When I got the press rules for covering the "Antiques Roadshow" taping in downtown Raleigh on Saturday, I discovered that I was allowed to take an item with me for appraisal. The idea was to give me a unique perspective on the process.
I'm not sure I achieved that perspective, because I didn't have to wait in line for hours like the other 6,000 or so folks there. Happy for me, sad for them.
But I did get to speak to one of the show's appraisers who closely examined my treasures: a brown cast iron boot jack in the shape of a donkey's head with "Roosevelt" stamped in one ear and "In '32" stamped in the other; and its companion piece, a small, iron, braying donkey bottle opener with "F.D.R." stamped on its behind.
Robert DuMouchelle, an art appraiser with DuMouchelle Gallery in Detroit, said my Flea Market finds were in "great shape," but not worth a whole lot. They aren't garbage, but they also aren't million dollar jade from Chien-Lung period China.
The set appeared in his database as being valued at $400-$600, but instead, they sold for just $200 at an auction last year (darn economy!). Since I only paid $25 for the boot jack (aka at my house as "the doorstop") and $10 for the bottle opener, it was still a sound investment.
You can watch the second part of my conversation with DuMouchelle below. Videography expert here messed up with the first part. But you'll get the gist.
Brooke Cain isn't always proud of the number of hours she logs in front of the TV, but her loss of brain cells can be your gain. From reality shows to sitcoms to the more serious stuff, Brooke keeps her DVR smoking so that she can help keep you in the know. Brooke also tweets for Happiness is a Warm TV (you can follow 
