Antiques appraiser Phil Weiss provides expert advice

Curious how much your antiques or collectibles may be worth? What may seem like your average household knick-knack might actually be worth a pretty penny.

Once a year, the Rockville Centre Historical Society invites members of the community and the surrounding area to bring their collectibles and generational belongings to the Phillips House Museum to be appraised, in the hope that it may be more valuable.

This year's event was special, as it would take place immediately following the "Night at the Museum" fundraiser on Saturday, May 18.

People bring artwork, stamps, coins and all other kinds of collectibles to determine how much they are really worth, which can vary depending on authenticity, damage and completeness. But this is not a task for just anyone. In order for the event to take place, they need the help of an expert.

For nearly two decades, Philip Weiss, an Antiques Roadshow appraiser and owner of Weiss Auctions in Lynbrook, has offered his more than 40 years of experience with collectibles and antiques, to help raise money for the Phillips House Museum.

Each individual appraisal costs $10, or 3 for $25, and all of the proceeds raised go to help benefit the Phillips House Museum, a historic Victorian home that was originally built in 1880 and later restored as a museum dedicated to the history of the village.

Through the years, Weiss has helped appraise a number of different items for many residents in the area. Participants are always grateful for his expert advise, even in instances when the outcome might not be what they had hoped for. 

While many items can be appraised on-site, the museum requests that attendees do not to bring jewelry or any large pieces of furniture. Weiss, however, is always happy enough to refer those who do to other auctioneers that specialize in those fields.

For more information about the Phillips House Museum and its annual Appraisal Day event, visit RVCHS.org.