And one more answer for question three:

Some people just do not know how valuable an item is. It is like watching the PBS show Antiques roadshow. Some people go on the show and are asked how much you thing you think it is worth and they say 400-500 bucks. But the appraiser comes back with a 2000 dollar value.

I will say that none of the regulars on the show are pure antiques and collectible experts, that is why they take that one oh so special item to an expert to get appraised.