Searching for information on trinkets of the past

Rummage through the attic, pillage in the basement, and meander through the crawl space - because you never know where the next treasure will be found.

More than 50 people brought their odd and unique collectibles to the Elks Lodge Sunday for a chance to find out more information, and more important, how much the items might be worth during the Antiques, Collectibles and Fleas Show.

"It's an antiques and appraisal show. We have vintage clothing and jewelry, artwork and a bunch of interesting things," Eileen Cohen, event promoter, said.

The event featured 12 dealers showcasing their wares, everything from traditional quilts to furniture to bottles and buttons.

"Most of us are dealers, and we sell at craft fairs because there really isn't a lot of events like this going on in Carson City," Cohen said.

As an added bonus, attendees could have one item appraised by Dee Perino of Carson City, a nationally certified appraiser with more than 35 years' experience.

"I've been a collector since I was 4 years old. I started as a book collector and then branched out and became just a collector," Perino said. "It's surprising sometimes what walks through my office, but it can be amazing."

Perino said she has several things she appraises an item for, including condition, materials and how well it's made. She will also use a blacklight to inspect it.

"It will show damage that you can't really see otherwise, and it fluoresces colors you can't normally see," Perino said.

The event was a fundraiser for the Carson City Emblem Club No. 507, which served food to raise money for a variety of charitable projects, including nursing scholarships, drug-awareness education and hearing-impaired support programs.

Event chairwoman Carol Park, of Carson City, said the group was glad to be a part of the show and look at all the interesting items on display.

"I think having our own 'Antiques Roadshow' in Carson City is neat," Park said. "All the stuff is interesting, but those old Tonka toys really caught my eye."

-- Contact reporter Jarid Shipley at jshipley@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1217.