Ep 22. Vintage Memphis

Vintage Memphis takes center stage on season 23, episode 22 of Antiques Roadshow. The team travels to the Bluff City to explore the region's rich history and impressive antiques collection. With Memphis' impact on music, civil rights, and even food, it's no surprise that the city has brought forth some of the most interesting and unique antiques around.

The episode kicks off with a stunningly crafted wooden clock, dating back to the mid-19th century. The clock features intricate carvings and a fascinating backstory that impresses appraiser Suzanne Perrault. She notes its impeccable condition and rich history, leaving the owner surprised by its high value.

Next up, the Roadshow team transitions to the museum-quality Civil War collection of businessman Bill Pickens. Several pieces stood out to the appraisers, including an 1864 Confederate battle flag, a beautifully restored Union drum, and an 1858 Remington pistol. The appraisers are excited to showcase these items and shed more light on their historical significance.

The show then moves towards a segment on remarkable musical instruments that originated in Memphis. A National Tri-cone resonator guitar catches appraisal expert David Bonsey's ear, who immediately recognizes its rareness and exceptional preservation. He sings the praises of its maker, National Resophonic, and how their instruments helped define the sound of rock and roll.

Following the musical instrument appraisal, we meet a young man named Matthew, who brought in his collection of Elvis Presley records. Through some investigation, it turns out that Matthew has a few items that are not only rare but also valuable. The appraisers take a closer look at the collection and provide some great insight into preserving and taking care of vintage vinyl.

Finally, we get a peek into the world of vintage advertising with a look at an 1890s Coca-Cola sign. The Roadshow team is impressed by the excellent preservation of the signage and share some historical context about the company's origins.

Throughout the episode, a handful of other significant artifacts pop up, including an 1800s silver serving tray and a colorful set of 1950s Memphis-made dishware. Veterans of the show, such as Gary Piattoni and Eric Silver, express enthusiasm for the variety and quality of the items on display.

As usual, the Memphis locals who attended the show display a great deal of enthusiasm, and it's evident that everyone involved had a great time. For fans of American history and art, Vintage Memphis is an entertaining and educational look at some of the country's most intriguing antiques.