Bargain Hunt’s Charlie Ross left one auction vendor reeling. (Image: BBC)
Antiques expert Charlie Ross has recalled the time he offended an auction vendor after making a tongue-in-cheek comment about his home.
Charlie, who is known to fans for his work on , Flog It! and , previously made his name as an auctioneer selling antique furniture.
In his autobiography, Sold!, the star recalled how a “short, middle-aged man in a grubby raincoat” visited him and asked him to value his old bureau bookcase.
The man explained that a dealer had told him he could get £1,000 for and wanted advice on what to do next.
Based on appearances, Charlie said he had his “doubts” but agreed to visit the man’s home.
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Charlie Ross is known for his work on Bargain Hunt. (Image: BBC)
Describing the scene, the antiques expert wrote: “I have my doubts even before I enter the rather modest semi-detached 1930s house in Water Eaton.
“A rusty and untaxed Ford Anglia is parked at the kerb and the uncut grass at the front of the house is strewn with rubbish…I deduce that Macman (as I now think of him) has ‘fallen on hard times’.”
Despite his initial conclusions, Charlie found that the 18th century walnut bookcase was “immaculate” and, despite its missing handles and worn mirrored doors, Charlie upped the valuation to £5,000 and advised that the man enter it for auction.
He wrote: “It attracted a lot of interest during the viewing and when, on sale day, I opened the bidding at £1,000, a forest of hands shot into the air.
“I finally brought my gavel down at £32,000 and the auction room burst into a round of applause.”
Charlie Ross recalled the mortifying moment in his autobiography. (Image: Getty)
The mood began to turn when Charlie made a jibe at the “Macman” under the impression that he was not at the auction.
He continued: “I thanked all those who had participated, ‘You have made my day,’ I went on. ‘In fact, you have made someone else’s, too. This charming bureau is worth more than the vendor’s entire house!’”
“A discreet ‘ahem’ drew my attention to a man sitting in the front row whom I had not noticed before… Yes, Macman had been sitting in the front row all along.”
Thankfully, there were no hard feelings, and the man soon cheered up when Charlie handed him the £32,000 cheque.
Bargain Hunt airs 12.30pm on One.