By: NECN: Amy Sinclair
(NECN: Amy Sinclair, Thomaston, Maine) - Over the last year, many people have watched their "nest eggs" shrink along with the value of their homes. And that may explain why more Mainers are rummaging through basements and attics, taking stock of beloved--and sometimes--forgotten treasures.
Their next stop, is to a roadside institution on Route One in Thomaston, Maine.
Tina Stewart was cleaning out her attic when she made her discovery.
Chris Hendricks of Phippsburg just felt bogged down by all his possessions.
Whatever the reason, when Mainers think they've got something good that someone else might want. They take it to Thomaston Place Auction galleries on free appraisal Tuesday.
Kaja: "I decided to have a free appraisal day so people could learn about the value of their things for preservation, historical significance and value at last thing."
Turns out that little postcard-size watercolor is an actual treasure. Worth between 1000 and 1500 dollars at auction.
For the record, Veilleux says he knew he was onto something big as soon as he put the free appraisal sign up more than 20 years ago.
Kaja: "I actually tried to sell the idea 19 years ago. Nobody would touch it not HBO, not public TV. Now the guy from HBO took me out to lunch and said, boy I wish I listened to you ha ha ha."
Sometimes he says the appraisals result in a consignment agreement, but that's not why they do it.
Kaja: "We like things whether they're 10 bucks or 10 million we like the object."
They like preserving American antiques, like Tina’s Lionel trains. The entire train set could bring 2000 dollars.
While Veilleux says the economy hasn't forced desperation sales across the table, the news he shares sometimes makes a real difference.
Kaja: "You know you find something in somebody's closet it's a nice painting, you give them 40K it helps them save home or pay mortgage. Everybody has stuff of value they just don't see it."
This Max Ernst tapestry is worth several thousand dollars.
Chris: "It's a good time to know what you have. I'd rather have a tapestry from the 50s than a cheap stock now."
The fun for the team is waiting for the next unexpected treasure to walk through the door. .
In fact great discoveries happen all the time. This drawing was found rolled up in a mail tube in a Cushing farmhouse. It was done by Andrew Wyeth. The painting sold for 4 million. This drawing is appraised at 100 grand."
Tina plans to turn her treasure into another mode of transportation.
For those who don't plan to part with treasures, there's still some comfort in knowing the stuff grandma left behind has more than sentimental value
