By Joseph Cyr
Staff Writer
HOULTON — There are countless undiscovered “gems” stowed away in people’s attics and basements in Aroostook County. But finding out how much an item is really worth can often be challenging.
Starting Saturday, Steve Martin of Amity and Daniel Buck Soules of Lisbon Falls will give local residents an opportunity to find out whether their antique is worth a fortune or just a few bucks as the two host a new radio program aimed at appraisals.
“Buck’s in the Attic,” is a one-hour antique appraisal show on WXME AM 780, in Monticello, with affiliates in Bangor, Westbrook and Lewiston. The program airs at 10 a.m. and will be broadcast every other Saturday starting Nov. 12.
Steve Martin
“It’s a statewide radio show produced right here in Aroostook,” said Martin. “The first week, we will focus on educating people on what they have for items. A lot of people are desperate for ways to make some extra money and that is where this show comes in. We are hoping to help people find money just sitting in their attics.”
Martin, who is a host of other radio shows on WXME, said starting on Nov. 26, residents will be able to call into the show and describe their items for appraisal.
Doing an appraisal sight unseen will be challenging, Martin admits.
“The plan is to have him come up to Aroostook County and host some live events, where people can bring their items to be appraised,” Martin said. “We felt this show would be a good way for people to try to make ends meet. People are always looking for inexpensive ways to raise money.”
Martin said it is his hope to educate people on the value of their items so that they do not sell them at too low of a value.
Daniel Buck Soules “The last thing we want is for people to sell an item at a yard sale for $10 that may be worth $100,” he said.
According to his website, http://danielbuckappraisals.com, Soules “has been involved in the sale and appraisal of antiques and fine art since the early 1970s. He started his career in the family antiques business as a very young man and began auctioneering in 1975. Mr. Soules specializes in Americana, principally of the 18th and 19th centuries, Shaker items and 19th and 20th century paintings.”
Since 1999, Soules has been an independent appraiser on the PBS television show “Antiques Roadshow,” where he has done a number of on-air valuations. He is written about in the “Antiques Roadshow Collectibles Primer” and has contributed articles to the “Antiques Roadshow Insider” magazine.
In the early 1980s, Soules worked at the world-renowned museum Hancock Shaker Village for about five years as a cabinetmaker and interpreter, where he also co-authored the Shaker how-to book, “Simple Gifts.”
Over the last 20 years, Soules has been involved with museums, organizations, and historical commissions throughout New England, serving either on the board of directors or a committee for a number of them.
Listeners can call into the show using the “TalkShoe” format on the Internet or by calling 724-444-7444 and entering the code: 114316.
