Michael Wagnell joined the Canadian Antiques Roadshow as a clocks and watches appraiser for the 2005 tour. Born in Reading, England, Mike now calls Victoria, British Columbia home.

A life long collector- he started collecting when he was two! - Mike has never been ‘in the trade.’ “My interest, my knowledge and my contacts are a result of many years collecting,” he says. “Clocks, silver and English furniture are my passions. My interest in silver came through the cleaning thereof, which was part of my duties in the family growing up - it would probably be labeled as ‘child abuse’ nowadays, but I loved doing it.”

Like many Roadshow appraisers, Mike has watched the trends in the antiques business very carefully.

“When I started collecting, antiques shops were in every town and community throughout the UK, now the only place that they are plentiful is in the expensive areas of London. As a young adult my favourite ‘hunting grounds’ were the so-called junk shops that were everywhere and many fine items needing restoration and or tender care, could be purchased at extremely reasonable prices,” he says. “Unfortunately these valuable places, where so much could be learned by handling the articles, are no more and e-Bay is king. I cannot imagine ever buying anything that I could not handle and examine beforehand!”

Mike says that anyone interested in beginning a collection should do their research. “Attend auctions, handle and examine the article(s) as much as possible, and BUY REFERENCE BOOKS that should be read over and over again to be fully familiarized with your collecting field,” Mike suggests. “Find other collectors and share information, develop a network of collectors and restorers and avenues to dispose of surplus items so your own collection can continue to be enhanced.”

Mike enjoyed his experience on the Canadian Antiques Roadshow, especially the “interaction between the attendees and the ‘expert’. So many family tales were confided to me, and I especially remember one person who, in order to supplement her income in supporting a severely handicapped child, made a point of going to garage sales and she brought a wristwatch to me - her joy in finding that it was worth many times more than she had paid for it brought joy to her face, and to me too,” Mike recalls.

The stories weren’t the only things that made Mike smile on appraisal day. He saw lots of fabulous things, too, including a “miniaturized minute repeating fob watch that came with a glorious family history, being an engagement present to the owner's grandmother, and then by descent again used as an engagement present to his own wife. I have seen many minute-repeaters, but never one of this size.”

These items and their stories often have a monetary value, which Mike says is often under-appreciated.

“Many, in fact the vast majority of, people have no idea what their treasures are worth, and therefore fail to have them adequately insured against loss and or theft,” he says.

“The Canadian Antiques Roadshow was, for me, an experience I shall not forget - it was rather like letting a kid loose in the proverbial ‘candy store’! My fellow ‘experts’ far exceeded my expectations; they were extremely knowledgeable, friendly and all too willing to share that knowledge. The ‘filming’ side which appeared daunting - (after all how many people actively seek to appear in front of a camera?) was made thoroughly relaxing by the encouragement and support of all those involved in the technical and production side of the show. It was unforgettable!”

Read about some of our other experts here.