PART ADVENTURE, PART HISTORY LESSON, PART TREASURE HUNT:
CASH IN THE ATTIC RETURNS TO THE MANSION MUSEUM

WHEELING, W.Va. (September 2, 2009, 2009) - -When HGTV’s Cash In the Attic appraiser Tim Luke and his business partner Greg Strahm host appraisal events at venues across the U.S., lines of people gather to have these expert appraisers examine their potentially precious heirlooms and estimate their worth.

As people eagerly wait their turn, murmured conversations can be heard throughout the crowd. What if that ugly vase from grandma’s house that no one wanted turns out to be valuable? I wonder what that old table I picked up at that garage sale is really worth? Do you think they’ll know the history behind that old violin we found in the attic?

Each September Oglebay Institute’s Mansion Museum is a gathering place for dozens of these treasure-toting hopefuls when this top-notch appraisal team visits Wheeling to share their antiques knowledge and advice with local residents.

This year’s Cash In the Attic weekend takes place September 18 and 19. Two exciting events are planned. Programs are open to the public, and all proceeds support the Mansion and Glass Museums.

The Appraisal Guys’ Price Is Right - Friday, September 18, 6:30pm

Audience participation and “celebrity guests” make for fun and excitement as attendees guess the value of items that have been discovered, appraised or sold by Tim and Greg. You’ll be shocked and surprised at how much (or how little) the items brought, as Tim tells you the stories behind them, and how the value of an item is determined. Enjoy a “mini-auction,” social hour and refreshments. Reservations requested. $25 per person / $20 OI Members

Appraisal Event - Saturday, September 19,10am-1pm

Have your belongings appraised by Tim Luke and Greg Strahm, Verbal appraisals are $10 per item, first come, first served, up to four items per person.

“Our Cash In the Attic weekend is part adventure, part history lesson and part treasure hunt,” Museums director Christin Byrum said. “Whether you are an avid collector, a garage sale shopper or someone who owns everything your grandparents left behind, you will enjoy these entertaining and informative programs.”

Byrum said attendees at Cash In the Attic appraisal events are as diverse as the
items being appraised.

“Ages range from 8 to 80,” she said. “And although the average attendee is probably slightly middle aged, I’ve seen plenty of piercings and tattoos and even young children carrying treasure-filled boxes and bags.”

Luke said the real fun of the event comes when he and Strahm reveal to the owners what they think the objects might be worth at auction. Reactions vary from surprise and disbelief to joy and disappointment.

“If people don’t know whether they have something valuable, they are grateful for the appraisal. However, sometimes people who think they have something really priceless can be disappointed to find their item is worthless,” he said.

Luke said what distinguishes a collectible from ordinary junk is sometimes unclear. He explained that items often thought of as valuable, such as Singer sewing machines and Hummel figurines, might not bring that much money at auction. Likewise, there are lots of potentially valuable items that we might not normally think of such as certain types of documents, old radios, eyeglass frames and even handbags.

Luke said lots of factors determine an object’s worth, but the two primary characteristics are desirability and rarity. He also stresses that just like the stock and housing markets, antiques’ values are constantly changing.

“Most people don’t understand that the value of collectibles can go up and down quite frequently,” he said.

Luke and Strahm are the owners of TreasureQuest Appraisal Group, which offers a wide variety of services pertaining to the appraisal and/or liquidation of personal property. They are both accredited members of The International Society of Appraisers and host a weekly radio show called "Appraise This!" Luke is featured on HGTV's Cash In the Attic, a popular weekly reality show that travels across the nation to help families identify valuable items that may be later sold at auction. Prior to his career in television, he was the Director of the Collectibles Department at Christie's Auction House in New York. He is a published author and has appeared on The Today Show and is a regular guest on The View. One of Luke's career highlights was appraising some of Barbara Walter's most prized possessions. He has also shared his expertise on the Antiques Roadshow.

For more information or to make reservations, contact the Mansion Museum at 304.242.7272. For a list of upcoming events at the Mansion Museum and other Oglebay Institute facilities, visit on the web at www.oionline.com