Personal FX goofs again
W Lee or T Beatty
Did anyone else see the so-called experts on Personal FX misidentify a
piece of original comic strip art (a Mel Graff "Secret Agent X9 daily)as
a syndicate proof on today's show? Why do these folks insist on
bludering ahead with an appraisal when they clearly don't know what they
are talking about? When Ron Norris told someone that their Marx Toys
item was a "Mar" (!!!) toy (misreading the classic Marx logo) I about
fell out of my chair. When Bob Connelly claimed a clearly Disney
Pinocchio piece to be a "pre-Disney" item, my jaw dropped to the floor.
And that's just the tip of the iceberg.
And don't get me started about how incredibly annoying Claire Carter is.
I just cringe whenever she makes an attempt to be "cool" or "hip." Ack!
Worst smoker's laugh on television.
So why the heck do I still watch the dang thing? Hoping to see some cool
stuff, I guess. But the way they gloss over the "super collectors"
segment, it's hard to really get a good look at anything.
And why do people keep bringing on items to be appraised that have been
on the show before? If I see one more Red Riding Hood cookie jar, or
onr more Star Trek Hallmark ornament, I'm gonna scream.
Terry Beatty (cartoonist, collector and crabby TV viewer)
Jeff PRESCOTT
In article <322E58...@muscanet.com>,
I would tend to agree with Terry, EXCEPT, that I collect Hull pottery, so seeing "one more"
LRRH cookie jar suits me just fine - but even there the so-called "experts" usually screw it up
by stating that the LRRH line was not a Hull production!!!!
But, remember, most of the people who bring things to Personal FX aren't really there to "know
how much it's worth," rather they're there to SEE HOW MUCH ONE CAN GET for things...., and they
tend to be somewhat greedy. [IMHO!!! ;)]
jp (collector of Hull)
Kurt Kasten
In article <322E58...@muscanet.com>, W Lee or T Beatty <wl...@muscanet.com> writes:
> Did anyone else see the so-called experts on Personal FX misidentify a
> piece of original comic strip art (a Mel Graff "Secret Agent X9 daily)as
> a syndicate proof on today's show? Why do these folks insist on
I completely agree with you. Someone should also give them some 'schoolin'
on the various types of printing processes. They're always getting that
screwed up. They have the silly notion that a 'print' will always contain
a pattern of dots, when in fact there are many, many different types of
prints which do not show a dot pattern.
BTW, has anyone seen that British appraisal show lately. I've caught part
of it between 6 and 7 PM, but don't know if its a regular show. They show
only the best of what the people have brought, which makes the show far
more interesting and informative. Also, the appraisers are each specialists
in one area, which makes their opinion far more credible.
-Kurt
ps. How do know when Claire Carter has been using her computer?
Ans. When there's white-out on the screen.
W Lee or T Beatty
Kurt Kasten wrote:
> I completely agree with you... (...snip...)
>
> -Kurt
>
> ps. How do know when Claire Carter has been using her computer?
> Ans. When there's white-out on the screen.
Okay, you got me -- I laughed out loud at that one.
Here's a true story... early in the run of the show, I sent in a photo
of an item I wanted appraised to the "Mail Bag" segment. They chose my
item (a Babe Ruth mantel clock), and appraised it on the air, with me on
the other end of the phone. Though I offered it for sale, I got no
response directly from FX -- I did get a call from a local collector who
knew more about the item than the "experts" on the show -- and I got
another call from an old classmate of mine (now living in California)
who contacted me directly and bought the piece from me. But the great
thing that happened was that while on the phone I could hear the
conversation of the staff in the audio booth -- and when Claire made a
particularly inane remark at the end of my segment, I could hear someone
in the booth say "WHAT a REtard!" So every time she says or does
something annoying on the show, I remember what I overheard on the
phone... makes watching the show a lot more fun.
Terry Beatty (easily irritated FX viewer)
richard_stein
In article <322E58...@muscanet.com>, W says...
>
>Did anyone else see the so-called experts on Personal FX misidentify a
I suspect anyone on the newsgroup that is a serious collector of ANYTHING
can related stories of Personal FX screwups. They do it with such
regularity. The cure is to stop watching the stupid show which reduces
everything to "Well, what's it worth - (says claire)".
