Volunteer Spotlight

Volunteer Spotlight Michael Boerschinger: Appraiser (Pop Culture), Milwaukee PBS Appraisal Fair

Mike Boerschinger is a Wisconsin-licensed auctioneer and the owner of the Sell It Now store, a Wisconsin licensed auction house. An avid collector, appraiser and college professor, this is his world and his passion. In his work, Mike has encountered fascinating artifacts with unbelievable value; however, what he remembers most are the people he helped and their stories.

What made you start volunteering for the Milwaukee PBS Appraisal Fair?

The mission of Milwaukee PBS fi ts well into what I do and my desire to give back to the community. For all of us who volunteer for the event, I think it's about letting people know what a fair value is for an item. Maybe they just want to know the value or maybe they want to sell it down the road. Letting them know up front that something has value helps them make an educated decision on what they do next.

What motivates you to stay involved?

The surprise of what’s coming next. Also, wanting to help. For example, we had the secretary of WOKY, the station that hosted The Beatles coming to Milwaukee back in 1964, and she “babysat” The Beatles for the weekend. They fi lled a coloring book with tons of notes to her, funny little poems, stories about all four of The Beatles. That piece at auction today would probably bring somewhere around a quarter of a million dollars. The daughters of the owner brought the item in a backpack, they had no idea of the value. That was one of the best items we have ever seen and it was helpful letting them know they needed to keep that in the safe deposit box. I just couldn't believe my eyes—you know you'll never see another one like that. So, just helping people like that is key.

What might someone be surprised to know about you?

That I'm a workaholic and my passion for teaching college. As a full-time college professor, I teach information technology and business courses. My passion for teaching equals my passion for collectibles. I have been collecting and buying items since I was kid. Going to rummage sales, buying things, using my wagon to get them back home and then setting up at my neighbor's rummage sale—selling items as a 7-yearold and making as much as the adults selling those items. So, it's been a passion, it's been a constant in my life as long as I can remember.

Any fi nal tips?

We always tell people it's funny that most items that were made to be collectible aren’t, but items that were never made to be often are. Also, many people think that if something is old, it must be worth money. Age has little to do with collectability; something new could still be very collectible. So, it's good to have a reputable set of eyes—no matter who it is—look at an item.

One last thing. Take a look through your attic, basement or garage. If you fi nd items that seem collectible and have any questions at all, you're welcome to bring them to the appraisal event or give me a call and I’ll be very happy to let you know what they might be worth on the market.

Did you miss An Evening with Antiques and Valuables?

The virtual Milwaukee PBS event recording and resources are available here: milwaukeepbs.org/appraisal