COLUMBUS -- Check through your jewelry box. Dig out those old comic books. Flip through your baseball cards.
It might pay off.
The Great Treasure Hunt is in town trying to dig up some valuables locals may have forgotten about.
The traveling business buys everything from gold and silver to collectibles and autographs.
Mike Wescott was heading up a four-person staff Wednesday at Sleep Inn & Suites, 23rd Street and Third Avenue, as customers filed in carrying what they hoped were small fortunes.
Wescott, of Gainesville, Fla., said gold and silver are popular items, and there is always a market for sports memorabilia.
“Gold is hot right now, especially with the economy now,” he said. “People come in wanting to get some cash. I’ve had someone tell me ‘now I can eat for a week.’”
Wescott said what The Great Treasure Hunt pays for merchandise is based on a database of prices they access on site. For sports memorabilia, he said, they contact the owner of the business, Rick Kohl, of Kernersville, N.C., who contacts collectors from around the country he knows are in the market for items.
One such item that is sure to draw interest from collectors is a first edition postcard autographed by Babe Ruth.
Wescott said the item was purchased in Mason City, Iowa, and had been passed down through the family.
The criteria the firm has for purchasing items include their age and authenticity, although just because something has been around awhile does not mean it is valuable.
“People think just because it’s old it’s worth something,” he said.
Generally, he is interested in pre-1970 items.
After Columbus, the group disperses around the country, some setting up in Maine, other crews will be in Arkansas, Massachusetts and Illinois.
The Great Treasure Hunt remains in Columbus through Saturday, operating 9 a.m.-6 p.m. today-Friday and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday.
Treasure seekers set up shop
By Patrick Murphy pmurphy@columbustelegram.com
Thursday, Jun 04, 2009 - 10:08:03 am CDT
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Rip U Off
Jun 4, 2009 10:31 AM
These type of outfits always offer at a minimum 30% less than what they think 50% of the value is for items. They then act like they are doing you a huge favor by their offers. They prey on desperate people who need money and are legalized thieves. Always counter offer with double the amount they offer and be prepared to walk away and pay careful attention to their reactions. If you have a great item and you get what you think the value is then great. But they will never pay more than they have to meet their inflated profit margins (although they will tell you they paid to much). Good LuckResident
Jun 4, 2009 11:53 AM
Rip U Off what planet are you from? These people dont hold a gun to anyones head to make them sell! They are in business to make a prifit just like anyone else. If you want to sell something and they make an offer so be it.Sounds like you must have been taken for a few bucks by these bargain hunters.
B-ware
Jun 4, 2009 1:46 PM
1st this company has nothing to do with the Antique's Roadshow TV program many people enjoy watching. 2nd as Mr. Wescott stated just because it's old doesn't mean its worth anything. It's probably just old junk so don't be surprised if they or other antique dealers offer you very little for an item you were sure was worth a lot. If they can't sell it, it's worthless. Also read comments by Rip U Off, they're right on target.And in this corner...
Jun 4, 2009 1:47 PM
TO: ResidentTake it easy.
I think he is just saying that you should have some idea what your item is worth before you sell.
PS, If he was from another planet he would probably have some very valuable objects.
azhusker
Jun 4, 2009 2:57 PM
Be forewarned....these companies are a total rip off!!! You get only a fraction of the item's worth. Trust me, I have dealt with gold refineries, pawn shops and more....KNOW what it is worth before selling!!!!Steve
Jun 4, 2009 4:11 PM
Just be very very careful and know what your item is worth and settle for nothing less.Realistic
Jun 4, 2009 10:40 PM
No matter what you have and no matter what you think it may be worth, it is worth absolutly nothing unless someone wants it!If you like it and it means alot to you then it is priceless. These people only offer a fair price so if it means so much to you keep it!
paulcan
Jun 5, 2009 9:45 AM
If you're desparate for cash, do what you have to do. But know full well their offer is probably 50% below market. You can't expect a business to literally come to your doorstep and give you full market value. They want to make money too. I wonder if these traveling buyers would tell an unknowlegeable person walking in with a rare baseball card, just how rare and valuable the card really is???
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