The words “Living History Farms” don’t exactly scream “high-stakes treasure hunt.” But then again, “Antiques Roadshow” has built an empire on the unexpected. This Monday, the venerable PBS series sets up shop in Urbandale, Iowa, ready to unearth the hidden gems lurking in attics and basements across the Hawkeye State. Will they find a lost Fabergé egg tucked away in a butter churn? Probably not. But the potential for delightfully quirky discoveries is always high.
Among the items up for appraisal is a 1977 Kenner Darth Vader action figure. While a mint-condition Luke Skywalker might fetch a small fortune, Vader, with his slightly askew cape and faintly musty aroma, probably won’t fund anyone’s early retirement. Still, it’s a potent symbol of a generation raised on a galaxy far, far away.
There’s also a Tippco toy motorcycle with a sidecar, possibly a relic from a bygone era when toys were made of actual metal and not easily-breakable plastic. One can almost picture a kid in the 1950s zooming around with this miniature hog, pretending to be Marlon Brando in “The Wild One,” minus the existential angst.
Rounding out the previewed items is a Ty Cobb professional model bat from around 1925. Now, this is where things get potentially interesting. A genuine Cobb bat in good condition could be worth a substantial sum. Will this one be a game-changer for its owner? Or just another well-loved piece of sporting history? Tune in to find out.
“Antiques Roadshow,” despite its occasionally sleepy pace, has a knack for uncovering stories as compelling as the objects themselves. The show serves as a gentle nudge, reminding us that history isn’t just found in museums; it’s tucked away in our homes, waiting to be rediscovered. It airs Monday, February 17, at 8:00 PM on PBS.
