Rod McAdams said Sunday that he was "just curious" to know the value of his two antiques -- a quilt sampler made by a great-great relative, and a beer stein from Germany.

The Hermitage man said he wasn't sure what his quilt sampler framed in cherry wood was worth. He estimated the beer stein with German chirography on it at about $100.

But he was glad after the the Sharpsville Area Historical Society's "Antiques On the Road" appraisal to learn his quilt sampler was worth $300 and the beer stein from the early 1900s was worth between $600 and $900.

"I had no idea," he said. "It's nice to know they're worth something, for insurance purposes in case something happens. This is very worthwhile."

McAdams, who said he had no plans of selling his items, wasn't the only one who was questioning the value of old items Sunday.

About 150 people came out for the historical society's appraisal event at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post in Sharpsville to see just how much their collectibles were worth and possibly what era they were from.

Many sat and waited their turns while nationally recognized appraisers Andrew Gold and August R. Fetcko evaluated the items.

Fetcko, a professor at Edinboro University, specializes in collectibles, toys and glassware. Gold, an Erie antiques dealer, specializes in Oriental items, silver and china.

James and Jane Bennett of Williamsfield, Ohio, brought six items: a religious altar piece, a meat platter, a Bennington water pitcher, a Grand Army of the Republic ledger book, a framed lithograph of a hunter's wedding and a framed picture of Babe Ruth signing a baseball.

"These are pieces that we've kept for one reason or another. For instance, I like the meat platter," Mrs. Bennet said.

Bennett said the altar piece, which belonged to a friend, was valued between $75 and $100. The meat platter from the late 1800s was worth $250; the water pitcher, $300; the ledger book, $100; the lithograph, $75; and the Babe Ruth picture, $95.

"We buy and sell things all the time, but these are memento type things," Mrs. Bennett said.

Carol and Mark Drennen of Greenville said their appraisal went well. They brought three items from France: a cup and saucer worth $45 each, and a decorative original Quimper bowl, worth $300. They were "quite surprised" with the appraisals.

"We knew some of the pieces we had were worth something, but not as much as (the appraiser) told us," Drennen said. "We're going to hold onto these. A couple of the pieces are in the family."

Everything from China, silver, glass, art, pottery, paper items and Oriental objects were evaluated. Jewelry and rugs were not included.

Proceeds from the program will benefit the historical society.

Any number of items were permitted for evaluation, with the cost of $5 for one and $3 for each additional item. Sharpsville blanket throws, maps and Sharpsville "Cat's Meow" pieces commissioned through Kraynak's were also for sale.

"This is for a good cause," said Gregg Smith, president of the society. "We had almost 50 people signed up before we even started. If it's a success, we may look at having it again every year, or once each spring and fall."