My two horror stories: a off site guest had a pair of lacquered
Japanese abumi (stirrups) which they id'ed as middle eastern and said
were worth $35!!! Pairs of similar abumi sold this year at
Sotheby's for $800 and $1200 respectively. Needless to say the
abumi sold instantly!!!
Earlier in the year they identified an obviously early Japanese short
sword (wakizashi) as a "harikiri" sword worth $300. I could see
enough to know that the mounts alone were worth well over $1000 and
the blade may have been worth much more.
Personal FX is a hazard to anyone pocketbook that is one the show. They
have short changed guests by thousands of dollars. Isn't there some
sort of regulation in NY about auctioneers? PFX is running an
auction. IMHO they should be shut down for criminal incompetence.
Richard
Bob Wood
The most spectacular appraisal error of all
occured about two months ago. A fellow
brought a Sparton Nocturne mirrored radio
to the "Appraisathon". That woman appraiser
(you know - the one who looks like a ten
dollar hooker) said it was worth $200 to
$300. When I heard this, I got on the phone
and tried to get through for thirty minutes
to put in a bid. About that time they
acknowledged that that someone had called
and set them straight - that the item was
worth $20,000.00 They're darn lucky that
someone told them the real value. I came
close to gettng that thing for a fraction
of it's value.
BOB WOOD
roger
On 5 Sep 1996 18:25:29 GMT, ku...@imagen.com (Kurt Kasten) wrote:
>
>I completely agree with you. Someone should also give them some 'schoolin'
>on the various types of printing processes. They're always getting that
>screwed up. They have the silly notion that a 'print' will always contain
>a pattern of dots, when in fact there are many, many different types of
>prints which do not show a dot pattern.
for those of you interested in learning something about various
printing methods and recognizing what type of print you may have go to
http://www.every-era.com where there is a page devoted to just this
subject.
--
Every Era Antiques. http://www.every-era.com
We specialize in Fine and Decorative Art, Orientalia, Native
American, Art Deco, and Collectibles. We are always interested
in BUYING items from the above catagories. Visit us often to see
what is currently available.
W Lee or T Beatty
Since I seem to catch so many errors (mis-identified items, way-off-the
-mark values) on Personal Fx -- and I only know character collectibles
and toys (and not all categories of them, either) -- I have to wonder
how often they are screwing up on all the other items...
How about keeping a running tally in this ng of the FX goof-ups?
Post only if you are certain they have made a mistake.
Griping about Claire will, of course, be encouraged.
Terry Beatty (loves/hates Personal FX)
Robert Merz
I'd like to thank all of you who have posted on this. I've never laughed as
hard or as much! I thought I was the only one who thought she was the most
annoying person in this entire world.
On a new topic, has anyone noticed how much Ron Norris kisses up to Suzy
Anderson (perhaps the second worst smokers laugh, next to Claire)? Does this
guy have a mind of his own? "I agree completely Suzy... heheheheh..." Good
grief....
Robert V. Merz
Visit our Military Collectibles site at: http://members.gnn.com/robmerz/welcome.htm
U.S. Civil War, WWI, WWII, Viet Nam and GERMAN MILITARY
Barry Zimmerman
In rec.antiques, W Lee or T Beatty <wl...@muscanet.com> writes:
/Kurt Kasten wrote:
/
/> I completely agree with you... (...snip...)
/
/>
/> -Kurt
/>
/> ps. How do know when Claire Carter has been using her computer?
/> Ans. When there's white-out on the screen.
/
/Okay, you got me -- I laughed out loud at that one.
/
/Here's a true story... early in the run of the show, I sent in a photo
/of an item I wanted appraised to the "Mail Bag" segment. They chose my
/item (a Babe Ruth mantel clock), and appraised it on the air, with me on
/the other end of the phone. Though I offered it for sale, I got no
/response directly from FX -- I did get a call from a local collector who
/knew more about the item than the "experts" on the show -- and I got
/another call from an old classmate of mine (now living in California)
/who contacted me directly and bought the piece from me. But the great
/thing that happened was that while on the phone I could hear the
/conversation of the staff in the audio booth -- and when Claire made a
/particularly inane remark at the end of my segment, I could hear someone
/in the booth say "WHAT a REtard!" So every time she says or does
/something annoying on the show, I remember what I overheard on the
/phone... makes watching the show a lot more fun.
