If you’ve ever wondered how much the china platter you inherited from your grandmother is worth, you may find your answer this weekend.
The eighth annual Kitsap Antique Show takes place through Sunday at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds. The show features appraisers, lecturers and a wide range of antique dealers.
For $5 per item, an expert appraiser can tell you if your rare and unusual artifact has more than just sentimental value.
Anita Williams, chair of the event, said in years past, people have come out of the woodwork with unknown valuable items.
One attendee had a pocket watch worth more than $150,000. Another person had a painting that had been left in the garage for years. It was worth $5,000.
Of course, other people find their artifacts hold no real monetary value. It’s still fun to hear their stories of how they acquired the item, Williams said.
A special preview takes place on Friday night. At the preview, entitled “A Stroll Down Memory Lane,” you get a sneak peek of what’s for sale (and you may purchase items, if it strikes your fancy). Champagne and hors d’oeuvres will be served. To set the tone for the night, music will fill the hall and committee members will dress in vintage clothing.
Discover more about antiques during the lectures on Saturday and Sunday. Find out how to determine the era of an item based on its color and style. Learn about Victorian tableware and the object’s use.
Have you ever asked yourself, “What in the world did they use that for?” Find out when Natalie Bryson explains the purpose behind interesting items from long ago.
A featured dealer at the antique show is Karolyn Grimes. Grimes may be best known for her movie role as Zuzu Bailey, in “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
Film buffs, finish Zuzu’s famous line: “Look daddy! Teacher says, every time a bell rings…” (answer at the end of the article.)
Grimes lives near Seattle and sells movie memorabilia such as matted photos and ornaments. She also sells antiques.
“Of course, I consider myself the antique in the booth,” Grimes said.
“When It’s a Wonderful Life” was first released almost 65 years ago, it was a flop. It sat on the shelf for 25 years until it was resurrected in the 1970s when the copyrights expired. The expired copyrights allowed the movie to be shown on multiple television stations across the country. Now it has become an annual holiday tradition for many.
Grimes was unaware of the movie’s second life until a reporter knocked on her door. She was living in Stillwell, Kan. at the time and had no idea, all these years later, that the movie had become a success.
“One thing I’m really happy about is that Frank Capra, Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed all knew, before they got their wings so to speak, that the movie had really become something of great value to the American people,” she said.
Fans have shared with Grimes how the movie affected their lives. “I’ve had people tell me they have been on the bridge, and after seeing the movie they were give some inspiration and hope in their lives that they were lacking,” she said.
For Grimes, playing the role of the little girl with braids piled on top of her head, was a blessed gift. She beat out many other six-year old girls to land the coveted role.
Being known as Zuzu has allowed Grimes to interact with people who are struggling and to hear their stories.
Grimes said sometimes we need to open our eyes a bit wider to see how fortunate we really are. The movie has struck a chord in the hearts of people all over the world.
“We watch this movie and reflect on our own lives,” she said. “We really do have wonderful things in our lives.”
(Answer: An angel gets his wings.)
Kitsap Antique Show details
The antique show is a fundraiser for the Kitsap County Historical Society and Puget Sound Genealogical Society.
Hours: Friday, 6-8 p.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Kitsap County Fairgrounds
Admission: $5 per day. Friday’s preview night is $25 and includes admission for the remainder of the weekend.
For $5, appraisers will value your items, limit of five items. Appraisers are specialized in American Indian art, books, Depression-era items, dolls, glassware, linens, timepieces, toys, vintage clothing.
Included in the price of admission are lectures by experts.
Saturday’s Lecture Schedule
11 a.m.: Antique linens
1 p.m.: American Etruscan Majolica
3 p.m.: The First People of Seattle — Duwamish treasures, contemporary baskets
Sunday’s Lecture Schedule
11 a.m.: Recognizing and identifying style and color in materials during various time periods
1 p.m.: Antiques and Epicure — A presentation of food and dining with Victorian tableware
