By CHAD ABSHIRE

Staff Writer

A number of people stopped by the Williamson Fire Department, hearing prices on their gold, silver and valuables.

THR & Associates is in town this week and has set up shop in the second floor of the Fire Department. Bringing virtually anything in will get a free professional appraisal.

Shawn Henley, of Columbus, Ohio, is the show manager.

“We’ll take a look at everything,” Henley said. “Gold, silver, vintage guitars, pocket watches, toys from the 50s and 60s.”

The sign at the front of the show states that the Ohio Valley Gold and Silver Refinery, part of THR & Associates, is looking for coins, gold coins, paper money, investment gold, scrap gold, jewelry, platinum, silver, war items and antiques.

The way the process works is someone brings in their valuables, which are checked for free into a database, with the information based on current market values. Within that database are on-site collectors and a research department. The process goes quickly for most people, but more complicated things may take time.

“Historical documents, signed by Abraham Lincoln, would take about two to three hours,” Henley said as an example.

Still, there is money to be made for anyone with gold, silver or anything sitting around, collecting dust.

“We’re paying the most for gold and silver now than ever. As long as the economy stays where it is, the prices will remain high,” Henley said.

Dollar values and gold values are inversely proportional. As the value of the dollar goes down, the demand and price of gold increases, Henley said.

Silver has more than doubled in price, “It’s the highest I’ve ever seen it,” Henley said.

A single ounce of silver will earn $40, while an ounce of gold will net $1,460. And getting money has no wait time, as checks are written and handed out after a person accepts an offer. The checks are through JP Morgan Chase and are cashable at any bank.

Charlene Cline, of Goodman, spent a mere 15 minutes at the event and walked away with a check for $180.

“I sold jewelry and coins,” Cline said. “It’s about what I expected. I thought it was fair.”

She was pleased with the service as well.

“I thought it was great. The people are nice and treated me with respect.”

Eddie Croaff also made some money.

“I sold a set of Franklin half dollars,” Croaff said. “It was pretty close to market value. I’m pleased with it.”

Croaff got $780 for his set of coins.

The event is runs through Saturday. Hours of operation are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the week and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

“I’d encourage everyone to come give it a try. You never know what you can get for your junk,” Cline said.