Treasure Hunters Roadshow

In Kennett, the Roadshow has seen everything from silver and gold to antique collector items.
(Staff photo by Lecia Forester)

[Click to enlarge]

A number of interesting and diversified items have surfaced through a unique event currently taking place in Dunklin County.

The Treasure Hunters Roadshow has been in town since Tuesday, July 27, 2010 and will run through Saturday, July 31, 2010, hosted at the local Days Inn, room 113. The event has gained the attention of several interested individuals from the area who have brought in items ranging from gold rings that sold for $ 700, baseball cards that sold for $ 800 and a signed baseball from the 1929 New York Yankees, valued at $ 9,000 paid by the collector.

The baseball cards that sold for $ 800 were being boxed and sent to the collector yesterday.

When asked about some of the interesting items that have shown up so far, Show manager Chris Peeler said, "I've seen some rare gold coins, a 1914 D, a very sought after coin, Johnny Cash's bed and a 1959 Les Paul guitar valued at $ 100,000."

"In Kennett, specifically, we have seen some World War II German daggers, swords and a lot of gold and silver," Peeler added. "I would love to see some guitars come in."

Peeler went on to say if anyone has any unwanted jewelry, such as broken necklaces, mismatched jewelry, anything gold, to bring it on in. Usually, the Treasure Hunters Roadshow will issue a check right on the spot.

There were many prospective sellers anxiously awaiting their turn to get their items appraised and hopefully, receive an offer.

One young woman from Hayti who waited in line said that she had brought in some old coins and a wind up violin that had been passed down from her dad. She didn't know what year it was made or what it was worth so she thought she would bring it in to find out the value.

Two other hopeful sellers also sat waiting patiently on Thursday. One had brought in some gold coins, jewelry, and World War II book to be appraised. She had seen the advertisement in the newspaper and had always wondered how much these items were worth, adding that they had been passed down in her family. She went on to say, "They've been hiding in the closet."

The other prospective seller, a gentleman, brought in what he hoped was an original Jesse James wanted poster. When asked if he knew how old it was, he said "Well, it has a $ 500 reward on him and I did a little research and it's pretty early in his criminal career and he's wanted by the Midland Railroad out of St. Louis."

It was later determined that the poster was duplicated, circa 1930's or 1940's.

According to the experts at the event, if you've always been wondering what your "junk" is worth, take it to the Treasure Hunters Roadshow. You might be surprised.

When a prospective seller first goes in, he or she will notice that the tables are arranged in multiple stations with the representatives sitting there. Sellers will then take a seat across from the representative and place their items on the table. The representative will look at the items, calculate the value and an offer is made. The seller has the option of selling or not. If they sell, payment is made right then.

Sometimes people confuse the Treasure Hunters Roadshow with the Antiques Roadshow. According to Chris Peeler, show manager, the Treasure Hunters Roadshow has actually been around a lot longer. The company has visited more than 1000 cities across the United States and is expanding into Canada, and the United Kingdom, and eventually into Asia and Africa. Peeler went on to say that the Antiques Roadshow only appraises the item but the Treasure Hunters Roadshow will actually appraise it, then make an offer to purchase it. According to Peeler, since the company is so large, they are able to pay higher amounts on gold and silver.

The Treasure Hunters Roadshow represents collectors from around the world who are looking to purchase that special item to round out their collection. According to Peeler, the Roadshow keeps a database of 6000 collectors information. This details what kind of item they are looking for and how much they are willing to pay.

Peeler gave examples of some of the valuable items the Roadshow has purchased, including a vampire killing kit circa 1800' s a gold coin set worth $ 250,000 and an all gold jewelry box valued at $ 2,500.