Antiques Roadshow

GUEST

I bought it at a garage sale.

APPRAISER

How much?

GUEST

$20.

APPRAISER

And what do you know about it?

GUEST

Not much. I think it's a children's toy. The reason I bought it is because of this sticker on it for the Indian Motorcycle Company.

APPRAISER

Oh, so you think it's something to do with the Indian Motorcycle Company.

GUEST

Well, it was I think a gift. You bought a motorcycle and this was their appreciation that you purchased one of their motorcycles.

APPRAISER

I'm afraid you're wrong.

GUEST

Ah, okay.

APPRAISER

This is a Buddy L Toy. Not only is it a Buddy L Toy,

it's one of the most desirable of the Buddy L Toys

it's the Buddy L bus. It's one of their greatest pressed steel toys made in Moline, Illinois. It was made in the late 1920s. It's fabulous, but it's a little rough.

GUEST

Right.

APPRAISER

Missing wheels. People do restore these. But even in this condition, it is worth a little more than $20. I'd say easily $800 to $1,200 at auction.

GUEST

Wow.

APPRAISER

Now, the best-known example sold for $15,000.

GUEST

Oh, I'm happy with $800 or $1,200.

APPRAISER

I thought so! (laughs)