What the Sell?!

What the Sell?! is a reality television series that aired on TLC in 2010. The show delves into the interesting, intense, and often unexpected world of a family-owned antique business. The series offers viewers a quaint, yet fascinating look at the world of antiquities, their appraisal, their personalities, and their acquisition.

The show is set in a world-famous antiques shop, Where The Old is New Again, located in Illinois. This antique haven is run by a dynamic mother-daughter trio consisting of Judy, Kate and Traci Martin. The series showcases their expertise and unique family dynamics that combine to make this shop more than just a business but also a place filled with stories and life lessons.

One of the compelling elements of What the Sell?! is the variety of artifacts that come flowing through their doors. From oddball items like a mermaid figurehead taken from a ship's prow to historical artifacts such as Civil War diaries or classic Chanel purses, there are no boundaries to what can make its way into the store. Each episode is a journey through America's past, akin to opening a fascinating time capsule.

But, more than just showcasing the items, the series also delves into their authentic appraisal process. The viewers watch as the seemingly mundane pieces turn into hidden treasures that have incredible worth. The environment of the shop mimics a treasure hunt, with appeals to antique enthusiasts and casual observers alike. The thrill of the search, the unexpected findings, and the negotiations provide a crescendo that culminates in often-surprising revelations about the items' worth.

The Martins use their keen eye not only to estimate the value of antiques but also to educate owners and viewers about the historical, aesthetic, and cultural significance of each artifact. They are knowledgeable specialists who know their industry inside and out, and they communicate their insights in a way that average people can understand and appreciate.

One of the key elements of What the Sell?! is its exploration of the lives and stories behind the sellers. Various individuals, from experienced antiquarians to citizens who have stubbed onto potential treasure, bring their possessions for appraisal. The Martins always take the time to learn the stories behind the items, giving viewers a poignant insight into the personal histories and anecdotes attached to each artifact, adding another layer of intrigue to the show.

More than the antiques, it's the power combination of Judy, Kate, and Traci that truly brings the show to life. The three women have a unique dynamic that forms the heart and soul of What the Sell?!, making it more than just an antiquity show. Judy, the matriarch of the family, is a seasoned expert who has been in the antique industry for over half a century. Her vast knowledge, sharp wit, and no-nonsense attitude command respect. Her eldest daughter Kate inherited her passion for antiques as well as her business sense, adding a practical yet enthusiastic touch to the show. The younger daughter, Traci, brings her creativity and artistic flair into the mix, seeing the beauty in the old and the forgotten.

Each episode of What the Sell?! presents a blend of family dynamics, occasional disagreements but ultimately an on-point teamwork that makes it not just about antique buying and selling but how families operate successful businesses. It's about these women's bond and how they navigate the often chaotic world of antiques together.

The show is an engrossing blend of education and entertainment, appealing equally to antiques aficionados and ordinary viewers. What the Sell?! presents a fascinating portrait of the past through material culture while also being a fun and educative family-oriented show. It's about more than the price tags - it's about the stories behind the items, the thrill of the hunt, the skill of the appraisal, and the joy in learning about treasures from the past. What the Sell?! ultimately shows us that, indeed, the old is new and often invaluable.