Using the Internet, the appraisers locate items and their potential values in a matter of moments. One appraiser shares how a Valdosta woman brought in an unmarked purse. She said she had searched the Internet for hours trying to discover the purse’s brand. The appraiser had the purse identified in less than 10 minutes as well as an approximate number known to be in existence.

If an item stumps the appraisers, associates can be contacted in the Great Treasure Hunt’s North Carolina headquarters. They can photograph a baseball card, front and back, and e-mail the images to their associates to better determine a value.

In addition to keeping their eyes open for treasures, the appraisers also keep their eyes out for junk being passed off as potential treasure. They share stories of people buying something at Goodwill then trying to sell it as a valuable item 10 minutes later.

Many people think because something is old, it must be valuable, Niegro says. That’s not the case.

“There is a difference between old and vintage,” he says. “We’re looking for vintage items.”

• The Great Treasure Hunt

Antique and Collectible Roadshow continues from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. today; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Comfort Suites, 1332 N. St. Augustine Road. More information: Call (877) 553-9352.