments where visitors bring in their antique treasures to be appraised by expert dealers. From a Civil War sword to a rare silver pitcher, this episode is full of unique finds and fascinating stories.

The first segment features an intriguing set of porcelain figurines. The owner, a woman who inherited them from her grandmother, is hopeful that they will be worth a significant sum. The appraiser is impressed with the detail of the figures, but the value is mostly sentimental, as they were mass-produced. However, he does offer an interesting tidbit about the history of the figurines and their connection to the popular collector's item Hummel figurines.

Next up is a beautiful necklace made entirely of pearls. The owner, a woman who received it as a gift from her grandmother, is visibly nervous but excited to hear the appraiser's thoughts. The piece is a classic example of early 20th-century jewelry, and the appraiser is impressed with its craftsmanship. However, despite its beauty, the necklace is not as valuable as the owner had hoped due to the decline in demand for pearls in recent years.

One of the more fascinating segments features a rare silver pitcher. The owner, whose family had owned it for several generations, is interested in learning more about its history and value. The appraiser recognizes the pitcher as a work of art, made by a famous silversmith in the early 1800s. Its intricate design and rarity make it worth a considerable sum, much to the delight of the owner.

The episode also includes a segment on a Civil War sword. The owner, a man who had inherited it from his grandfather, was unsure of its authenticity and value. The appraiser examines the sword carefully, noting several hallmarks of genuine Civil War era weapons. He also recounts a brief history of the weapon and its use during the war. The final verdict is that the sword is indeed genuine, making it a valuable piece of American history.

Other notable finds include a set of rare pottery vases, a collection of antique hand tools, and a unique set of antique books. Each segment is filled with interesting facts about the history of the objects and their owners. Viewers are sure to be captivated by the stories of these rare and fascinating antiques.

Overall, this episode of Antiques Roadshow is a must-see for anyone interested in history, artwork, or antique collecting. The Spokane setting gives the show a unique charm, and the experts' knowledge and enthusiasm for their work bring each segment to life. From the sentimental value of porcelain figurines to the historical significance of a Civil War sword, each object has a story to tell.