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PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Auctioneer/appraiser Dan Pletcher takes a look at Jane Sawyer’s family heirloom, a sterling silver railroad spike.
“This spike was driven in at Columbus Circle at the opening of the rapid transit system in New York in 1903,” Sawyer says.
“The mass transit was completed in 1904 with 27 stations,” Pletcher responds.
Pletcher will join other appraisers Sunday at Heinz History Center.
The History Center is the go-to place for those family heirlooms and relics tucked away in your attic. Appraisers will be lining up on Sunday for the sixth annual Hidden Treasures, taped by KDKA-TV camera crews.
“We’re looking for curiosities,” Pletcher says. “We’re looking for local attractions. Personally, I would like to see local artwork. Western Pennsylvania artists.”
As for that spike, he says the auction value is $1,500 to $2,000. But with target marketing, he says, the price could rise.
“Certain industrialists, the Historic Society of New York, mass transit executives. This item could be priceless,” he says.
Jane Sawyer’s reaction?
“I would never part with it. I have 11 grandchildren. I don’t think I would ever part with it,” she said.
Hidden Treasures begins at 10 a.m. Sunday at Heinz History Center.
“This spike was driven in at Columbus Circle at the opening of the rapid transit system in New York in 1903,” Sawyer says.
“The mass transit was completed in 1904 with 27 stations,” Pletcher responds.
Pletcher will join other appraisers Sunday at Heinz History Center.
The History Center is the go-to place for those family heirlooms and relics tucked away in your attic. Appraisers will be lining up on Sunday for the sixth annual Hidden Treasures, taped by KDKA-TV camera crews.
“We’re looking for curiosities,” Pletcher says. “We’re looking for local attractions. Personally, I would like to see local artwork. Western Pennsylvania artists.”
As for that spike, he says the auction value is $1,500 to $2,000. But with target marketing, he says, the price could rise.
“Certain industrialists, the Historic Society of New York, mass transit executives. This item could be priceless,” he says.
Jane Sawyer’s reaction?
“I would never part with it. I have 11 grandchildren. I don’t think I would ever part with it,” she said.
Hidden Treasures begins at 10 a.m. Sunday at Heinz History Center.
