Antiques Roadshow Season 7 Episode 5 Seattle (2003) - Hour 2

Seattle (2003) - Hour 2 of Antiques Roadshow season 7 is a fascinating episode which showcases a diverse range of unique antiques and collectibles. The episode starts with a tantalizing appraisal of a rare 19th-century Japanese woodblock print by printmaker Utagawa Hiroshige. The print depicts a scene from a famous kabuki play and is estimated to be worth up to $30,000. This sets the tone for what is to come in this episode.

One of the standout appraisals of this episode is a beautiful, intricately designed Tiffany Studios lamp. The lamp is a stunning example of the Art Nouveau style that dominated the decorative arts scene in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The appraiser is impressed with the lamp's exquisite leaded glass and the fine bronze work of the base. The owner is thrilled to discover her family heirloom is valued at $20,000 - $30,000.

Next up is a charming antique automaton featuring a monkey playing the cymbals. Appraisers marvel at the mechanism and engineering required to create the lifelike motion of the monkey's arms and the synchronized beat of the cymbals. The automaton is estimated to be worth $15,000, but the value is immeasurable to the owner, who remembers seeing the toy as a child.

Another fascinating appraisal in this episode is a collection of rare photos and lithographs from Lewis and Clark's 1804-1806 expedition. The pieces depict the landscapes and native people encountered during the explorers' journey across the American West. The appraiser recognizes the historical importance of the collection and values it at $10,000-$15,000.

The episode also features an unusual antique: a 19th-century barber chair designed to look like a horse and carriage. The appraiser sees similar examples in museums, but this is the first one he has encountered in such excellent condition. The chair's intricate design and mechanics fascinate the appraiser, who values it at $8,000-$10,000.

In addition to the above appraisals, this episode features a collection of antique door-stops, a painting by renowned artist Jacob Lawrence, and a rare signed and annotated first edition of H.G. Wells' "The War of the Worlds." The appraisers provide insightful information and historical context about each item, offering viewers a glimpse into the past and the stories they hold.

Throughout the episode, the owners of the antiques and collectibles share their personal stories and memories. They tell of inherited family treasures, flea market finds, and personal collections. Their emotional connections to the items add depth and richness to the appraisals and serve as a reminder that antiques and collectibles hold both monetary and sentimental value.

Overall, Seattle (2003) - Hour 2 is an enjoyable episode of Antiques Roadshow that provides a wide array of appraisals and insights into the world of antiques and collectibles. The episode delves into the intricacies and rarity of antique items, providing historical context and expert valuations. The episode perfectly captures the show's emphasis on history, nostalgia, and storytelling.