What's it Worth: Hand organ nets $1,500

MOBILE, Ala. - For the appraisers, finding rare items or collectibles is what this event is all about. Wednesday, one of our seasoned appraisers came across a piece he's never seen before in all his years. And you'll never guess where it was found.

They say one man's trash is another man's treasure. Freddie Massey is counting on it.

"I've had it maybe 15 years, and I got it off a trash pile along with extra music and everything," shared Massey.

Massey hauled an old roller organ that dates back to the 1800's to the Oakleigh Mansion for appraisers to have a look. The organ, complete with a hand crank, plays the 1919 tune, "Bring Back My Bonnie to Me."

The instrument catches the eye of appraiser Charles Parmenter. He's been buying and selling antiques for years. Parmenter owns "Olde Mobile Antiques."

Parmenter cranks and music fill the air.

"I've never seen one before, never in all my 25 years," said Parmenter. "This is what makes this fun to me, I am able to see things I wouldn't have otherwise."

The Lott's brought an old record player from the 1930's. It can still carry a tune.

"We didn't pay much for it. We have a joke at our house, and we say, 'We bought a home entertainment center,'" said Wilma Lott.

The small record player is portable and compact.

"This is how we went on a picnic in the 30's," said one appraiser as he worked to set up the record player.

Reece Lott said the couple bought the record player about five or six years ago in Louisiana.

"This gentlemen seen three of them; I've only seen the one," added Lott.

It's appraised for $200 to $300. Other participants brought family heirlooms to "What's it Worth". All of them hoping their stuff is worth more than sentimental value.

"This is my Dad's old cigarette package," said Renae McNeil.

It was only worth around $15 to $20.

Charles Bates thought his wife was crazy for dragging him out of bed to get prized possessions appraised. Yet Sultra Bates just has a feeling about her antiques.

"Today is my lucky day. I am going to be blessed," said Bates.

The couple carried an old painting and china set to then table. Appraisers said the painting, although nice, wasn't worth but $50. But the china set was the golden ticket. It was worth more than $500.

"That's fine, just fine," smiled Sultra Bates.

Charles Bates said it was worth getting out of bed.

As for Massey's find, it's worth about $1,500. And to think, someone threw this out.

"I know it was all free," said Massey, pleased with his treasure find.

All of the proceeds from "What's it Worth" benefits the Penelope House and Historic Mobile Preservation Society.