ANTIQUES ROADSHOW
Appraised items
June 13, 2023 - Antiques Roadshow
Old Sturbridge Village
It’s a wonderful sight when thousands of locals, gather for a common interest. When the Antiques Roadshow came to town, it was no exception. The global phenomenon and international television format welcomed those in the local area with rare and unique items for appraisals. Naturally, the museum had a few handy things in reach, so we decided to join the thousands and see what the experts thought.
The items listed are those appraised by the Antique Roadshow experts and only represent an individual opinion. They are in no way an official “market value” - purely a general valuation.
Each item is on display and can be viewed by visiting the musuem
Camouflage & Spot Goggles
1930’s to 1940’s
Value: $100.00
Appraised by: James Supp
These goggles, (highly likely AO) released in 1943 had been in development since before WWII. They were designed to help spot camouflaged items, and feature colored lens tints and ventilated side screens on a leather mounting. The design became more of a novelty item as they didn’t work too well. Despite their rarity at the museum, James Supp of Coronado Trading Co. mentioned seeing several of these in the past, which along with their damage affected their value.
Triple folding lens spectacles
1790’s to 1820’s
Value: $350.00 - $400.00
Appraised by: James Supp
This triple folding lens has remained a mystery at the museum for some time. The manufacturer is unknown and it’s thought to have been made circa late 17th century, the design features a nickle frame and green tint lenses with two additional lenses which flip over. The green lens was designed to provide safety for glass blowers, however as with most unusual designs at the time, became somewhat of a novelty device.
McAllister Gold Frame
Circa 1840’s
Value: $4000.00
Appraised by: James Supp
These McAllister gold frames are a statement piece among American Optics. The museum has had a long running history with the McAllister family and were proud to bring a pair of original frames to the Antiques Roadshow. A burst mark was present on the frames, representing “gold material” and likely 12-karat. The appraiser noted he has encountered several McAllister frames over the years, however this does not diminish their rarity as their craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail, ensured this was an item worth keeping.
This frame was kindly donated to the museum by Ruth Pollack.
Eskimo (Inuit) Sunglasses
20th Century Reproduction
Value: $1900.00
Appraised by: James Supp & Ted Trotta
These unique goggles were designed by the Inuit’s to block the sun’s glare in the snow. Both appraisers who valued the item stated the material was made from mastodon bone, found in the Tundra and is likely over 15 thousand years old.
Ted Trotta (tribal arts expert) claimed these pieces here not made with the intention of deceiving the buyer, but likely to appease to visitors who wanted a traditional item from the area. These specific frames were likely produced some time in the 20th century because had they been older, we should have seen more wear - they were meant to be worn.
Nuremberg Glasses
Late 16th or 17th Century
Value: $3000.00
Appraised by: James Supp
These 300-year-old Nuremberg glasses, are steeped in history and craftsmanship. The design is consistent with other optical designs of the era and are made from wood, covered with a robust leather. Likely 17th Century design, however could be even older. Similarly with their value, the Nuremberg Glasses could be well in excess of $3000 due to their rarity.
Chinese Case & Glasses
20th Century
Value: $50.00
Appraised by: Michelle Cheng
These Chinese artefacts were originally thought to be from around the 17th Century, however we were proved wrong. Kindly donated to us from Ruth Pollack, the glasses and round are dated circa early 20th Century with the glasses made from horn.
Likewise, the lacquered frame box was originally considered an ancient item, however the engravings (notably in the garments) were thought to be a little too "flowing” to have come from an earlier period. The wood design, while intricate is likely a cheap reproduction.
German Optical Book
18th Century
Value: $2000.00
Appraised by: Martin Gammon
This optical book was part of the original AO library and “may” have been gifted by Zeiss employees during one of the many visits AO Executives made to Germany (between 1907 - 1912). A similar copy sold at a recent auction for $2000 with the cells (drawings) at the rear of the book adding to the value.
These drawings were very time consuming to create, given the detail involved. The appraiser also noted how difficult these drawings would have been to print, which also added to the overall value.
Antique roadshow Appraisers
Is there a unique item you would like appraised? Get in contact with the experts we spoke to.
James Supp - Coronado Trading Co.
Area of Expertise: Collectables
Michelle Cheng - Christie’s
Area of Expertise: Asian Arts
Ted Trotta - Trotta-Bono, Ltd.
Area of Expertise: Tribal Arts
Martin Gammon - Pegamon Art Group
Area of Expertise: Books & Manuscripts
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