At Home : Antiques / Collectibles : Re-Purposed Collectibles : Home & Garden Television

Like a lot of us, Stevie Paul has a hard time letting go of her belongings. Concerned that refinishing them will harm their value, she finds creative and inspiring ways to adapt them into everyday use. Collector Inspector Harry Rinker investigates the results of her recycling efforts.

Figure A

This once silver-plated teapot has found new life as a lamp base (figure A). This piece has been polished to the point that the silver is mostly worn off, leaving the base metal. While many such pieces end up as a flower vase, this one makes a fun, functional lamp. It's worth $65 to $85 just as a decorative piece.

Figure B

Here's a basic silver-plated compact (figure B) with a value of $45 to $60.

Figure C

Here's a tiny doll (figure C) that Paul picked up at thrift store. It was intriguing to her because at some point along the way, someone had dressed the doll to look like a bride. There's a lesson to be learned with this piece—antiques and collectibles aren't necessarily meant to be worshipped, they're meant to be used and enjoyed—just like this little doll.

Figure D

Paul got this sewing machine (figure D) at a thrift store for $15. Machines like this one are worth $125 to $185 when in good condition. This one looks like it needs some refinishing, and that drops the value $50 to $60.

Figure E

This mirror (figure E), purchased at an auction, has great detail. Rinker says if you can find a mirror like this for less than $500, you're doing great.

Figure F

Here's a beaded purse (figure F) with some nice enamel work at the top. Purses such as this often date to the 1920s and '30s flapper era.

Figure G

Here's an architectural file drawer (figure G) that Paul uses in a bedroom. She purchased it for $400. According to Rinker, these things go for about $75 to $100 per drawer. This one has six drawers, so the value is $450 to $600. Paul wants to have three drawers forged into one so that the cabinet is more useful. Rinker says in this case, since the piece isn't museum quality, that it would be OK. It will affect the value of the piece, but if Paul is keeping it and it's more functional for her that way, then the value is in the functionality.

Also in this Episode

Collector Inspector : Episode CTI-105
•	1950s and '60s Collectibles
•	Family Collectibles
•	Re-Purposed Collectibles
•	Crossover Collectibles

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