Ever wonder if that battered piece of furniture, jewelry or memorabilia in the corner of the attic is worth anything?
If so, come find out June 8-12 when the Treasure Hunters Roadshow comes to Federal Way. World-renowned antique and collectible experts will visit the Best Western-Evergreen Inn and Suites, 32124 25th Ave. S., from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. More than 1,200 visitors are expected to bring their belongings to the free show to see whether they are treasures are junk.
“It’s an exciting event for the community,” said Jason DeLong, THR and Associates vice president.
The stop in Federal Way is part of the show’s Northwest tour. As the Northwest has grown, a lot of antiques and collectibles have moved throughout the area, DeLong said. Treasure Hunters will also visit Tacoma and Seattle while on the tour.
Experts at the show will work on behalf of international collectors. They are especially interested in finding coins and paper currency issued prior to 1965, toys, dolls, trains, vintage jewelry, old and modern musical instruments, war memorabilia, gold and silver jewelry, costume jewelry, advertising memorabilia, swords, knives, daggers and anything unusual, according to a statement released by the International Collectors Association. Mismatched earrings, old diamond rings and coins minted before 1964 often have gold in them and are welcome, DeLong said. The Treasure Hunters Roadshow motto is “anything old, anything gold,” DeLong joked.
Attendees who have something to offer and are willing to sell can make a fast buck. The show’s experts will make an offer on a desired item, based on market value or what their client is willing to pay. If the offer is accepted by the item’s owner, that person receives money on the spot in exchange for the collectible. The item is then shipped at the collector’s expense.
The show is an opportunity to get rid of things that nobody else would likely be interested in buying, DeLong said. Who else will buy an 1800s vampire killing kit or an old sword? Some of the items end up across the world. Some even go to celebrities, DeLong said.
“It’s crazy where some of the stuff ends up that we buy,” he said.
Recent Treasure Hunters Roadshow finds include a 1960s vintage guitar purchased for $100,000, four gold coins purchased for more than $72,000, Confederate money and a hand-written thank you letter penned by Abraham Lincoln in gratitude for a night’s stay while traveling to Chicago, according to a statement provided by the Treasure Hunter’s Roadshow.
