Arizona PBS seeks submissions for fourth season of ‘Arizona Collectibles’

The Arizona community is invited by Arizona PBS to apply for a chance to have their undiscovered treasures and antiques featured on the fourth season of “Arizona Collectibles.”

The Arizona PBS original series, hosted by radio personality Beth McDonald of Phoenix-based 99.9 KEZ, showcases the shared history of the heirlooms and collectibles hidden inside our homes.

Arizonans are invited to submit a description of an item at azpbs.org/collectibles. Those selected will receive a complimentary admission ticket and one free evaluation at the show on April 8-9. Season four will premiere in fall 2017.

Additional evaluations for a second and third item can be purchased for $35 each. The deadline to apply is Friday, March 31. Based on the outcome of the appraisers’ evaluations, guests may be invited to appear on camera with their collectibles

“The ‘Arizona Collectibles’ evaluation event is such an exciting weekend,” Arizona PBS producer Margery Punnett said. “This is our fourth year doing it, and each year, we are surprised by the items that people bring in for evaluation by the professional appraisers. Amazing items and incredible stories!”

Some of the amazing items from past seasons include advertising campaign materials for Ford Motor Company’s Edsel automobile, which are worth $200,000. Other incredible stories include an heirloom wedding ring smuggled out of Germany during World War II, now worth $2,000, and a Ralph Goltry painting purchased for $12, which is now worth $2,500 to $3,000.

Interested individuals can get a special invitation to the event by pledging $120 and becoming members of Arizona PBS. As a thank-you gift, these members will be provided with a time slot to have up to three items evaluated at no additional cost. Each collectible must be within the 50-pound weight limit, and guests must be able to carry their own items.

Categories of items eligible for evaluation include:

• Furniture and decorative arts
• Jewelry and watches
• Native American artifacts
• Books and manuscripts
• Paintings and drawings
• Asian art and decorative arts
• Collectibles — coins, stamps, 20th century
• Toys and amusements
• Memorabilia and ephemera
• Rugs and textiles

“Arizona Collectibles” is an Arizona PBS original production made possible by Hospice of the Valley, Biltmore Loan & Jewelry, and English Rose Tea Room.