Stroll through ANTIQUES ALLEY in Search of Local Treasures

From obscure little curio shops on tree-lined village streets to the mother of New England antiques shows known simply as “Brimfield,” Antiques Alley is local treasure hunting at its offbeat and informative best.

Premiering Friday, June 27 at 7 p.m., Antiques Alley charts its own path each week, navigating an eclectic array of charming collectibles with the help of endearing experts. Fad, trend, investment, or dud – what makes an object collectible? How do you predict the next hot item? The professionals share their wisdom earned through years of experience and study – it’s insight you won’t find anywhere else.

Host Margie O’Brien chats with local antiques and collectibles experts, who can provide the history of a objects as wide-ranging as a civil war sword, estimate the value of a precious Hummel, or even reveal which Transformer toy should never come out of the box. The conversations are filled with brilliant information delivered in such light-hearted, comfortable banter, you forget how anxious you are to learn the object’s value. Oh, and those “ah-ha” moments will have you rummaging for your own attic heirlooms.

The first episode (June 27) presents four segments: early hand-held cameras, most with bellows; the sentimental and practical usefulness of a generational yo yo quilt; original Transformers toys dating back to the mid 1980s; and the variety of colorful and distinctive military service patches.

Local antique shops will be the typical setting for Antiques Alley each week; however, in the second episode on July 4, Antiques Alley takes a road trip to the Brimfield Fair in Brimfield, Massachusetts. The largest antiques event in the country, Brimfield is the premier destination for antiques lovers. In the episode, discover how the Brimfield Fair began, learn how to scour the fields, see the sights, and why the art of haggling is key to taking home a true treasure.

Episode three (July 11) will feature Vendome costume jewelry produced in Providence by the Coro Jewelry Company, plus Asian artifacts, Roseville pottery, and a chat with Josh Simpson, creator of highly collectible art.

On July 18, Antiques Alley visits The Town Trader antique shop in Chepachet.

Stay tuned for future news about objects, shops and shopkeepers, and latest exciting discoveries, found only on Antiques Alley.