Renowned antiques appraiser Nick Dawes has shared insights into the complex and sometimes unpredictable nature of real-time appraisals on the popular television programme, “Antiques Roadshow.” Speaking on the recent episode of the “Antiques Roadshow Detours” podcast, Dawes discussed the challenges he faces and the lessons learned from his three decades of experience on the show.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Nick-Dawes-in--Antiques-Roadshow-PBS-102726-2-101493b5a49146c3a58ce80b5628bfcf.jpg)
Dawes, who has a background in various breakable items including glass, ceramics, and silver, recounted a particularly enlightening episode from a recent event in Akron, Ohio. He initially believed he had uncovered a unique set of two engraved drinking vessels that were linked to the American Revolution. His enthusiasm stemmed from the vessels, referred to as canns, being “beautifully engraved” and reminiscent of highly sought-after collectibles.
However, the process of appraising such items is not straightforward, as Dawes noted, “I didn’t have a lot of time to think about it.” This admission reflects the reality that appraisers on the show are often required to make snap decisions while filming, which can lead to misinterpretations about an item’s historical significance.
The engraved designs on the canns, which piqued Dawes’ interest, featured a boat displaying the Union Jack, while another side bore a flag suspected to be associated with the Sons of Liberty. Dawes estimated their worth to be between $10,000 to $15,000 at auction. Yet, upon further examination, podcast host and producer Adam Monahan sought clarification from historians about the engravings, leading to a surprising revelation.
Experts quickly identified the canns as affiliated with the Vassall family, known Loyalists during the revolutionary period. Historian Caitlin DeAngelis explained that the family held significant plantations and were implicated in the enslavement of hundreds of individuals. The engravings suggested that the vessels dated to a period well before Dawes’ initial estimate, with more accurate dating placing them around 1745.
This situation highlights the inherent challenges appraisers face in researching and attributing historical artefacts on the spot. As Dawes remarked, “It looks, I think, to the viewers as if we’ve spent all day researching this thing, but we haven’t.” This comment underscores that even experienced appraisers can misjudge artefacts when under time constraints.
Despite the initial overestimation, Dawes later stood by his belief regarding the significance of the canns, especially regarding their engraved details. Monahan’s further investigation led to the discovery of three adult brothers in Boston who may have owned the canns before their likely sale to settle debts after Henry Vassall’s death in 1769.
Ultimately, the canns sold for just over $10,000, aligning closely with Dawes’ original estimate, despite not having access to the full story during the appraisal. Dawes’ experience serves as a reminder that even established experts can misinterpret the origins and value of historical items in the fast-paced environment of televised appraisals.
Concluding the podcast, executive producer Marisha Bemko offered a light-hearted reflection, stating, “It’s such an appraiser move to make up a whole fact to back up your theory.” This remark resonated with the broader understanding that certainty in antique appraisal is often elusive, as Monahan poignantly noted, “Anybody who really knows the answer died a couple of hundred years ago.”
“Antiques Roadshow” has provided viewers with fascinating insights into the world of antiques since it first aired in the United States in 1997. The show, rooted in the original British format that debuted in 1979, continues to captivate audiences with its blend of history, valuation, and the unexpected stories behind treasured possessions.