Carrie Fraiser and Bob Donaldson wait as appraiser Stuart Miller looks over a piece of artwork. (Photos by Lisa Aciukewicz)

Stuart Miller examines a chair brought in by Bruce and Joyce Gallagher.

On Friday, Nov. 4, the Harvard Historical Society held a Rags or Riches Roadshow. People were invited to bring their treasures and have them appraised. Experienced antique appraisers from the region weighed in on the value of the items. It was a full house, with some guests waiting up to an hour in line.

One of the evening's appraisers, Stuart Miller, an appraiser from Andover, has been working in his family business since 1969. At that time, his was one of only a handful of appraisal companies that specialized in early Americana. Miller said the trends in collecting have waxed and waned over the years. Currently, he said, he sees a downturn in younger people collecting.

"The style now is to mix antiques with modern furniture," he said. "I don't know too many people who want a house full of antiques."

Miller also said the one thing that never changes in his business is that everyone thinks they have a "million-dollar item."

"People forget how important condition is in the antiques world," Miller said. "It doesn't have to be perfect, but it does have to be in relatively good shape."

David Fay, Still River

Fay brought three items to be appraised, including a level dating to the 1920s. It was probably English and was used by carpenters or surveyors. It was valued between $50 and $75.

Fay was most intrigued to find out one of the items he had thought to be a portable heater was actually used to make ruffles in clothing. It was valued at $50.

Bob Donaldson and Carrie Fraser, Willow Road

Donaldson's grandfather ran a trading post in Alaska in 1910. Donaldson brought in a tapestry that his grandfather had passed on to him. He believed it was made by Eskimos. As it turned out, it was a more representational piece and had probably been done by an academic studying the form of art. It was valued at $350.

Jack Whelan holds a Ming Dynasty vase that he bought on eBay for $35.

The couple also had two works of art appraised: a Dutch pencil sketch and an Albert Poole study.

Jack Whelan, Still River

Whelan had several items in his box that included a lap desk and a Chinese vase. Whelan purchased the vase on eBay for $35. He discovered that it was from the late Ming Dynasty and if it had not been repaired on the bottom, would have been a true treasure. However, he was happy to find out that it was worth several hundred dollars.

Bruce Gallagher, Still River

Gallagher brought a library chair that had once belonged to his mother.

"I was supposed to do my homework in it," he said.

The chair had survived (unscathed) a fire on April Fool's Day in 1969. Gallagher discovered the chair was a combination of two styles and was unique. The piece holds more sentimental value than monetary.