This Monday, “Antiques Roadshow” trades its usual stately homes and convention halls for a slightly more untamed locale: the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore. Airing on PBS at 8:00 PM ET, the episode, “Maryland Zoo, Hour 1,” brings the thrill of the hunt for hidden treasures to a place where the only roaring isn’t necessarily coming from the crowd.
While the zoo’s residents might not be offering up their own family heirlooms, the human visitors bring a menagerie of intriguing items. Among the highlights are Lewis M. Rutherford’s lunar photographs from 1865, offering a glimpse into early astronomical photography. A Patek Philippe & Tiffany platinum pocket watch, estimated to be from around 1910, adds a touch of elegance to the proceedings. Rounding out the appraisal lineup are oil paintings by Lynne Drexler, representing a more modern artistic sensibility.
The zoo setting raises some fun questions. Will we see items related to the history of the zoo itself, perhaps artifacts from its early days? Or will the treasures unearthed reflect the broader themes of natural history and exploration? Either way, “Antiques Roadshow” offers its reliable blend of history, appraisal expertise, and the occasional gasp-inducing valuation.
