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REEDSVILLE -- The Lewistown Sentinel kicked off its spring Home and Garden show Friday at Mifflin County Youth Park. A special guest, Dr. Lori Verderame appeared in the afternoon to appraise people's antiques and have fun with members of the audience.
Dr. Lori is an award-winning media personality and Ph.D. Antiques Appraiser. Dr. Lori appears on Netflix's "King of Collectibles" and History channel's "Pawn Stars do America" and "The Curse of Oak Island." Her stage show, "Dr. Lori's Antiques Appraisal Comedy Tour," is presented nationwide to live audiences.
All attendees took their seats around 2:30 p.m. and those receiving appraisals placed their items on a long display table. Then, Lewistown Sentinel Advertising Director Matt Bolich provided a quick introduction before Dr. Lori began her show.
She appraised items such as an antique chair from around 1850-75. Dr. Lori then encouraged the owner to "speak into the microphone like Beyonce" to share the item's history.
The owner spoke of a late grandfather who passed the chair down the family line. Dr. Lori then said the chair will sell at about $200.
She also appraised an early 1960s Barbie at $150. Next up was an ATMOS clock dated around 1950-60 that was worth an astounding $1,000.
"This particular piece is a nice piece, but not in the best condition," Dr. Lori said. She added that the clock must be on a level surface and gets its power from minute changes in atmospheric temperature. The temperature changes work because inside every Atmos clock is a capsule filled with ethylene chloride gas. When temperature rises and falls, the gas expands or contracts, making the capsule expand or contract in turn.
Dr. Lori moved on to a Steiff brand plush lion head that was mounted on a small piece of wood. She explained that while the head was in good condition, it did previously have a plush body.
This portion of the antique plush received an appraisal at a whopping $400 to the shock of audience members.
Up next was a 1910s watch with a missing key worth $75 and a 1970s candle holder worth $10.
Later, Dr. Lori appraised a purple evening gown dated around the 1950s. This gown was adorned with hand blown and hand sewn glass beads. At an approximate dress size of 10-12, the gown's estimated sale price was $800 to $1200.
Dr. Lori appraised many more antiques including but not limited to paintings, home decor, and ceramics. These items and others lined the display table between the doctor and the audience.
She explained her reasoning for each appraisal and offered tips for upkeep and tips for identifying antiques.
Visit www.DrLoriV.com to view video footage of the event or watch videos on her popular www.YouTube.com/drloriv channel for treasure hunting, vintage shopping, and appraisal tips.
The Home and Garden show continues today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Mifflin County Youth Park. Today, family day, features free kids' face painting, a drawing for a kids' playset courtesy of Mountain Road Structures, more than 40 exhibitors, and more.
Entry costs $2 for adults; this includes free entry for those aged 16 and under and free parking. Food will be available from Reedsville Fire Co. Chicken BBQ, E.L. Baked Goods, Hostetler Country Market, Sinister Mini Donuts, and Curbside Kitchen.