An appreciative audience enjoyed a close gander at a fascinating array of 19th- and early 20th- century treasures that were brought for evaluation at the Faux Antiques Roadshow, held Saturday, October 25 as a fundraiser for the Tepehua Community Center education program.
Emulating the snappy style of the well-known PBS television series, show co-hosts Lorraine Kulig and Peter Kertez did a fine job of balancing serious expert appraisals and data on the historical background of each piece with light patter that kept the crowd engaged.
There were moments of comedy and some high drama for antiques owners who were taken by surprise at the going market price for old stuff picked at second-hand stores and street markets or acquired as family heirlooms.
Items shown included a gentleman’s chair, an Eastlake style secretary desk, a kerosene lamp and assorted jewelry all dating back to the latter half of the 1800’s, pieces of Limoges and Royal Doulton china from different periods, and a set of Madame Alexander dolls from the 1950’s.
Among the notable curiosities was a framed admission ticket to Queen Victoria’s 1838 coronation at Westminster Abbey, handed down through the family of Marcos and Adele Cordero.
Kay McCowan was astounded to learn that the funky little Corona typewriter she picked up at an Ajijic bazaar for about 75 dollars turned out to be a rare 1912 model that’s really worth at least 600 bucks.
A special attraction was the exhibition of hand fans presented by experienced collector and author Cynthia Fendel. In a side room, qualified appraisers looked over nearly 100 different items brought in by owners curious to learn their value.
Kulig says she is contemplating putting on another show next spring.