Is Antiques Road Show killing the antiques trade?
Quite the opposite! Antiques Roadshow can be credited with getting the masses involved in antiquing, which more than anything else is a lot fun. Not only do collectors novice to expert get to see collectibles from around the world, they get useable advice on what to look for, how to spot fakes, and inside info. on where others how found collectibles. The program shows that no matter what your income level there’s a collectible out there you can collect! They have people around the world pulling long forgotten items from drawers, closets, basements and garages, because until you check it out…you just never know!
Ebay and development are usually blamed for the disappearance of flea markets and antique districts in New York.This weekend I heard another explanation. The manager of the 67th Street Market thinks that Antiques Road Show is in many ways responsible for the gasping trade. Back in the day, dealers drove upstate and shopped yard sales for merchandise. Now, anybody planning a garage sale probably watches Antiques Road Show and knows or thinks they know what an item is worth. (I guess the poor slob who tossed the $198,000 Charles Rolph chair in the garbage wasn’t a fan of the show.) It’s becoming more difficult for traders to find sources from which they can buy and make a good profit. Maybe it’s time to stop supporting public broadcasting! Yard sale goodies may carry a higher price than you might think.
