Rare finds from "What's it Worth?"

MOBILE, Ala. - Hundreds of people turned out for day two of the "What's it Worth?" Antiques Appraisal at the Oakleigh House in downtown Mobile. Day one was filled with rare pieces of George Orr Pottery, and unique jewelry boxes. Friday, there were a variety of things brought to the table.

Thomas McKinstry showed off some of his prized possessions, including a pair of paintings he calls "The Girls" and an old Fender guitar. "Paid $5 a piece for them, went without cigarettes for a week," laughed McKinstry. He hoped they were worth more than sentimental value.

"Fellow offered me $300 for it, and I want to know should I have taken it," added McKinstry, as he pointed to the Fender guitar.

McKinstry is just one of the hundreds of people who crowded the lawn at the Oakleigh House for "What's it Worth?". All of the people hoped their item would catch the appraiser's attention.

Many of you brought in old family heirlooms, or yard sale finds by the truck load so the experts could answer the question, "What's it Worth?"

"Well, my dad got it from a guy who won it in a stock car race," said Jerome Smith, holding out a silver watch. "Think he owed him money."

Buster Nordmann carried two bags, each with a quilt, and one with an old radio. "I bought this at a yard sale for $1," said Nordmann, holding up the radio.

"This quilt I paid $10 for 30 years ago, from a 70-year-old woman in North Carolina, she said it was her grandmothers." Turns out, Nordmann's finds weren't worth much more than he paid for them.

"Decorative value," said appraiser, Jacob Laurence, handling McKinsltry's Harlen paintings. "It's pressed, so just enjoy them." As for the guitar, appraiser weren't able to put a price on it just yet, they need time to research the musical instrument.

None the less, McKinstry said it was worth it to come out. "Very appreciative of these people making an effort," said McKinstry, even if he didn't strike it rich. "And all of the money is for a good cause," he added.

Proceeds from "What's it Worth?", benefit the Penelope House and Historic Mobile Preservation society.

Marilyn Culpepper, director of the Oakleigh House said close to 1,000 people turned out for the two day appraisals. "I got here at 6:00 a.m. Friday morning, and by 6:30 there were 30 people already on the lawn."

Culpepper said there was such a great turnout, not everyone could be seen, so rain checks were given. "We invited them back for our picnic at Oakleigh on May 2, so they can get their appraisal," said Culpepper.

Some of the most impressive pieces included rare George Orr pottery worth more than $15,000, a Civil War gun with Mobile connections appraised at $25,000, as well as an 1840's Mobile made silver pitcher valued at $5,000.

The Oakleigh House staff said they raised more than $8,000 over the two day period.