Lessons learned at Sunday’s Champion Museum Road Show

With fewer items than expected during the Champion Museum Road Show on Sunday, more time was available for stories and questions from guests.
Lloyd Michael with Michael Auction Service of Julesburg, Colorado, inspected 12 lots of around 17 items, ranging from a Revolutionary War family heirloom to a modern day candy tin.
During his appraisals, Michael talked about items he’s seen at auctions and gave attendees pointers to tell the difference between antiques and collectables or newer reproductions.
“Just because it’s old, doesn’t mean it’s valuable,” Michael told the crowd of around 40.
The country and economy affects auctions, Michael said. As gas and grocery prices have risen, crowds have started going down.
“It’s been up and down, a yo-yo,” Michael said.
When asked what sells well these days, Michael said that while items such as ceramics are a struggle to sell at auctions these days, Roseville and Hall pottery items are making a comeback.
Other items selling well right now are vintage Christmas and Halloween decorations, advertising items, signs, depression glass, Pyrex, old postcards and comic books, as well as 33 1/3 records.
This coming Sunday, the museum’s program will be presented by Tom Elder. Elder will talk about his license plate collection and the history of license plates.
Doors open at 1 p.m., and the program is slated for a 1:30 p.m. start. Drinks and refreshments will be provided.