/
/Terry Beatty (easily irritated FX viewer)
/
I think it is really unfair, to the learning disabled, to put Claire
in their group. Don't they have enough trouble.
As Claire would say, "Gul Hee, Gul Hee", or
"eight-oh-five-chew-one-chew-oh-oh-eight-chew"
Bring back Suzanne Whang.
JohnO202
Previous FX Basher writes:
<<As Claire would say, "Gul Hee, Gul Hee"
I've only seen the show a few times out here on the Left Coast and I have
to say the previous posters have been spot on with their assessment of the
on-air talent and the quality of items presented.
I don't want to appear to be too critical as I'm sure there is more to the
job than there appears but, boy, the antics I've seen thus far do seem to
make the term "TV Personality" as jarring an oxymoron as "Military
Intelligence."
The few times I've watched seemed to be filled with Precious Moments, Star
Wars and Star Trek items - which is fine, it is, after all, a collectibles
show - but why so much of the same thing? Over and over? Some sort of
pre-screening would be a great improvement.
Anyone seeing a screening of the Chubb's Antique Roadshow? - an American
version of the English show I'm told is airing here now but have yet to
see. I'm told it is quite good.
Oh, my particular catch as far as an on-air misappraisal was a Scottish
regimental dirk, all in silver, which was appraised at between $300 and
$400 and sold for nearly four times that amount to someone who knew what
it was.
They can't be experts in everything, after all...
Best,
JD
Barry Zimmerman
In rec.antiques, RWood...@gnn.com (Bob Wood) writes:
/ The most spectacular appraisal error of all
/ occured about two months ago. A fellow
/ brought a Sparton Nocturne mirrored radio
/ to the "Appraisathon". That woman appraiser
/ (you know - the one who looks like a ten
/ dollar hooker) said it was worth $200 to
/ $300. When I heard this, I got on the phone
/ and tried to get through for thirty minutes
/ to put in a bid. About that time they
/ acknowledged that that someone had called
/ and set them straight - that the item was
/ worth $20,000.00 They're darn lucky that
/ someone told them the real value. I came
/ close to gettng that thing for a fraction
/ of it's value.
/
/ BOB WOOD
/
So you're the guy who tied up the phone so my wife couldn't buy me
the best birthday present!
They just balanced this out by appraising a non-descript but stripped
Emerson table radio (with Airline knobs) for $125. Maybe $40 in the
most generous of charity auctions.
BYE
******************************************************************
Barry Zimmerman Collector of antique radios
5825 Woodwinds Circle and other related stuff
Frederick, MD 21703
(301) 696-5561 7-10 PM EST and sometimes other times
******************************************************************
W Lee or T Beatty
Just the other day, they way over-estimated the value of a batch of MOC
Pee-Wee Herman action figures --AND SOMEBODY BOUGHT 'EM AT THE INFLATED
PRICE!!! They could've been gotten at half the price any day through
ads in TOY SHOP (or by posting a want ad on the internet). That's what I
really hate about the show (besides Claire, I mean) -- when people waste
their hard-earned cash because of a bad appraisal...
Really bad underestimations of value from previous shows: Aurora "Big
Frankie" model kit and syrocco Superman figure -- in both cases, the
person who had brought the item on clearly knew the real value and was
obviously stunned at the ineptitude of the "experts."
On the other hand, there was all this cool Howdy Doody stuff on the show
the other day...
Terry Beatty (can't help watchin')
and if you like mysteries...
W Lee or T Beatty
(snip)
>
> As Claire would say, "Gul Hee, Gul Hee", or
> "eight-oh-five-chew-one-chew-oh-oh-eight-chew"(snip)
Isn't that "eight-ZERO-five-chew-one-chew-ZERO-ZERO-eight-chew?"
