Ann McKoryk decided it was time to get rid of a few things in her Vernon home. Maybe see if they were even worth something.
She packed up an 1890s-style double-wick coal oil lamp, and a Victorian-era water jug and thunder mug, wrapped them carefully and placed them in a blue Rubbermaid tote, and headed to the Best Western Plus Vernon Lodge Hotel Monday, site of the Canadian Collectables Roadshow, in town for the week.
“I probably bought the lamp at an auction,” said McKoryk, as she was greeted by Roadshow hostess Stella Macari and taken to a waiting room at the Lodge. “I had it appraised locally by Peter Blundell. He figured it was worth about $600. “It’s not in the best shape. The glass part of the lamp is not original.”
The water jug and thunder mug - both porcelain - were necessities when McKoryk was a child because her home didn’t have a bathroom.
After nearly an hour of waiting, McKoryk had a chance to meet Roadshow appraiser Nathan Tungkulvarodom, originally from Thailand who now lives in Vancouver. Tungkulvarodom had bad news about the water jug, and OK news about the lamp and thunder mug.
“The jug’s design, unfortunately, is a print and we look for things that have hand-made designs on them,” he explained.
The OK news about the lamp and mug is that they piqued the interest of Tungkulvarodom and Roadshow manager Eric Dvorkin. Unfortunately, those pieces are not in their realm of expertise, and McKoryk would have to wait until later in the week when the Roadshow’s antique expert, a gentleman named Mark, would arrive for the show.
“I can tell you I’ve worked alongside Mark, I know what he likes and he will likely make you an offer on the lamp,” said Dvorkin to McKoryk, who agreed to return with the lamp.
Business was steady for the appraisers during the opening day of the Roadshow. They sit down with people who bring in collectables and antiques, appraise them and if it’s something they like, they will make an offer to the person.
Dvorkin and Tungkulvarodom saw a lot of jewelry and coins on the opening day.
Joe and Hilary Rauchenstein of Vernon brought both.
Dvorkin looked at Hilary’s jewelry, which included some silver necklaces and a gold watch that belonged to her grandmother. She explained that she had nobody to leave the watch to.
“It’s nine-karat gold and there is Rolex movement in it,” said Dvorkin after exploring the inside of the watch. I’ll be honest with you; you won’t get the offer that you want. I can’t pay you more than $100.”
Hilary kept the watch.
Joe, however, did accept a cheque from Dvorkin who bought some of Joe’s gold and silver Canadian and American coins.
“Some he didn’t take because there’s not a lot of silver in them,” said Joe.
“The cheque’s made out to him so I guess he’ll take me out for dinner,” smiled Hilary.
Jack and Bridget Ball also brought in coins to be appraised and left with a cheque, though they wouldn’t disclose the amount.
Two coins that caught Tungkulvarodom’s attention from Ball were what he described as sovereign coins. Jack Ball explained he was given the coins when he was born 84 years ago in England.
“You were given a coin to show it would be the first coin you have in your hand and you’ll be lucky for the rest of your life,” said Jack.
The Balls also had a bar of silver that they turned into cash from the Roadshow.
“We got that in the 70s, I think, when we bought a GIC share,” laughed Bridget.
The Canadian Collectables Roadshow continues until Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Vernon Lodge.
