FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here are answers to some of the most common questions, so you will know what to expect. Click here for a PDF version you can save to your computer.
What is the WSBE Rhode Island PBS Antiques Discovery & Appraisal Show?
WSBE is producing a television special about the event?
What happens when I arrive at the Crowne Plaza?
Is there a cost to receive an appraisal at the event?
Will tickets be available at the door?
Can I get a written appraisal?
Can I bring a collection of items?
How many appraisers will you have at the event?
What is an Accredited Appraiser?
Which appraisers will be at the event?
What kinds of items can be appraised at this event?
Are there any items that will not be appraised?
Can I sell my item at the event?
Can I bring a firearm for appraisal?
What happens in case of bad weather?
What is the WSBE Rhode Island PBS Antiques Discovery & Appraisal Show?
The WSBE Antiques Discovery & Appraisal Show provides a special opportunity for the New England public to bring objects of unknown or uncertain value to professional appraisers for written appraisal on Saturday, February 18, 2012, from 9 A.M. to 4 P.M.
Throughout the day, accredited appraisers will be mingling with the crowd, searching for hidden treasures. WSBE Rhode Island PBS camera and production crews, led by television producer and show host Brian Scott-Smith, will film some of the appraisals and interactions between appraisers and members of the public, both in line and in the formal appraisal areas. Your story might make it into the television special!
All of the appraisers are graciously volunteering their time and expertise. Ticket proceeds benefit WSBE Rhode Island PBS.
WSBE is producing a television special about the event?
Yes! We expect there will be some great stories told and some amazing discoveries made, and we want to capture those moments. Producer and show host Brian Scott-Smith and the TV crew will be walking around the appraisal floor during the entire event.
You may be asked to let us film any part of your story: waiting in line, the appraisal process, or after the event. Your participation is completely voluntary and there is no compensation for participating. Although all stories are interesting, we cannot guarantee that all stories filmed during the event will appear in the final television program. BACK
Where is the event?
The WSBE Antiques Discovery & Appraisal Show will be held in the Grand Ballroom of the Crowne Plaza Providence-Warwick Airport Hotel , 801 Greenwich Avenue (Route 5) in Warwick, RI.
The Grand Ballroom has a private entrance, located on the left (south) side of the building, left of the Rotunda entrance. For your convenience, follow the signs to the Ballroom entrance. Ample free parking is available in the parking lot. Please plan to arrive at the assigned time on your ticket.
What time is the event?
We have staggered arrival times to help minimize waiting in line: 9 A.M., 11 A.M., and 2 P.M.
When you purchase your ticket, you will be asked to choose two arrival times, your first, preferred choice and a second choice. We will make every effort to accommodate your first choice. Tickets for each time block are limited in quantity to prevent over-crowding. Time blocks will be filled on a first come, first served basis.
When you receive your ticket in the mail, examine it carefully. Your ticket will specify your arrival time. Please arrive at the assigned time on your ticket. Please note that early arrivals must wait to gain entrance until their time on their tickets. BACK
What happens when I arrive at the Crowne Plaza?
Please plan to arrive at the assigned time on your ticket.
When you arrive at the Crowne Plaza, please go to the registration area. You will complete the top portion of the appraisal form, providing your name, address, and information about your object. An appraiser will assign your item to a category. Once you have your category, you will be guided to the appropriate appraisal line.
When you arrive at the formal appraisal area, please present your ticket, the appraisal form, and your item to the appraiser. At the end of the process, a certified appraiser will sign the form, and attach his/her credentials. (Please note: the appraisal is not valid without the appraiser's credentials attached to it.) BACK
Is there a cost to receive an appraisal at the event?
One ticket is $65, which entitles you to one written appraisal for one item. Your ticket also admits one guest to accompany you. You must register your guest (identify by name) when you purchase your ticket. TICKETS ARE NOT REFUNDABLE.
You may bring up to three items, but you must purchase one ticket for each item. BACK
Will tickets be available at the door?
No, tickets will not be available on the day of the event. Tickets must be purchased in advance online through the link on www.ripbs.org/antiques. The deadline to purchase tickets is February 13, unless tickets sell out sooner. TICKETS ARE NOT REFUNDABLE.
One ticket entitles you to bring one item and receive one written appraisal. Your ticket also admits one guest to accompany you. BACK
What kinds of items can be appraised at this event?
Although almost anything* can be brought to the event for appraisal, we have designated eight (8) broad categories: Silver, Jewelry, Ceramics, Ephemera, Art, Furniture, Rugs, Miscellaneous. (*See below for exclusions.) You may also bring documents and photographs related to the item and its history (provenance) to assist the appraiser in conducting the most accurate appraisal. BACK
Can I get a written appraisal?
Absolutely!
Not only will you get a written appraisal, but the appraisal is issued by an accredited appraiser. In addition to their years of hands-on experience and expertise in property appraisal, accredited appraisers have also passed a rigorous credentialing process. These individuals are among the best in New England.
These two unique features – a written appraisal by an accredited appraiser – distinguish the WSBE Antiques Discovery & Appraisal Show from any other similar event in the region. BACK
How many items can I bring?
One item per ticket. You may purchase up to three tickets, permitting three items. BACK
Can I bring a collection of items?
You may bring a collection of similar and related items as one item. You may also bring documents and photographs related to the item(s) and its/their history (provenance) to assist the appraiser in conducting the most accurate appraisal. BACK
What size items can I bring?
To safely fit doorways, your item(s) should be no larger than 6 feet wide or 6 feet tall. You must be able to transport your item on your own, to and from the event. Assistance with transportation will not be provided under ANY circumstances.
WSBE Rhode Island PBS and the Crowne Plaza Providence-Warwick Airport Hotel and Resort assume NO RESPONSIBILITY for the safety of items brought into the event. You must be in possession of your item at all times. BACK
How many appraisers will be at the event?
There will be 20-30 professional appraisers and 6-8 accredited appraisers. All appraisers have extensive experience in an array of property appraisal categories. BACK
What is an accredited appraiser?
In addition to their years of hands-on experience and expertise in property appraisal, the accredited appraisers at the WSBE Antiques Discovery & Appraisal Show have also passed a rigorous credentialing process. These individuals are among the best in New England. For information about the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) and appraiser qualifications, visit The Appraisal Foundation at www.appraisalfoundation.org. BACK
Which appraisers will be at the event?
Click Here to get acquainted with the some of the accredited appraisers who have agreed to participate in the WSBE Antiques Discovery & Appraisal Show. This list may be changed without notice. A complete list of appraisers will be available at the event. BACK
Can I sell my item at the event?
No, buying or selling will not be permitted at the WSBE Antiques Discovery & Appraisal Show. BACK
Are there any items that will not be appraised?
Yes, this event EXCLUDES vehicles, firearms, glass fire extinguishers, and explosives or hazardous materials. BACK
Can I bring a firearm for appraisal?
No, firearms will not be among the objects appraised at this event. BACK
What happens in case of bad weather?
The event will go on as scheduled. The management at the Crowne Plaza proudly state they have never closed because of the weather. Use your own judgment. Tickets are not refundable. BACK
