Antiques Roadshow Season 1 Episode 12 Durham, NC

In Antiques Roadshow season 1 episode 12, the show makes a stop in Durham, North Carolina to appraise a wide variety of unique collectibles and antiques. The episode begins with a brief history of Durham's tobacco industry and its influence on the city's economy and culture.

The first item up for appraisal is a rare "Philco Predicta" television set from the 1950s. This unique TV has a curved screen and was designed to look like a piece of futuristic furniture. The owner reveals that they found it in a dumpster and have been using it as a decorative piece in their home ever since. Despite the set's impressive condition, the appraisal reveals that it is unlikely to fetch a high price at auction due to its limited appeal among collectors.

Next up is a set of vintage comic books from the 1930s and 40s, including issues of Superman and Batman. The appraiser notes that while these comics are highly collectible, their value is heavily dependent on their condition. The appraiser carefully examines each comic and explains the various factors that can affect their worth, such as tears, creases, and fading. The owner is delighted to learn that their collection is in excellent condition and could be worth thousands of dollars.

Another standout item is a set of hand-carved decoys by the renowned North Carolina artist William "Bill" Veasey. The appraiser notes that Veasey's pieces are highly sought after by collectors, particularly those with ties to the state's rich hunting culture. The decoys are in pristine condition, and the appraiser estimates they could fetch upwards of $10,000 at auction.

The show also appraises several pieces of fine art, including a painting by North Carolina artist Minnie Evans and a sculpture by renowned artist Alexander Calder. The appraisals reveal that both pieces are worth a significant amount, with the Evans painting estimated at around $15,000 and the Calder sculpture potentially fetching up to $50,000.

One of the more unusual items up for appraisal is a "talking machine" from the early 1900s. The device, which resembles a large phonograph, was designed to mimic the sound of various musical instruments. The appraiser notes that while talking machines are not particularly valuable on their own, this particular model is in excellent condition and could be worth upwards of $5,000.

Throughout the episode, the appraisers offer insights into the various factors that affect the value of antiques and collectibles. They provide detailed histories of the items they are appraising, exploring their cultural and historical significance and the various materials and techniques used in their creation.

Overall, Antiques Roadshow season 1 episode 12 is a fascinating exploration of the unique treasures to be found in Durham, North Carolina. From rare collectibles to fine art, the items up for appraisal offer a window into the rich cultural heritage of the region and the wider world.