Antique Appraiser Rex Newell to Host Program at Indian Prairie

For two decades, Rex Newell has been traveling the country appraising antiques, relics, and collectibles.

Thursday night from 7 to 9 p.m., he will plays host to an antique appraisal program atwhere he will discuss current trends in the antique markets.

The first 40 people who register can bring one item to be appraised.
Below Newell, 52, shares about his life as an antique collector and appraiser.

Darien Patch: How did you get started in the business?

Rex Newell: “I grew up next to a lady who lived to be 100 and she started teaching me about the antique business. What really got me started was coins. I started collecting those at 9 years old.”

Patch: What is the best part of your job?

Newell: “I love what I do for a living. It’s like Christmas every day. I go in people’s homes almost every day and help them out.”

Patch: What are some common items that may be worth money people have around the house?

Newell: “Right now I’m buying a lot of coins because the gold and silver market is so high. I buy coins every single day of the week. That’s the hottest thing there is right now to sell. Old toys and costume jewelry also.”

Patch: What item do people mistakenly try to sell?

Newell: “Antique firearms are probably one of the most misguided items. The reason is that most collectors are men. When the man passes away, the women want to get rid of the firearms, which is a big mistake. Usually that’s where value is hidden. I do these presentations for several reasons, and one is to let people know what’s hot and what’s cold and give them a rundown of what is a collector.”

Patch: What is the strangest item you have ever appraised?

Newell: “A book on witchcraft that was written in the 1600s. It had over a million dollars value.”

Patch: How much does the condition of an item factor in to its value?

Newell: “A major amount. You can have a painting in mint condition worth $6,000 to $8,000 but if it’s in poor condition it could be worth $3,000. Condition means everything.”

Patch: Has the popularity with TV shows like “Pawn Stars” and “Antiques Roadshow” brought in more business for you in the last few years?

Newell: “Yes. But right now business is a little soft. The economy’s playing a role and there’s a lull right now. The antique market is not what it used to be.”