Additional Coverage:
- ‘Antiques Roadshow’ guest breaks down in tears after expert reveals the value of her $35 item (marketrealist.com)
From Rummage Sale to Riches: $35 Swan Sled Appraised at Over $20,000 on Antiques Roadshow
Sometimes, a lucky find at a rummage sale can turn into a life-changing event. This was certainly the case for one woman who appeared on PBS’s “Antiques Roadshow” with a child’s swan sled she purchased for a mere $35. The unassuming sled, discovered amidst the usual rummage sale clutter, turned out to be a valuable piece of folk art, potentially worth tens of thousands of dollars.
The guest presented the sled to appraiser Allan Katz, who was stunned by what he saw. Katz revealed that he owned a nearly identical swan sled, purchased years earlier for $40,000.
He believed both were created by the same unknown folk artist. The guest was understandably shocked when Katz initially appraised her sled at $20,000 to $30,000, moved to tears by the unexpected windfall.
Initially, the guest stated she intended to keep the sled as a family heirloom. However, after the episode aired, she contacted Katz again, this time to inquire about selling the piece to help fund her grandchildren’s college education. Katz agreed to represent the sled, ultimately selling it to a private collector for over $50,000.
This remarkable story highlights the unpredictable nature of “Antiques Roadshow” and the potential value hidden in everyday objects. As Katz noted, it’s a testament to the power of folk art and the life-changing impact the show can have.