Antiques Roadshow Season 9 Episode 15 Portland - Hour 3

In Antiques Roadshow season 9 episode 15, titled "Portland - Hour 3," antique experts visit Portland to appraise a wide range of objects. The episode opens with host Mark L. Walburg previewing some interesting pieces that will be featured in the hour, including a carved jade pendant, a painting by a famous artist, and a rare antique guitar.

The first appraisal of the episode is a collection of handwritten letters from famous authors. The owner of the collection inherited it from her mother, who was a big fan of literature. Appraiser Kathleen Harwood is impressed by the provenance of the collection, but she notes that the value of individual letters can vary depending on the content. She also cautions the owner about the risks of storing the collection in a cardboard box.

Next up is the rare guitar, which was made by the Martin company in the late 1800s. Appraiser Gary R. Sullivan is excited to see the guitar, which he calls a "work of art." He explains that the guitar has a unique sound because of its gut strings and Brazilian rosewood back and sides. He also praises the guitar's ornate inlay and beautifully preserved finish. The owner is thrilled to learn that the guitar is worth between $40,000 and $60,000.

Another interesting item is a carved jade pendant, which was given to the owner's grandmother by a Chinese diplomat in the early 1900s. Appraiser Lark E Mason explains that the pendant is a symbol of good luck and long life, and that the carving is expertly crafted. He estimates that the pendant could be worth as much as $20,000.

In the middle of the episode, the show takes a break from appraisals to visit some interesting locations in Portland. First, Mark L. Walburg tours some historic landmarks along the Willamette River. Then, he heads over to the Portland Farmers Market to check out some local food and crafts.

After the break, the appraisals continue with a painting by the famous American artist George Bellows. The painting was purchased by the owner's father in the 1920s and has been in the family ever since. Appraiser Nan Chisholm is impressed by the painting's composition and color, and notes that Bellows was a key figure in the Ashcan School of American art. She estimates that the painting could be worth over $500,000.

Another interesting item is a collection of vintage toys, including tin wind-up robots and a mechanical monkey riding a bicycle. Appraiser Christopher R. Jones explains that the toys represent a pivotal era in American toy production, when mechanical toys were all the rage. He notes that the monkey on the bicycle is rare and highly sought-after. The owner is surprised to learn that the collection could be worth as much as $7,000.

Finally, the episode closes with a remarkable appraisal of a pair of Chinese silver bowls. The owner inherited the bowls from her mother, who had purchased them in Hong Kong in the 1950s. Appraiser Peter Lohan is impressed by the bowls' intricate carving and expert craftsmanship. He notes that the bowls may have been used in a Chinese temple and that they are a rare example of early 19th-century Chinese silverware. He estimates that the pair of bowls could be worth as much as $200,000.

Overall, "Portland - Hour 3" is a fascinating episode of Antiques Roadshow, full of interesting objects and informative appraisals. Whether you're a fan of art, antiques, or just curious about the history behind unusual objects, this episode is sure to impress.