Community members were able to learn more about their treasures during Steveston’s first-ever Antiques Roadshow-inspired fundraiser on Saturday.
The fundraiser, which benefitted Army Navy and Air Force 284 and Steveston Historical Society, featured onsite appraisers and various antique vendors.
Among local residents showing up with their treasures were Anieta and Stephen van Xavier, who brought along a silver-plated butter server, a brass dance card and a bracelet.
It was their first time attending an antique appraisal, but they were no strangers to the event.
“It was definitely the Antiques Roadshow… We all watched a little bit growing up,” said Anieta.
She added she was also inspired by a scene from Will and Grace where the main characters get surprised by an appraisal at a similar event.
“So we’re having that moment today. We’ll see what it is. It’ll be elation or, like, ‘You paid $10. It’s worth $20,’” said Anieta.
She told the Richmond News she had purchased the butter server for $10 through an online auction and found it had stamps associated with a well-known silversmith.
She had gotten the dance card for $10 at a garage sale for her mother, and the bracelet was something she bought during her 20s that she was hoping to learn more about.
After a short 10 minutes, the van Xaviers emerged victorious.
Anieta had been right in guessing the butter server dated back to the 1800s. It was made by a well-known American silversmith and used British silver.
“It had all the right stamps and due to that, it was worth $300 or $400, and I paid $10 for it,” Anieta explained.
Although the dance card was not worth as much due to it being made of brass, it is still worth around $50 to $80 thanks to its ornate design.
“My mom will be happy to know that because I bought that for her,” said Anieta.
On the other side of the room was Darleen Jiang, a local vendor selling glassware and china from all over the world from her mother’s personal collection.
Treasures spotted at Jiang’s table included glass flower decorations made in China and exported to North America during the 1970s and 1980s.
Jiang and her mother, who recently opened an antique shop in the area, said they wanted to attend the event to connect with the community.
Steveston was a clear choice for their new shop, said Jiang, since it is a place “full of culture.”
“There’s also a larger population of elderly community members, who tend to appreciate antiques more,” she explained, adding that younger generations are starting to gain interest in the hobby as well.
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