WUFT Antiques and Fine Art Appraisal Day FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the event and taping?

Sunday, February 11, 2024. After registering, you will be asked to pick a time slot.

Where is the event and taping?

This event will be held at the Hilton University of Florida Conference Center | 1714 SW 34th Street Gainesville, Florida 32607

Click here for directions.

Please follow the signage directing you to parking area.

What can I bring?

You may bring up to three items for evaluation. Your items will receive an oral evaluation from one of our expert appraisers. Evaluations are for entertainment purposes only, and no written appraisals will be provided. You may bring one companion to assist you, however your companion may not bring any additional items unless they are themselves registered as an attendee.

What restrictions are there?

Your item cannot exceed 50 pounds and must be easily carried by hand. For liability reasons, our staff and volunteers are not able to assist you with your items. Do not leave any items unattended. Our appraisers will not evaluate coins, currency, stamps, vehicles, explosives, firearms manufactured after 1900, glass fire extinguishers, arrowheads, burial material, pre-Columbian items, ammunition, items containing hazardous materials or items that cannot be easily transported by one person. For large items, photographs are acceptable. See below for details.

Accepted items include:

A collection of china, books, paintings, etc., counts as one item.

What do I do when I arrive?

When you arrive at the WUFT Antiques Appraisal Day event, signs and volunteers will direct you to the parking and registration areas.

Will I be on TV?

Our appraisers work with the production team to select the most interesting, unique and valuable objects. If one of your items is selected for the show, you will be escorted to the holding area to await your appearance with an appraiser in front of the cameras.

Does my companion need to be registered?

No. Registered attendees may bring a companion. Your companion does not need to be registered and you do not need to submit their name. However, companions cannot bring additional items to be evaluated. Each pairing of collector and companion may bring up to three items between them.

May I bring an item to be evaluated without registering in advance?

No. To provide a fair, secure, and efficient experience, we require all attendees to register in advance. Attendees may bring one companion, but companions may not bring additional items.

Does it really matter what time I show up?

Yes. Scheduled timeframes enable us to provide a safe, fun and efficient experience for everyone. Please check-in during your allotted time.

Does my item need to be from Florida or the North Florida and Nature Coast area?

No. Although items with local connections are of particular interest, we welcome collectibles from anywhere in the world.

Can you appraise my antique if I send a photograph and skip the event?

No. WUFT-TV has no appraisers on staff.

What constitutes a “collection”?

A collection is a group of closely related items. Registrants are allowed a maximum of 3 items; however, a collection may be considered a single item. For example, a baseball card collection or set of portraits by the same artist would be considered one item. Paintings by a variety of artists would be considered separate items. If the objects constituting your collection are bulky, please only bring a representative sampling of the collection – we have limited space.

Where is my ticket?

There are no tickets. When you register, your name is added to a master admission list. Simply bring your items to our event location on Sunday, February 11, 2024 at your appointed time.

Will I have to pay for parking?

No, parking is free

How will I transport my item(s) from the parking lot?

The staff and volunteers at WUFT and (venue) are not allowed to help you carry your items. This is for your protection

Will I have to stand in line?

Yes, you will have to stand and wait in line for a period of time. Please wear comfortable shoes.

Do you provide chairs for people while they wait?

There are a limited number of chairs at the event. You may sit on them, but they cannot be moved. If you or your guest has difficulty standing for long periods of time, please bring a small, lightweight and portable chair.

Can a photo be appraised?

Our experts can often appraise very large pieces and furniture from good photographs. You will need several clear, in-focus photos, at least one indicating the size or scale of the item, an overall view, as well as close-ups of detail work, signatures, damaged areas, etc.

What type of appraisal will I receive?

The appraisals you will receive are verbal appraisals only, and are estimates of the current market value of your items. These appraisals will not take the place of a certified appraisal for insurance or other purposes.

May I bring a camera or tape recorder to the event?

You can use cameras or tape recorders in designated areas. However, photography, videotaping, or recording is strictly prohibited in the appraisal area.

If you have a specific question about the event, call (352)294-1550 or e-mail members@wuft.org