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The next episode of America’s Lost Treasures finds hosts Curt Doussett and Kinga Philipps in Wisconsin at the Milwaukee Public Museum. They have their work cut out for them as they search for treasures among some truly spectacular finds. Curt chooses a very fragile cane map from the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago and a piece of a Japanese Zero plane that the owner believes was involved in the attack on Pearl Harbor. Lastly, Curt falls head over heels in love with a violin from the 1800s, which he is hoping was crafted by the famous Italian violin-maker, Antonio Stradivari.
Meanwhile, Kinga finds Venetian glass mosaics depicting Christopher Columbus’ discovery of America, which are eighteen feet by five feet and built on six inches of concrete. She also finds a unique set of vintage barbershop mugs and a writing desk believed to have belonged to founding father Roger Sherman, the only person to sign all four of the documents that built this nation: the Continental Association, the Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation and the Constitution.
After they make their selections, Curt and Kinga must go to the experts to find out how truly precious their finds are. Curt takes the cane map to curator emeritus Chris Baruth at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, where he has the map authenticated. Is the map authentic? And how much is it actually worth? Curt hops Chris Baruth can give him the answers. Kinga takes the shaving mug owners to an old-time barbershop to get the feel of what it was like “back in the day.” There, vintage collectibles expert Toni Rudig talks about how only the elite could afford to purchase a ten-cent shave at a barbershop back in the 1800s when these mugs were in fashion. And even fewer men could afford to pay up to two dollars and fifty cents for a personalized mug. What Toni tells the owners of the shaving mugs about their value is truly shocking.
Next, Curt visits the Milwaukee War Memorial Center with his piece of Japanese zero to meet with one expert in person and with one over skype. Curt is looking for these experts to confirm that the piece of Japanese zero is in fact from a plane involved in the bombing of Pearl Harbor. While Curt talks to his experts, Kinga visits the mosaic owner’s studio to get a closer look at the massive mosaics she chose just by seeing pictures of them at the open call. Fine art appraiser Richard-Raymond Alasko meets them there to discuss the enormous historical significance of these Venetian glass murals which depict Columbus discovering the new world and offering it up to Queen Isabella. Kinga also takes her writing desk to two experts to find out its value and if it could have indeed belonged to founding father Roger Sherman.
Finally, Curt brings his beloved violin to Frank Almond, Concertmaster at the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. Is the violin the work of Stradavarious or will Curt’s hopes be dashed? And which of these phenomenal pieces will be chosen for a place of honor in the National Geographic Museum in D.C.? Tune in to find out!
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Catch an all-new episode of America’s Lost Treasures: Milwaukee tonight, Wednesday July 11th at 9P et/pt.
