Merion Hosts Treasure Trek

Collectibles removed from walls, taken off shelves, and dug out from attics were brought to The Merion’s Antique Treasure Trek event Nov. 17 in the hopes of discovering value beyond sentiment.

The Merion, a luxury senior apartment community for active retirees located in Evanston, brought in appraiser Gary Piattoni, a former specialist with Christie’s Fine Art Auction and frequent guest on PBS’s “Antiques Roadshow,” to evaluate prized possessions during the educational event.

More than 90 people attended the event, bringing with them nearly 80 items to be appraised. Many items were family heirlooms handed down through the generations, including a Persian hand-painted textile that had been in one Arlington Heights family since prior to World War I.

As with most collectibles, every item had a special story. Sometimes, the narratives held more value than the actual items, but the owners certainly didn’t seem to mind.

“It is so interesting to hear about the stories,” one collector said.

One of the more interesting accounts included a German clock that was traded for ice cream and toilet paper during World War II.

Whether it was a 19th Century bisque doll with glass eyes, Japanese silk prints, or a Burmese wooden wall carving, everyone walked away with their questions answered.

One lucky collector, however, walked away with much more. The Merion gave away a Caribbean cruise, and an opportunity for someone to pick up an item in a tropical island that may, one day, be worth more than sentiment.

The Merion is a luxury senior apartment community for active, independent retirees seeking a hassle-free rental home in Evanston. Formerly known as The North Shore Hotel, The Merion has been totally renovated with upscale finishes and amenities. removed from walls, taken off shelves, and dug out from attics were brought to The Merion’s Antique Treasure Trek event Nov. 17 in the hopes of discovering value beyond sentiment.

As seen in Libertyville Patch.

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