It's not often you can check the appraisals you see on public television's "Antiques Roadshow." At a John McInnis auction in Lynnfield, Mass., in September 2014, a secretary desk once featured on the show sold for $51,750. The Roadshow appraiser who saw the piece in 2012 knew it was described in a 1928 book. It was made in 1780-1800 in North Carolina by William Seay. But it had been restored–the glass, brasses, and part of the finial were replaced, the drawer fronts were beveled, and the feet were shortened. In spite of the repairs, the piece was considered so rare and well made that the show appraised it at $60,000 to $90,000. Original condition has become more important today, so that may be why the actual auction price was lower.

Photo Credit: John McInnis Auctioneers