Terry Beatty (I not really this mean, really I'm not)
Twin Brooks Antiques & Collectibles
Barry Zimmerman wrote:
>
> In rec.antiques, RWood...@gnn.com (Bob Wood) writes:
> / The most spectacular appraisal error of all
> / occured about two months ago. A fellow
> / brought a Sparton Nocturne mirrored radio
> / to the "Appraisathon". That woman appraiser
> / (you know - the one who looks like a ten
> / dollar hooker) said it was worth $200 to
> / $300. When I heard this, I got on the phone
To Mr. Zimmerman, Mr. Woods et al,
As the appraiser "who looks like a ten dollar hooker" (and I think you should know that
such personal comments are vicious, uncalled for, and not at all germaine to the
subject), I would caution you to refrain from making pronouncements about that which you
do not have firsthand knowledge. The radio you describe was not an original at all, it
was an RCA radio with a custom made mirrored cabinet. The people who brought it on the
show had the auction receipt and the paperwork to that effect. Someone had seen a
Spartan Nocturne radio and simply had a local carpenter copy it. I mentioned that fact
before I delivered my appraisal. The people back in the studio made a serious error in
assuming they were looking at a Spartan Nocturne, an error you have apparently made as
well.
For the record, my name is Judith Katz-Schwartz
Barry L. Van Hook
>As the appraiser "who looks like a ten dollar hooker" (and I think you should know that
>such personal comments are vicious, uncalled for, and not at all germaine to the
>subject), I would caution you to refrain from making pronouncements about that which you
>do not have firsthand knowledge. The radio you describe was not an original at all, it
>was an RCA radio with a custom made mirrored cabinet. The people who brought it on the
>show had the auction receipt and the paperwork to that effect. Someone had seen a
>Spartan Nocturne radio and simply had a local carpenter copy it. I mentioned that fact
>before I delivered my appraisal. The people back in the studio made a serious error in
>assuming they were looking at a Spartan Nocturne, an error you have apparently made as
>well.
>For the record, my name is Judith Katz-Schwartz
Well said ... professional-level disagreements are understandable, but to have
made those personal-level remarks is shameful!
Barry L. Van Hook (van...@asu.edu)
Management Department, College of Business
Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-4006
Phone (602) 965-1217 FAX (602) 965-8314
Harvey Schlesinger
As many people have stated from time to time, appraisals are subjective
and dependant on the skill and knowledge of the appraiser as well as the
markets in which they operate.
I have rarely felt that Judith Katz-Schwartz undervalues merchandise, I
have always wished that my customers would pay her prices.
I personally prefer the professional appraisers who appear on the show.
They avoid many pitfalls by identifying their appraisals as "insurance
replacement value".
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Visit the-forum a www site for antiques and the arts, with news, events,
and directories as well as an On-Line Antiques Mall and Art Gallery
http://www.the-forum.com
W Lee or T Beatty
Twin Brooks Antiques & Collectibles wrote:
>(previous posting snipped)
>
> such personal comments are vicious, uncalled for, and not at all germaine to the
> subject), I would caution you to refrain from making pronouncements about that which you
Okay, as the one who started this thread, let me apologize too for the
ten dollar hooker remark (even though I didn't make it) -- the intent of
this thread was to track bad appraisals and gripe in general about
things we don't like about Personal FX -- and yes, I've been mighty
tough on Claire -- but geez, she is the least-comfortable-on-camera TV
host I've ever seen, and her nervousness shows through. Sorry, I don't
like her presence on the air -- but have nothing against her personally.
I still would rather see Suzanne Whang in her place -- or just John
Burke hosting the show.
But on to the real question, which is: why do the appraisers still go
ahead and make pronouncements about items they know nothing about? (The
piece of original comic strip art recently ID'ed as a syndicate proof is
a prime example). As a collector -- and a fairly knowledgeable one -- I
know that no one can know EVERYTHING about collectibles and antiques --
so if the appraisers are stumped by an item -- fine. But why BS your
way through an appraisal? On national TV? When collectors and experts
who know better are watching?
THAT'S what bothers me most about the show. I've seen so many bad
appraisals on items in my areas of interest, that I now no longer trust
ANY of the appraisals from some of the experts.
I'll give credit to, at least, John Bruno and Alan Shrem for often
admitting to not knowing enough about an item to properly appraise it
(and they've made goofs, too) -- but some of the others... well...
Now that we know that Judith Katz-Schwartz is lurking on this ng,
perhaps she could comment on this?
