Additional Coverage:
- ‘Antiques Roadshow’ seller gets emotional after expert reveals value of his 130-year-old wooden club (marketrealist.com)
A Treasure in the Attic: 130-Year-Old Club Stuns on Antiques Roadshow
An unsuspecting guest on Antiques Roadshow got quite the surprise when a seemingly ordinary wooden club from his attic was revealed to be a valuable piece of Native American history. The club, originally belonging to the guest’s mother, had been a fixture in his life, a constant reminder of his family’s past. Little did he know, it held a much deeper history.
Experts on the show identified the club as originating from the Penobscot tribe, an indigenous people from the forests of Maine and Nova Scotia. Originally used as war clubs, these objects evolved into trade items as indigenous life changed over the centuries. The intricate chip carvings, featuring leaf-like patterns, reflect the tribe’s reverence for trees, which they believed housed the spirits of their ancestors.
The club’s artistry truly captivated the experts. A stern, lifelike face, possibly depicting a legendary Penobscot warrior, adorned one side, while a carving of a salamander, symbolizing life on both land and water, graced the other. The experts praised the detailed craftsmanship, noting the dramatic, realistic portrayal of the face.
The emotional climax arrived when the club was appraised. Its historical significance and remarkable artistry placed its value at $2,000, with a suggested insurance appraisal of $2,500.
Overcome with emotion, the guest choked back tears, expressing the deep personal connection he felt to the object, a tangible link to his mother and his past. The club, once a simple piece of wood in the attic, became a cherished artifact, a testament to the power of history and the enduring bonds of family.