Museum Road Show auctioneer shares interesting item histories

Lloyd Michael of Michael Auction Service in Julesburg, Colorado, was on hand last Sunday to give history lessons and reveal possible values of a variety of items brought in by a nice-sized crowd of attendees to the much-anticipated Road Show at the Chase County Museum.
Michael spoke to the crowd about numerous items that included a handmade tapestry from Asia and a deer hide “Impossible Bag” for carrying trinkets—probably made by a Canadian Indian tribe member.
Also displayed on the tables were a set of old spurs, a sandbox Tonka Toy and glassware, just to name a few more items.
Michael gave some details and history on two lesser-value violins brought to the Road Show.
“Not everyone could afford a Stradivarius violin,” he said grinning, “so a much cheaper version of the violin was made available.”
One of the violins came with the case and bow. The owner said she bought it at a garage sale.
Michael said it was not in great condition, but it was worth $50-$100.
“You never know what you might find at a garage sale,” he added.
The other violin didn’t have a bow, but the condition was a little better and was worth around $75, he said.
Michael spied a wooden “wedding basket” and went on to explain that it was extremely old—possibly pre-1900s.
He said it was in excellent condition and could be worth anywhere from several hundred to several thousand dollars.
He enjoyed showing a Model T car horn dated somewhere between 1903-1931.
The “Klaxon” horn became synonymous with the Ford Model T for its signature sound of “ahooga.”
After the Model A came out during the 1930s, the klaxon horn was eventually replaced with a simpler electric horn, said Michael.
He was surprised the horn still worked (which he was happy to demonstrate).
“Usually the rubber on these horns has disintegrated by now,” Michael said.
It’s value now was between $75-$100.
Michael examined a kitchen shelf-clock made in 1898.
He said it had some really fine and intricate detail with its original price selling for around $7.
Today, the clock is probably worth $200-$250, he added.
Times are changing
He said there has been a lot of fluctuation in values over the last 20 years. Items one would think are worth something are not anymore, he said.
Some items that are still holding their value are the antique gun market, porcelain signs, pottery crocks and the coin market, which he said is “wild” right now.
Michael has been coming to the Road Show for about 10 years, and it’s always a pleasure, he said.
“This museum is excellent and something the community can be proud of,” he added.
He said he always enjoys the camaraderie he gains talking to people, and it’s always interesting to see what they bring.