Ep 22. Vintage Chicago

Antiques Roadshow season 22 episode 22 is titled "Vintage Chicago" and takes viewers to the Windy City where expert appraisers examine a variety of antiques and collectibles brought in by local residents. Throughout the episode, the team showcases a range of items from the history of Chicago, such as a vintage poster from the 1890s depicting a local baseball team, an Art Deco brooch featuring the iconic Chicago Theater, and a rare 19th-century baseball bat made in the city.

The first item featured in "Vintage Chicago" is a beautiful piece of Art Deco jewelry. The owner inherited it from her grandmother who was a performer at the Chicago Theater. The brooch is made of white gold and diamonds and is in the shape of the theater's iconic sign. It was appraised by expert appraiser Laura Woolley, who valued it at a surprising amount.

Another fascinating item on the show is a tavern sign from the 1800s. The owner found it in the basement of a building he was renovating. The sign is painted with a colorful image of a rooster, a common symbol that taverns used at the time. Appraiser, Stephen Fletcher, values the sign based on its rarity and legal status concerning antique signs being protected by law.

One of the most exciting pieces brought to the roadshow is an 1800s baseball bat made in Chicago, making the item a rarity and unique. It is owned by a Chicago resident who asked for an appraisal. The bat is made of a strong and tough wood which was common for baseball bats back then, and it has been used extensively through time. Arappraiser, Leila Dunbar, does thorough research on the bat, based on the maker, and the original owner. After the research and the physical examination of it, she determines what this rare piece might be worth.

Not all antiques on the show come with a high monetary value, however. One woman brings in a photo album belonging to her great-grandmother, who lived in Chicago in the early 20th century. The album is filled with photos of her family, friends, and the city itself, offering a glimpse into life in Chicago in the early 1900s. Appraiser Wesley Cowan values the item based on the historical value for the city.

In conclusion, Antiques Roadshow season 22 episode 22 explores the rich history of Chicago through a range of antiques and collectibles. From a rare Art Deco brooch featuring the iconic Chicago Theater to an 1800s baseball bat made in the city to a simple photo album offering a glimpse into daily life in the early 1900s, the show offers a fascinating look at the past of this iconic American city.