Grab your treasures: An Antiques Roadshow-style appraisal event is coming

Posted on 30 April, 2024

Ever watched an episode of Antiques Roadshow and then eyed up that strange family heirloom in the corner of your living room thinking ‘That looks kind of similar’?

Whether you’ve inherited something strange and fantastic, are downsizing your collectables or found something special in an op-shop that you know must be worth something, your chance to live your very own Antiques Roadshow dream is coming next weekend.

On Saturday 11 May, ALLBIDS is holding an Appraisal Day in their Fyshwick showroom, where you’ll be able to have a free, no obligation one-on-one chat with an ALLBIDS expert to appraise your treasures and finally find out what they’re really worth.

Completely free to take part in and with no appointment needed, the event will take place at ALLBIDS Auction Rooms at 7 Wiluna Street, Fyshwick between 12 pm and 2 pm.

There will be live music and free parking as well as toasted sandwiches from neighbour Melted and artisanal baked goods from Crust Bakery as well as coffee and more in the styled vintage lounge.

To get you primed for the event, we asked Adam McDonald, who does double duty as General Manager of Evans Hastings Valuers and Auctioneers (EHVA) – who run ALLBIDS auctions – and ALLBIDS’ Arts, Antiques and Collectibles specialist, for his top tips on what to bring on the day.

“We have specialists from all departments – rugs, silverware, jewellery, art, cars – so I say: just bring everything you’ve got. For example, if you have a special dinner service, bring in a cup and saucer.”

As for what Adam has seen go from trash to treasure in a matter of minutes?

“I think the biggest treasures that will be hidden [in homes] will be art,” he says. “It’s a very subjective topic, so you may think Grandma had terrible taste in art, but you could be sitting on a fortune. I also find the most frequent surprises will come from books – a first edition of Robinson Crusoe or other. This is Canberra, so everyone has a bookcase and some of these first editions can be worth serious money.”

After your items have been appraised, Adam says the next step is up to you.

“It’s an obligation-free evaluation. So, as we’re an auction house, we’d say ‘If we were to sell this for you, this is the price we’d be looking for, for you’. So you can then leave it with us on the day, you can go home and discuss it with your family or you can keep it.”

“The main thing is, we want to talk to you about the ‘stuff’ you have in your house. The more second-hand items go into the market, the less goes into landfill. It’s all about keeping history alive.”

And in this cost-of-living crisis, surely a little extra cash doesn’t hurt.

As for what Adam is keeping an eye out for himself at these events?

“Robbie The Robot,” he says without hesitation. “I love vintage toys and I’ve only ever come across one in 20 years – Robbie the Robot is the first edition of a Japanese toy that was made around 1959. It’s the first example of a mass-produced tin robot.”

“I sold one eight years ago and I got around $8000 for it. For me, that’s the holy grail.”

The treasures don’t stop there either.

While you’re at the event, why not browse the EHVA Emporium – ALLBIDS’ very own stash of treasures, featuring “prestigious fine and decorative arts, paintings, antiques, jewelry, furniture and collectibles”, and snap a pic on the Media Wall for the chance to win a $500 ALLBIDS voucher? See the team on the day for more details.

Can’t make it to the event?

Drop ALLBIDS an email at auctions@allbids.com.au with a photo and brief description of your item, and they’ll be in touch.