Since its debut on our screens in 1997, Antiques Roadshow has enthralled audiences with episodes that continue to captivate viewers today.
The ‘s flagship programme provides a platform for the public to present their cherished possessions for assessment by industry experts, spanning an eclectic collection from art and crockery to historical artefacts and trinkets.
While some unearthed items are bereft of monetary value, others have been found to carry fortunes. It’s not just the altercations in format over the decades that have kept loyal fans tuning in its the enthralling backstories accompanying these treasures, along with the jaw-dropping appraisals that truly mesmerise.
Let’s delve into 10 of the most remarkable valuations ever given on the Antiques Roadshow.
In the year 2017, one visitor brandished a series of threadbare first editions autographed by none other than Beatrix Potter herself. Despite significant wear, including spines that vanished with time, expert Farahar declared these literary gems to be valued at around £25,000.
Antiques Roadshow has been a huge hit with viewers since it first graced our TV screens in 1997 (Image: BBC)
A remarkable discovery was made when a participant presented a petite notebook during a 2017 episode. This little gem, offering critique on Shakespeare’s work, dates back to the 16th century and contains “scientific scholarly notes” taken in real-time as the celebrated playwright lived and penned his masterpieces. Estimations suggest it could attract bids surpassing £30,000 if placed under the hammer.
Amongst the array of treasures was a historically pivotal document adorned with Queen Elizabeth I’s signature. A guest once presented a seemingly ordinary document from 1563 on Antiques Roadshow, which turned out to be a rare item bearing the signature of Queen Elizabeth I. The document was a licence permitting an Elizabethan adventurer to discover gunpowder.
Book expert Clive Farahar was astounded by the valuable item and estimated its worth at a staggering £35,000.
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Antiques Roadshow experts like Clive Farahar have been stunned by some of the treasures over the yea (Image: BBC)
In a 2014 episode, a collector showcased an original prop from the 1977 Star Wars film – a helmet valued at an impressive £50,000.
In 2013, Fiona Bruce identified what appeared to be an original Van Dyck painting. Purchased for a mere £400 from an antique shop by a priest, it was later revealed to be worth £400,000 and subsequently exhibited internationally.
An item once used as a plant pot was revealed by expert Eric Knowles to be a French ‘Japonisme’ made in 1874. Found in Cleethorpes in 1991, the Jardiniere was later sold for £560,000 in September 2012.
One of the most expensive items ever featured on Antiques Roadshow was a prototype model of the globally renowned Angel of the North sculpture by Anthony Gormley. Experts valued the piece at £1 million, marking the first seven-figure sum in the show’s history.
Two British soldiers previously appeared on the show to get a Faberge flower that belonged to the British army, looked at by an expert.
The item was crafted out of gold, jade, diamonds and silver and standing in a carved rock crystal base. The soldiers were blown away after Faberge jewellery expert Geoffrey Munn valued the special piece at a staggering £1million.
FA Cup
A retired silver cup was brought in by former Leeds United player Eddie Gray in 2016. Donated to the National Football Museum after being purchased at auction in 2005, the trophy was estimated to be worth around £1 million when it was valued on air by Alastair Dickenson.
Antiques Roadshow is available to watch on iPlayer