Additional Coverage:
- ‘Antiques Roadshow’ guest says ‘shut the front door, girl’ after hearing the value of her violin set (marketrealist.com)
Local Woman Stunned by $19,000 Appraisal of Family Heirloom Violin on ‘Antiques Roadshow’
A local woman received a heartwarming surprise on “Antiques Roadshow” after bringing in her grandfather’s violin, bow, and related tools. The combined appraisal value of $19,000 left her speechless and overjoyed.
The woman shared a touching story about her grandfather, who lost his foot in a tragic accident while working with his brothers. Determined to find a less dangerous profession, he pursued his love of woodworking and became a violin maker. Although the violin brought to “Antiques Roadshow” wasn’t one her grandfather made, it was crafted by Nicholas Heinz and held deep sentimental value for the owner.
Appraiser Claire Givens was immediately impressed with the instrument, valuing the bow at $4,000 and the violin itself at $12,000, describing it as a “master quality instrument.” The woman’s reaction was priceless, exclaiming, “Holy Hannah!
Wowzer. Shut the front door, girl!
Are you serious?” Additional tools, photographs, and letters accompanying the violin added another $3,000 to the total.
The woman shared that while her siblings had the opportunity to learn to play the instrument, she was the only one who pursued it, developing a lifelong passion. She described the violin as her “heart,” clearly moved by the experience and the unexpected appraisal. The segment resonated with viewers, with one commenting online that the story should be “sealed in a time capsule” for future generations.