Terry Beatty
Dhebi1956
In article <323953...@tiac.net>, Twin Brooks Antiques & Collectibles
<tw...@tiac.net> writes:
>
>> In rec.antiques, RWood...@gnn.com (Bob Wood) writes:
>> / The most spectacular appraisal error of all
>> / occured about two months ago. A fellow
>> / brought a Sparton Nocturne mirrored radio
>> / to the "Appraisathon". That woman appraiser
>> / (you know - the one who looks like a ten
>> / dollar hooker) said it was worth $200 to
>> / $300. When I heard this, I got on the phone
>
>To Mr. Zimmerman, Mr. Woods et al,
>
>As the appraiser "who looks like a ten dollar hooker" (and I think you
should
>know that
>such personal comments are vicious, uncalled for, and not at all germaine
to
>the
>subject), I would caution you to refrain from making pronouncements about
>that which you
>do not have firsthand knowledge. The radio you describe was not an
original
>at all, it
>was an RCA radio with a custom made mirrored cabinet. The people who
brought
>it on the
>show had the auction receipt and the paperwork to that effect. Someone
had
>seen a
>Spartan Nocturne radio and simply had a local carpenter copy it. I
mentioned
>that fact
>before I delivered my appraisal. The people back in the studio made a
>serious error in
>assuming they were looking at a Spartan Nocturne, an error you have
>apparently made as
>well.
>
>For the record, my name is Judith Katz-Schwartz
>
>
My jaw is still dropped, Oh my God! I'm embarrassed and I didn't even say
anything.
What a trip.
Dhebi
JohnO202
Perhaps Judith could clue us in on how the show works. It seems to me
from the few times I've seen it that the appraisers have seen the items
beforehand and perhaps had a chance to research them before they give
their appraisal. Do they have any say as to what to feature or is it
limited to what comes through the door that day? Are the often-spoken
keywords "It's a nice thing, give it another fifty or sixty years and it
will be worth something" really TV appraiser-speak for "Gawd, what a
boring piece of utter dreck?"
What do you like to see come in? What has moved you the most? And how
many Star Trek Christmas Tree ornaments have you handled during your time
on the show ;-{
Best,
John d.
Casey Pratt
Twin Brooks Antiques & Collectibles <tw...@tiac.net> wrote in article
<323953...@tiac.net>...
> Barry Zimmerman wrote:
> >
> > In rec.antiques, RWood...@gnn.com (Bob Wood) writes:
> > / The most spectacular appraisal error of all
> > / occured about two months ago. A fellow
> > / brought a Sparton Nocturne mirrored radio
> > / to the "Appraisathon". That woman appraiser
> > / (you know - the one who looks like a ten
> > / dollar hooker) said it was worth $200 to
> > / $300. When I heard this, I got on the phone
>
>I'd be interested in keeping this Personal FX goofs thread going, so here
is my favorite missed-by-a-mile. Back last winter, when my carpentry
business was stopped due to incessant snow. I watched the show regularly.
Well, a lady at the remote location of the day offered a silver teapot for
appraisal. It seemed a little familiar to me..., but the appraisers, (the
older guy and ?) said, well, what you have here is a deco piece from about
1920. The severe lines of the piece, and the fact that the owner (as I
recall) said it was by a british manufacture, led me to my bookshelf and my
copy of the Met's "In Pursuit of Beauty", the 510 page catalog of their
1983 Exhibit of arts from the Aesthetic period. I browsed the metalworks
chapter, and sure enough, there were companion pieces to the teapot,
designed by Christopher Dresser (IMHO a true Visionary) in the 1870's. Yes,
Dresser did create and, the likes of Elkington&Co.,Hulkin and Heath,and in
the US, Tiffany&Co. did produce, from 1876 to 188? these totally modern
amazingly un-Victorian masterpieces.
The lesson? Modern in style, but designed and manufactured in 1878.
So.......... this lady now thinks that her important Dresser-designed
good-enough-to-be-in-the-met silver teapot is nothing more than a 1920's
deco whatnot.
My point? I dunno, but people who set themselves up as Experts, and who can
be refuted by me, a carpenter for Crissakes............
Like they say in the disclaimer, these appraisals are just for
entertainment...
Thanks for the venting space, and any other not even close goofs from
PersFX out there???
