Antiques Roadshow Jr.--Kid Collectors

In this special 90-minute edition of the Antiques Roadshow series, expert appraisers identify the origin, evaluate the condition, and estimate the value of items brought in by kids: passed down heirlooms, treasures found in the attic, or goodies purchased at auction. Items with high contemporary price tags include various dolls, a mechanical bank, an old golf ball, a Victorian watercolor diary, a Japanese sword, and Revolutionary War discharge papers signed by George Washington. In addition, the program looks at old toys housed in the Children's Museum of Richmond, Virginia, Civil War uniforms at the Museum of the Confederacy, collections of toy soldiers and early electric fans and toasters, and features an interview with appraisers about how their initial interest in collectibles led to their career choices. The banter between co-hosts Chris Jussel and 13-year-old Joanna Mason comes off as stilted at times, but no one is watching this for the acting, and adding a teen co-host is a nice touch. A generally informative and very affordable video for young collectors, this is definitely recommended. Aud: P. (J. McDaniel)