Her mother was an antique dealer in the 1970s -- the time when everyone was getting rid of their antiques. At the time, she acquired several trinkets and collectibles that she will likely soon sell.

For at least one of her antiques, Carley Watson knows she can expect about $200. Her daughter, Sheri Winterowd, discovered the value of the baby bath -- which could have also been used as a bidet -- at this weekend's appraisal clinic.

Hanford's Fifth Annual Antique Appraisal Clinic was held Saturday at the Veteran's Building. Kathy Osterberg Sobelman, of Osterberg's Mercantile in Clovis, appraised about 75 items for 60 local residents -- the best of which was a watch valued at $4,000.

Another high contender came from Jim Bugni, who brought a rifle that had belonged to his father. Bugni said his father had about 10 rifles and guns, because he used to hunt frequently. Sobelman appraised the mid-19th century rifle at about $3,000.

"I had no idea," Bugni said of the rifle's worth. He added that the value was exciting but he does not intend to part with it.

Bugni's wife, Jill, also brought a Barbie that she received as a Christmas present from her mother in 1959. The Barbie -- one of hundreds of dolls Jill said she has collected -- is worth about $1,000, Sobelman said.

Sobelman grew up in the antiques business. Her parents opened Osterberg's Mercantile in 1971.

"I believe in education," Sobelman said of the reason she likes to appraise antiques and tell their owners about their history. "I love to impart knowledge that I have because that is the only way to save history.

"I also do it for the response," she added. "It's an interesting thing to watch when you tell people what they have."

Sobelman added that the worth of an antique is not always in its monetary value, but could be sentimental value because of its history or origin. She encourages antique owners to write down everything they knew about their antiques and their history in the family, so the information could be passed through generations.

The reporter can be reached at 583-2424.

(May 11, 2007)