It may not have been The Antique Road Show but the May 14 Appraisal Fair at the Sun Health Resale Shop in Sun City came close.
More than 30 people brought heirlooms and assorted treasures to the shop, at 14668 N. Del Webb Blvd., to have professional appraiser Josh Levine valuate their possessions. Levine, owner of Scottsdale-based J Levine Auction & Appraisal, donated five hours of his time for the event.
“I love doing these because I’m always surprised by at least one or more items that people bring in. If I could, I’d do these events all day long,” Levine said.
Mother and daughter Doris and Laura Schoeben brought in a cast-iron toy circus wagon, a commemorative bell and a percussion model Pennsylvania long rifle. With the inquisitiveness of a scientist and the loving hands of a father, Levine explored each item, questioning the Schoebens, and researching information on his iPad to arrive at values.
- The toy circus wagon, acquired by the Schoebens in Vermont, was valued between $300 and $500.
- The German-made bell, an antique-shop acquisition from England, Levine pegged as a replica of a war-ship bell from the late 1930s. It might fetch around $300, he said.
- The Pennsylvania long rifle, an heirloom from the late Mr. Schoeben’s side of the family dated to the 1840-1850 era. The rifle’s value ranged widely from $500 all the way up to $20,000.
The Schoebens enjoyed their time with Levine. “It was very interesting learning about the history behind these objects,” Laura Schoben said. Customers were urged to donate to the Sun Health Foundation in exchange for the appraisal.
The Daily News Sun newspaper sent a reporter and photographer to cover the event.
