BonnerSprings.com

Debra Harris received a pair of green lamps from her mother-in-law as a birthday present 10 years ago.

“My husband’s cousin collected antiques while in the Air Force in Europe,” said the Bonner Springs resident. “He gave the lamps to (my mother-in-law) and she knew I liked them, so she gave them to me.”

Until recently, the lamps sat on the mantle of her home in full display for visitors. A few years ago, however, Debra and her husband, Kris, redecorated to an updated style in which the old-world lamps no longer fit.

Little did they know that those lamps, safely packed in a box, are today worth $400 to $500 a piece.

Harris, along with about 104 other people, attended the first ever Antiques and Collectible Appraisal Extravaganza Saturday at the George Meyn Community Center in Wyandotte County Park. The fundraising event for the Wyandotte County Museum invited people to bring their antiques to be appraised by professionals.

“We were curious what they were worth,” Debra said of the items she brought with her Saturday. “And we wanted to do something to contribute to the community and museum.”

In addition to the lamps, Debra also brought in a painting by Shawnee artist Charles Goslin of a scene along the Missouri River in Parkville, Mo. Debra won the painting in a raffle drawing at a Shawnee Chamber event.

The 1992 painting was appraised at $2,000 to $3,000 at Saturday’s event and Debra was told it would only become more valuable with time.

“I think it’s a beautiful painting,” Debra said. “And something is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it.”

Both Kris and Debra said they hoped the museum would plan another appraisal event in the future.

“I think I’ll bring my World Series yearbooks next time,” Kris said.

Debra and Kris’ reaction to the event is exactly what museum director Patricia Schurkamp had hoped to receive.

Overall, Schurkamp said she thought the event was a success and not only heard a lot of positive feedback but saw some interesting pieces throughout the day.

Of the more interesting items brought in for appraisal, she said, was a parachuters bicycle from World War II that folded in half.

“I’ve never seen one before,” Schurkamp said. “Several appraisers looked at it and had never seen one either. They’re going to do more research and get back to the guy (about its value).”

Other unique items included a wine pitcher owned by Silas Armstrong, the founder of Wyandotte County, a Louis Vuitton trunk and several Native American regalia that Schurkamp described as “beautiful.”

Each participant was allowed three items to be appraised, but Schurkamp said several people went home for more items following their first appraisal and paid again because they had such a good experience.

“I think from everything I heard it went very well,” she said. “People were very pleased. We had such a positive turnout.”

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