Tonight’s edition of Antiques Roadshow was taking place at the Black Country Museum in the West Midlands, and was hosted by presenter Fiona Bruce.
While there were a number of surprises along the way, as the public came out in their droves to share antiques and vintage treasures hidden in their homes.
But the most unexpected valuation of all came at the very end of the BBC programme when a custodian taking care of a Faberge glass pear blossom flower was bowled over by the unexpected price tag.
The “regimental jewel” featured the Worcestershire emblem and was manufactured by the famous jewellery company.
On careful inspection, the valuer joked” “It’s almost as if we can see from time to time new buds are going to blossom on here.
“That would be quite something wouldn’t it?”
The valuer continued to scrutinise the incredibly detailed piece, which appeared to glisten in the sunlight outside the Black Country museum.
“There’s been nothing of this scale,” the valuer went on. “It’s the size of the object, the sophistication of the object that brings it very very close to only two other flowers in the UK which are in the Royal collection.
“It’s a towering masterpiece by the goldsmith’s art, and by one of the most impressive goldsmith’s of the 20th Century.
“So I am going to tell you that in my opinion, this is worth £1 million.”
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“Really?” the custodian whispered, as a collective “wow” erupted from the audience.
“Goodness gracious!” the custodian then declared, seemingly lost for words at first.
Eventually finding his voice, the man then joked: “Well I’m supposed to say now that’s not for sale…
“Well it certainly is for sale!” he laughed.
“That’s the rub!” the valuer shot back with a giggle, and the opposite man reminded everyone he was “just the custodian”.
Also in the programme, one woman showcased a Ming dynasty Buddha statue that had been passed down through her family.
“The lady who owned it first died,” she began. “Then my aunt had it in 1968 and possibly my father. I would think at least 100 years in my family.”
Scrutinising the fascinating object, the valuer noted the piece was likely to be from the 16th-18th Centuries.
“Once upon a time it would have been taller, it would have had a lotus throne,” he continued. “It’s a lovely thing to have, I think you’re very lucky indeed.
“And it is fairly valuable, I think a figure like this in auction today is in excess of £60,000,” the valuer added.
Experiencing a surprising reaction, the woman said slowly: “Yes, very nice. Not enough to part with!” she added with a laugh.
Antiques Roadshow continues tomorrow on BBC One.
“The lady who owned it first died,” she began. “Then my aunt had it in 1968 and possibly my father. I would think at least 100 years in my family.”
Scrutinising the fascinating object, the valuer noted the piece was likely to be from the 16th-18th Centuries.
“Once upon a time it would have been taller, it would have had a lotus throne,” he continued. “It’s a lovely thing to have, I think you’re very lucky indeed.
“And it is fairly valuable, I think a figure like this in auction today is in excess of £60,000,” the valuer added.
Experiencing a surprising reaction, the woman said slowly: “Yes, very nice. Not enough to part with!” she added with a laugh.
Antiques Roadshow continues tomorrow on BBC One.
