APPRAISALS OF ANTIQUES RAISE MONEY FOR GROUP

Bryan Crain of Anna, Ill., knew the sentimental value associated with his great-great-grandfather's sword and canteen used during the Civil War.

What he didn't know was its monetary value, that is until Sunday afternoon when he learned from an antique appraisal of its value.

Crain was one of many people around the area who took items to Franklin School for an appraisal by Phillips-Selkirk Auctioneers and Appraisers of St. Louis as part of an antiques and collectibles appraisal show. The show was a fund-raising event for the Historical Association of Greater Cape Girardeau.

"I'd just like to know," Crain said of the item's worth. The sword ranged in value from $300 to $400, but knowing the exact markings and engraved ranking could push that price higher, appraisers said.

Crain learned the wooden canteen, once used by a Confederate soldier, was likely worth $100.

It is unlikely that the canteen would hold water properly since it is so old, said Terry Beye, an appraiser. "But it would look really good on a mantle."

Beye was one of eight appraisers at the show. Each appraiser was assigned a specific category, generally their specialty areas, which ranged from glassware and collectibles to books and instruments.

Nearly 1,500 items were taken in for appraisals. Each item to be appraised required a $10 donation or $20 for three items. There was no limit on the number of items people could have appraised.

Many of them had several items, which in some cases required a little wait.

Phyllis Lukefahr of Cape Girardeau waited almost two hours so that all her items could be appraised. But the wait was worth it. She learned that a handmade, one-of-a-kind quilt sewn by her aunt was worth nearly $2,000.

The quilt was designed for the National Recovery Act and hung on display in Walther's Furniture Store.

"I just knew it was something she had made," Lukefahr said.

She also had several items from France, including a doll, a telescope and silverware that had yet to be appraised by mid-afternoon.

While the appraisal show wasn't exactly like the "road shows" shown on television, many people did learn their treasures were valuables.

"People want to know if it's worth what they paid," said Glenda McGowan, treasurer of the historical association. And finding a treasure "is always in the back of your mind."

Beye, an appraiser specializing in early American pottery, found such a treasure among the items he appraised Sunday.

A woman brought in a Rookwood vase crafted and hand painted by Harriet Wilcox. The item was made in 1894 and is worth $3,500.

Most people know their item has sentimental value, "but they are looking for a dollar value," Beye said.

Other times they just want some history or identification of an item. "When you give them the information they want and you see a smile on their face, it's worth it."

Phillips-Selkirk is the third largest antique appraisal house behind Christies and Sotheby's.