Casey
Mama1712
For the past year, I thought maybe because I was from the Midwest, that I
was missing something at Personal FX, and you had to be a New Yorker to
"get it." I cringe every time Claire opens her mouth. I want to know who
in their right mind hired her, AND why the hell is she still on the show?
I think John and Suzanne would be an awesome duo as hosts. Why don't we
like take a vote on who the hosts should be and then unite as a group?
BTW, when Judith or Deidre are on, I won't even watch it....or else I turn
off the sound. And WHAT IS UP with Suzy's nails, anyway? If she thinks
they're attractive, she needs a reality check!
Browser
mama...@aol.com (Mama1712) wrote:
Now, come on, Mama. If you do not like their appraisals or what they
say- stand firm as you have and let 'er rip. But please- as has been
mentioned in previous posts- let's not bring up trivial PERSONAL likes
and dislikes! Suzy's nails have nothing to do with all this and
never will. Also, some people may like them and she definitely has
the right to have them. Let's not start dictating to people how they
should wear their nails just to become "approved" by us.
Just my .02 worth- shipping included....
Browser
*****************************************************
"I was born under a wandering star...."
Paint Your Wagon-performed by Lee Marvin
*****************************************************
PRINCESSPK
In article <522bej$4...@newsbf02.news.aol.com>, mama...@aol.com (Mama1712)
writes:
>For the past year, I thought maybe because I was from the Midwest, that I
>was missing something at Personal FX, and you had to be a New Yorker to
>"get it." I cringe every time Claire opens her mouth. I want to know
who
>in their right mind hired her, AND why the hell is she still on the show?
>I think John and Suzanne would be an awesome duo as hosts. Why don't we
>like take a vote on who the hosts should be and then unite as a group?
>BTW, when Judith or Deidre are on, I won't even watch it....or else I
turn
>off the sound. And WHAT IS UP with Suzy's nails, anyway? If she thinks
>they're attractive, she needs a reality check!
You know, I used to feel the same way about Claire. When someone
brought in a tapestry, the subject of which was the fellow who went to
Hades to find his dead love, and it had "Orpheus et Euridice" stitched at
the bottom, she asked if *that* was the artist's signiture. I thought,
"Oh pah-lees-ah!" Now, having spoken to others who watch the show, I
understand their, (the producer-casting types at FX), reasoning. Claire
asks the questions that "the general population" would. Her lack of
experience reflects that of the majority of the audience.
A friend of mine, who owns a small newspaper, showed me the computer
programme that "checks" the various articles written for the paper. When
I wrote a few sentences, and entered them, there were a number of
"corrections", because, basically, I wasn't using a seventh grade reading
level style or vocabulary. Since the majority of P. FX's audience has
neither a classical education, nor a great familiarity with the subject of
the show, Claire, (and John too, for that matter), is perfectly
representative.
The appraisers, and *particularly* Judith, are why I've kept coming
back, every day, for the length of P. FX's run; I have learned so much
about the things that I don't collect. A few people here, in R.A., with
whom I've become acquainted, communicate privately, through E-mail, and we
commonly call her "The Smart One", so *I* can't imagine what your
objection to her is, and, I also, live in the midwest, so I don't think
it's a regional thing. I certainly don't tune in to see one more
"treasure" from The Franklin Mint, or "Precious<gag>Moment".
Pink wishes
The Princess \*****/
ch...@crpl.cedar-rapids.lib.ia.us
I just don't tune into this show anymore after having been blown off by
them this past spring. I contacted them months in advance by e-mail and
voice mail to express my interest in stopping into their studio while
visiting NYC. I have yet to hear a peep from anyone associated with the
program. I understand that they are quite busy and have trouble responding
to people right away but, not at all? It has caused me to question the
authenticity of the "guests" that appear on the show with
antiques/collectibles. On the bright side, I was spared having Claire
gesture wildly at me! Has anyone else had trouble in contacting the f/x
staff?
Sharon Hersey
SUBJECT: Re: Personal FX goofs again
i use to watch PFX collectibles but i just didn't have the time and a lot
of the things on the show don't even meet the "collectible" title let
alone "antique"
also I can't stand Judith . I feel she's rather pompus and condesending
in here apprasials and comments.
sharon