What's your junk worth?

Has your spouse been telling you to throw out that junk in the garage? Are you thinking about tossing junk from your attic? Before you order a dumpster or borrow a friend's truck, stop by Old Cars Weekly's warehouse in Iola, Wis., Saturday, Nov. 13, for "Whatzit Day," a free appraisal fair held in conjunction with Krause Publications' annual fall book sale.

Along with other pricing "gurus," I'll be there to help you determine what can go in the garbage and what might send your kids to college. For my part, I will help provide car value estimates (not appraisals) based on Old Cars Report Price Guide and www.oldcarsreport.com, as well as offer help pricing car parts and automotive-type collectibles (Hot Wheels, promos, Matchbox cars, etc.). Given Wisconsin's unpredictable weather, participants are welcome to bring photos of their car rather than the car itself to help determine its condition.

We haven't held a "Whatzit Day" since the 1990s or early 2000s, so the staff is excited to see what treasures appear. Since we're not just covering car-related items (and presumably, it's the non-car-related stuff you're calling "junk"), I've included the official press release below so you can see what other experts and areas of expertise will be covered:

IOLA — Whether you’re just cleaning out the attic or eager to turn your collectibles into cash, find out what your items are worth at Krause Publications’ Fall Book Sale and Free Appraisal Fair.

Experts on antiques and collectibles, ranging from ceramics to comic books and old coins to old cars, will offer appraisals free of charge for up to five items per person between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 13, at the company’s warehouse, E2736 Highway 161, Iola. All appraisals are free and are based on the appraisers’ experience and expertise.

The appraisal fair is an added feature to the annual sale, which offers bargain prices on thousands of reference books related to hobby topics including hunting, antiques, toys, pop culture, automotive restoration, sports cards, quilting, cooking, drawing, art, and crafts. Prices are $5 for softcover books and $10 for hardcover books. Special prices also are offered for new releases.

The Appraisal Fair revives the tradition of Krause’s “Whatzit Day,” which for years was held in the spirit of “Antiques Roadshow.” Krause Publications is a division of F+W Media, Inc.

Featured appraisers Include:

Antiques and Collectibles book editor Mark Moran is a nationally known expert who has written more than 25 price guides and reference works on antiques and collectibles, including Warman's Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide. His expertise encompasses antiques, glassware, art, fine art, kitchen collectibles and more.

Comics Buyer’s Guide Senior Editor Maggie Thompson. One of the founders of comics fandom, Thompson has edited the world’s longest-running magazine about comics for nearly 30 years. Her hobby interests include comics, books of all types, old-time radio, and more.

Antique Trader Magazine Editor Eric Bradley. A lifelong collector, student of antiques, and former producer of the Atlantique City Antiques & Collectibles Show, Bradley has bought, sold, and traded antiques and collectibles for 15 years. His hobby knowledge is spread across a vast field of collectibles from toys to postcards to various memorabilia.

Numismatics Book Editor George Cuhaj. George is a lifelong coin collector who has edited and written a number of books on that subject, including Krause’s Standard Catalog series. He also has authored Standard Price Guide to U.S. Scouting Collectibles.

Old Cars Weekly Editor Angelo Van Bogart. Van Bogart has been collecting Hot Wheels and other car-related toys most of his life and working on full-size cars for more than half of it. Van Bogart owns a half-dozen collector cars and enjoys dabbling in restoration work.

Comics Buyer’s Guide Editor Brent Frankenhoff. A collector of comics for more than 40 years, Brent has worked on Comics Buyer’s Guide for more than 18 and has been the primary editor on its series of price guides for the past 15 years. In addition to comics, his hobby knowledge also extends into books, toys, puzzles, antiques, and farming-related collectibles.

Appraisers also will be available for sports memorabilia, trading cards, records, and more.