Rare candlestand lights up Roadshow as $150,000 find

NEW YORK – An 18th century Philadelphia candlestand considered a “masterpiece” by furniture expert Leigh Keno and valued at $150,000 was among the most valuable items uncovered at the New York stop of the Chubb’s Antiques Roadshow 2001 summer tour.

A New York area resident informed Leigh Keno, of Leigh Keno American Antiques, that the 1765 table was handed down by her grandmother and has always been in her family. The table is rare due to the claw and ball feet detail and classic birdcage mechanism.

“The tilt top table would have been the nicest candlestand in Philadelphia at the time. There are maybe only 15 tables left in existence,” Keno said.

And in this corner. Also discovered at the New York appraisal event, a 19th century collection of fight memorabilia pulled from a stove in a cabin in upstate New York 30 years ago that was appraised for at least $30,000.

The collection, which dated from 1896-1900, featured the American Flag-styled belt worn by 19th century champion Robert Fitzsimmons; a photo of Fitzsimmons wearing the belt; the American flag that Fitzsimmons pulled from the belt and waved victoriously over his head after the fight; a contract signed by Fitzsimmons; a speed bag owned and used by Fitzsimmons; news clippings and photographs documenting the 1897 fight; and other related memorabilia.

Simeon Lipman, sports memorabilia specialist who appraised the collection, said the collection was “the most incredible find that I had the privilege to appraise at the show.”

Also discovered. Other standout items included a complete collection of Maitres de l’affiche (The Masters of the Poster) from 1896-1900 that was appraised at $40,000; an imperial robe belonging to a Chinese emperor, appraised between $8,000 and $12,000; a signed Winslow Homer etching from 1888 valued between $20,000 and $30,000; and an original Fender guitar appraised at between $5,000 and $7,000.