Additional Coverage:
- ‘Antiques Roadshow’ guest says ‘I did not expect that’ after hearing the real value of her $3 banjo (marketrealist.com)
Talk about a storage unit score! A lucky couple on Antiques Roadshow recently discovered their $3 banjo was worth considerably more than they originally thought.
The couple purchased the banjo at a storage unit sale about a decade ago. Already believing they had a good deal, a previous appraisal had valued the instrument between $2,500 and $4,000. However, they were stunned when Antiques Roadshow expert Dave Hinson appraised their 1928 Gibson Granada tenor banjo at $7,000.
Hinson pointed out the banjo’s unique features, including its maple back, Brazilian rosewood fingerboard (a now-endangered wood requiring special permits), and even a compartment for Christmas lights, a popular addition for banjo players in the 1930s and 40s. While the banjo had a minor crack in the headstock, Hinson assured the owners it was easily repairable and didn’t significantly detract from its value.
He even shared a quirky tip for cleaning the oxidized gold plating: saliva! Its mild acidity is perfect for removing oxidation without damaging the plating.
The couple was understandably shocked by the $7,000 appraisal, gasping and repeating the figure in disbelief. They assured Hinson they wouldn’t be asking for their $3 back! Hinson noted the banjo’s weight as another indicator of its quality and value, leaving the lucky couple with a valuable piece of musical history and a truly unforgettable Antiques Roadshow experience.