So, what’s it worth?

$400 PIECE — Appraiser Mark Moran said this black-faced Dinah mechanical bank brought in by Jim Nicks is worth about $400.

Local residents curious about value of their wares get answers

By Per Peterson

Sis and Joe Beierman enjoy watching Antiques Roadshow when they can. On Monday evening, Antiques Roadshow — at least a reasonable facsimile of the popular series — came to them and about 40 other curious collectors.

Mark Moran of Mark F. Moran Appraisals of Antiques & Fine Art in Iola, Wis., brought his knowledge and expertise of antiques and collectibles to the Tracy Public Library this week as part of a series of appraisal events brought to southwest Minnesota through the Plum Creek Library System.

Moran’s series is being paid for through state Legacy funding.

The Beiermans brought with them one of the larger pieces of the night — an 1866 chest from Norway.

“I’d never sell it; it will go to the family,” Sis said. “It was sent over here, and it was in the house that my grandmother was born in on Rowland Street. It’s all original, and I have the key for it.”

The Beiermans were just two of the many attendees who brought special items from their homes for Moran to study and ultimately put a dollar figure on, using either his expertise or a quick Internet search.

For more on this article, see this week’s Headlight-Herald.