What's it Worth?

MOBILE, Ala. - Update: The final numbers have come in for "What's it Worth?" The two-day event raised $6,656 for Penelope House and the Historic Mobile Preservation Society. A huge crowd of 820 folks came out to see just how much their treasures were worth.

The biggest item so far is a clock and a mirror, together valued at around $50,000. Appraisers say the clock is Tiffany, and the mirror is Imperial Russian, and both are circa 1890.

A man found a Roll Organ from the 1800's in a trash pile. He brought it to What's it Worth and found out he could probably get about $1,500 for it. The appraiser says it is great find. He said he had never seen one like it. Another couple brought in a hand crank stereo. They are hoping it's worth several hundred dollars.

Earlier Wednesday morning a woman had an old accordion or "squeeze box" worth $2,500 and a man showed up with an old hand held saw worth $300.

Our first "What's it Worth" was a huge success. It's our own version of "Antiques Roadshow". Now, we're bringing it back, and it's better than ever! So bring your antiques, collectibles, old Mardi Gras invitations, costume jewelry and more, and find out What's it Worth!

The two-day event is happening at The Oakleigh House in Midtown Mobile. There will be several appraisers on hand to tell you what your item is worth. Some of the appraisers will buy items on site.

In addition to helping you during these tough economic times, we’re also helping Penelope House and Historic Mobile Preservation Society. That’s why we’re charging $2.00 per item appraised, or you can get three items appraised for $5.00. All proceeds benefit those two organizations.

So come on out and find out what your item is worth. You might be pleasantly surprised.

How do I get there:

The Oakleigh House is located in Midtown Mobile off Government Street, between Broad Street and Michigan Avenue. Turn on Roper Street off Government and look for the big house on the left.

If you’re coming from the Eastern Shore or Pensacola, take the last exit off the Bayway to Downtown Mobile, go through the Bankhead Tunnel and keep going straight on Government Street. Once you pass Broad Street, Roper Street will be the fifth street on the left.

If you’re still having problems finding it, call Oakleigh House at (251) 432-1281.

What can I bring?

You can bring anything! Jewelry, coins, furniture, stamps, sports memorabilia, books, paintings, you name it, our experts will appraise it. According to our experts, some of the most sought-after antiques and collectibles right now include: paper items, books, old Mardi Gras invitations, quilts, artwork, costume jewelry and cut glass.

What’s It Worth?

• When: Wednesday, November 11 & Thursday, November 12, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• Where: Oakleigh House, Midtown Mobile
• How Much: $2 per item
• What: Proceeds benefit Penelope House and Historic Mobile Preservation Society

Mobile is famous for silver:

Did you know the port city was once known for its fine silver? About a dozen well-known silversmiths crafted their trade in Mobile during the Antebellum period. Many of them learned their trade in the northeast, before moving to Mobile. James Conning (1813-1872) is the most famous of the group.

The silversmith jeweler and armorer started working in New York in 1825 and moved to Mobile in 1840. Conning is also famous for making very fine swords for the Confederacy during the Civil War.

Here are a few more links you need:

• Olde Mobile Antiques Road Gallery
• Oakleigh House
• Penelope House
• Antiques Roadshow