Antique Roadshow Events Raise $12,000 for Local Charities
Carillon welcomed more than 1,000 antique lovers and raised nearly $12,000 on behalf of local charities at the second annual Antique Road Extravaganza. The signature fundraising events were held at 19 Carillon communities across the state on September 12 and 19.
Participants learned both the story and value of their heirlooms and collectibles, while donating money to a worthwhile cause. Antique experts, auctioneers and dealers were brought in to do verbal assessments and evaluations on everything from period furnishings, art, porcelain, silver, glass and more.
Some of this year’s more remarkable items included an early 1800s bridal quilt that is still in use today, one of the first electric vacuums ever made, and a Civil War-era walking stick hand-carved by a wounded Confederate soldier.
“The walking stick was really something to see; just exquisite,” said Richard Wisner, the Charlotte area antique expert who appraised the folk art piece. “The soldier who carved it combined his talent for woodworking and his need to tell his experience in the Civil War, and what resulted was this one-of-a-kind piece of Americana that Civil War collectors would pay quite a bit for, should the owner ever decide to sell.”
Wisner said the owner, a descendant of the artist, does not want the valuation of the item made known.
“Most people come to a roadshow event not because they think they have an item that’s worth a lot of money, but just because they want to share the story of a beloved piece, to learn more about it if they can, and to find out once and for all what the piece will bring if they should ever decide to sell.”
About half of the people attending this year’s roadshow indicated they would sell their item if the price was right, while the rest said no amount of money could entice them to part with their treasured keepsake.
“I brought in a silver tea service that was my great-great grandmothers,” said April Weeks of Hendersonville. “The appraiser said it was in good shape overall and I could get as much as $500 for it, but no, I’m not going to sell it. It’s been in my family all these years, and that’s where it belongs.”
Proceeds from the sale of $10 and $25 tickets helped raise nearly $12,000 for a host of local charities, including educational foundations, historic preservation projects, arts commissions and civic organizations.
Posted in Sage Stories on October 5, 2015