Settle the debate once and for all at Antique ID Day at the Bainbridge Historical Museum

March 19.

Hah! You knew that fine piece of furniture made from antlers, that your significant other deemed a monstrosity and banished to the far corner of the basement, was truly a treasure. And now you have authoritative proof.

Or at least you will, if you take it to the Bainbridge Island Historical Museum on March 19 to have experts check it out.

The museum is hosting its first ever Antique ID Day, with six local experts on hand to evaluate prized possessions. And perhaps settle a few family feuds. Or start them.

The event is a takeoff on the extremely popular PBS show (no, that’s not an oxymoron), “Antiques Roadshow,” the traveling antique appraisal show that has uncovered more treasure than a fleet of pirates.

Museum Director Theresa Cosgrove said the event is a service to the museum members, but the public is invited to join in as well, for a $5 fee. This is the first time the museum has hosted an event like this, and she expects a good turnout.

She noted that it is being run like a museum evaluation, rather than “Roadshow” style with an estimated price tag attached to each item. No value estimates will be assigned, but she said people should be able to go away with enough information on the piece to at least know whether it’s worth getting an appraisal.

Cosgrove and museum members chose the experts for their extensive knowledge of antiques. Bernie Figgins, a professional carpenter and member of the Pacific Northwest Tool Collectors, will be evaluating old tools, farm equipment and antique toys. If you’ve ever wondered that the heck that three-handled hoe stashed out in the barn was used for, he’s your man.

Dave Ullin is also a tool expert, well-versed in old-time logging tools. This guy knows his spud from a peevee.

Carol Fiedler Kawaguchi specializes in antique restoration and repair. Many islanders have turned to her for help in restoring or refinishing heirlooms. She can tell you when to refinish a piece and when to leave it alone. Who hasn’t seen the anguish on “Antiques Roadshow” when those impish Keno twins gleefully tell someone they screwed up their Chippendale chair by stripping off the original finish? When in doubt, don’t!

Nathan Lauer is the owner of Mandalay Road Trading Company on Ericksen Avenue, and he gained his knowledge and appreciation of Asian art and artifacts from years spent living in Asia.

Two authorities on Native American items will be on hand, John McKillop and Barbara Winther.

McKillop is a well-known authority on Native American art and artifacts, and has worked in the field for 35 years. Winther is the former co-owner of Old Bear Trading Company, and has studied and written about Native American baskets of California and the Southwest.

Many homes in the Northwest have Coastal Native American artifacts sitting around that were purchased years ago for a fraction of what they are worth today. These two experts should be able to give you an idea of whether they are the real thing and should be on display or knock-offs that should be passed on to Goodwill.

These experts may not be much help in identifying whether Great-Grandma’s glass vase is Tiffany or Woolworth’s, but Cosgrove said if this inaugural event is a success they will look at staging it again next year with a broader range of expertise.

Here’s how the event works: It’s not really a “day,” but just two hours, from 2-4 p.m. You need to call the museum to sign up for a 15-minute appointment with the evaluators, at (206) 842-2773. There is a three item limit, and if it’s too big to carry you can bring photos. The evaluation service is free for museum members, $5 for non-members.

The Bainbridge Island Historical Museum is located at 215 Ericksen Ave., Bainbridge Island.

For questions or comments contact Marcie Miller at mmiller@northkitsapherald.com or (360) 779-4464.