Find out what those family treasures are worth Aug. 24

A new event comes to Orange County, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., Aug. 24 to the Orange County Convention and Visitor Center. "What's it Worth?" Is an "Antiques Roadshow" type of appraisal event presented by the Southeast Texas Arts Council. The nonprofit organization that promotes art and the humanities in Orange, Hardin and Jefferson counties was trying to develop something new for Orange County when the idea of an appraisal event like "Antiques Roadshow" came up.

Checking "Antiques Roadshow" tour schedule online, it was discovered the closest the tour comes to this area was Arkansas.

"That was the only stop in the south they had this year," said Penny LeLeux, the event's organizer. "Everything else was in the northern states." 

Since it wasn't coming anywhere close, and knowing the popularity of the show, LeLeux felt an appraisal event of this type might be of interest to people in Southeast Texas. 

"Everybody has a family heirloom they have always wondered if it was valuable and how much it was worth. It just seemed like it might be something fun for the community while raising a few funds for SETAC to promote more projects," she said.

The Expo Center was chosen as the venue because of the ease to get to it from Interstate 10. LeLeux obtained a small grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts that will pay for the appraisers that are coming from the Houston area. Funding was also received from the H.H. and Edna Houseman Charitable Foundation Trust.

Barbara Blades-Lines is bringing her whole team from Houston, which includes Joanna Floyd, Bill Pickard and Abigale Frances Rigamonti.

Blades-Lines is a Senior Accredited Appraiser with the American Society of Appraisers (ASA) and is a Certified Personal Property Appraiser with the International Society of Appraisers (ISA). As a generalist appraiser, she has a broad background in appraising Colonial to contemporary furniture, silver, decorative art, and fine art – paintings & sculptures, collectibles, historical artifacts, and handbags.

Floyd is an Accredited Appraiser with the International Society of Appraisers (ISA). As a generalist appraiser, she has a broad background in appraising European and American decorative art, fine art, early 20th-century glass, brilliant cut glass, and collectibles.

Pickard has been collecting and brokering sporting items for over twenty years. Since 2019, he has assisted the start-up of Blades Appraisals & Art Resources, LLC, and has been instrumental in its growth as the project manager and by providing appraisal assistance for automobiles, firearms, weapons, and sporting items. In 2023, he joined the International Society of Appraisers and is in the process of obtaining his credentials.

Rigamonti has been working in the art industry since graduating in 2021. She has been working as an appraiser assistant and has completed her first year in the AAA (Appraisers Association of America) program to obtain her appraisal credentials. Abigale is developing her specialty in fine art, focusing on Texas regional art, ultra-modern art, collectibles, and luxury items.

For those fine jewelry items we have Amy Lawch, owner of A. A. Benjamin Ltd.

Lawch is a graduate gemologist specializing in antique and period jewelry. She works with banks, attorneys, and private individuals for estate/probate work, museum donations, and private clients for insurance. Previously, Ms. Lawch was a Representative for Bonhams, Selkirks and Phillips. She lectures on jewelry and the auction process and is an Accredited Member of the International Society of Appraisers, an international member of the Jewelry Valuers Association (UK), a Senior Gemologist with Accredited Gemologist Association and a member of the American Society of Appraisers. She has a BA from Northwestern University and an MBA in finance from the University of Houston.

Scott Smithhart started Comics Kingdom in Beaumont in 1986. He has 38 years of experience in buying and selling comic books, sports cards, toys and collectible card games like Magic and Pokémon. Toy specialties include Star Wars, Transformers, GI Joe and miscellaneous Sci Fi and pop culture collectables.

"This is your chance to find out what those Star Wars toys and posters are worth, or that Mickey Mantle trading card," said LeLeux.

"We also have an antique broker, Lisa Deborde from Houston."

LeLeux said if the item you want appraised is too large to bring, such as a wardrobe, the appraisers said you can bring pictures instead, just make sure you get pictures of any details and any makers marks if you can to aid in the appraisal.

"Ms. Lawch will need to leave by 3 p.m. that day so be sure to bring those diamonds and rubies early in the day," said LeLeux. Lawch will also offer a presentation titled, "What's hot and what's not in your family jewelry box and what to do with it."

Some of the other presenters will be discussing topics such as how to spot a counterfeit collectable, where to sell your property – auction vs. estate sales (the difference between replacement value, fair market value and sentimental value.) and Recent pricing trends by category – pre and post pandemic. (antiques, silver and silverplate, watches and other collectables.)

Heritage House volunteers will be staffing the kitchen offering breakfast and lunch options, including gumbo.

Tickets for the event are only $5 general admission and $10 per item to be appraised with a maximum of two items per person. Tickets can be purchased online ahead of time at https://tinyurl.com/34fmk3ey or at the door.