Have you been picking up some exciting items at antique shows and garage sales? Or have you inherited a fascinating curiosity that looks like it might have belonged to Marie Antoinette?
Wonder about those items no more! The Nakusp Public Library, Nakusp and District Museum, and Arrow Lakes Historical Society are thrilled to invite you to Nakusp’s Own Antiques Roadshow, taking place at the arena during the Fall Fair on Saturday, September 15.
“It’s our own version of a treasure hunt,” says one of the event’s organizers, Barbara MacPherson. “This is a wonderful opportunity for people to learn the true value of the treasures they’ve inherited or found at garage sales. I can’t wait to see what comes out of the woodwork.”
Appraiser Peter Blundell is offering 15-minute sessions to anyone who’s interested: the cost is $40 for one to three items and you can sign up for your spot at the library.
The appraisals will be public, so even if you don’t have something you’d like to have appraised, there will be free public seating and the day is sure to be an educational and entertaining event for everyone. You never know what your neighbours have in their hands – or what tips you’ll learn that might be worth thousands in the future.
This thought-provoking and entertaining appraiser comes with excellent qualifications: Blundell is an accredited member of the Canadian Association of Personal Property Appraisers, and a graduate of the International Society of Appraisers Training.
He began his career in 1969 in the flea markets of Ontario before graduating to major shows in the East. He then ran his own antiques shop in Schomberg, Ontario for many years. He has been an appraiser in the West since 1990 and has appeared numerous times on television and radio.
He is a specialist in many areas including furniture (about which he has written three books and one eBook), art, silver, china, porcelain, glass, bronzes, oil lamps, pocket watches, and collectibles.
He does not look at jewellery, coins, stamps, guns, or wrist watches. Antiquities that are more than 400 years old are generally not assessed at this forum, either.
If you wish to know more about a piece of furniture that’s too big to carry, please use your digital camera to take photos — make sure you have good lighting (no flash), and if you can, bring a drawer or other part of the large item to your appraisal session so that Peter can assess the wood and the item’s likely origin.
To register for Nakusp’s Own Antiques Roadshow, please sign up at, or call, the Public Library located at 92 6th Ave; phone 250-265-3363.
A portion of the proceeds go to the new addition on the Centennial Building. While he brings his extensive reference library with him, Blundell also does research leading up to the event and so it’s useful for him to have information about the items you’re bringing. If you can see an artist’s name or signature, or another defining mark, please tell library staff at the time of your registration.
If you have other questions or wish to arrange a formal house call, please call Peter Blundell at 250-542-4540, or visit his website at www.BlundellArtAndAntiques.com.
