An Antiques Roadshow fan was left utterly speechless after they were given a huge valuation for their hidden gem
An Antiques Roadshow guest was left completely stunned after discovering the true worth of their controversial treasure.
The BBC programme has captured hearts nationwide and swiftly established itself as a television staple since launching in 1979.
The cherished series subsequently inspired an American version for viewers stateside.
In a recent episode of the enduring programme, one dedicated fan presented a rather macabre handbag he’d discovered at a flea market for roughly $11 or $12 (£8.12 or £8.86).
When expert Kathleen Guzman commenced the segment, she disclosed that the guest had previously been rejected by numerous appraisers before locating her, reports the Express.
She informed viewers: «Don, you have brought a really interesting object, and I know you’ve been bounced from table to table because no one knew quite what to tell you about it. It looks like a handbag, doesn’t it?».
«But the interesting part about it is it’s cast-iron, and inside it has all the innards of this wonderful hog. Tell me, how did you get this piece?»
He responded to the presenter: «I bought it years ago at a flea market, and I’d never seen anything like it, and I thought I’d better bring it in here and let you tell me what it is.»
At this moment, the specialist provided viewers with some background regarding the peculiar item as she opened the bag to reveal the intricate internal organs of a pig depicted inside. Kathleen explained: «Well, we call these salesman samples. They’re often confused with miniature toys or handmade folk art pieces. Actually, very skilled craftsmen made these to go on the road with the salesmen, and it was to sell a product.
«And we even have the Moorman Manufacturing Company in Quincy, Illinois, who it was their property and obviously their product and materials to sell.»
Lauding the item’s craftsmanship and how remarkably well it had been preserved, she then disclosed how this would affect the bag’s worth. She continued: «And it’s in just fabulous condition. We have this wonderful paint that’s just beautifully crazed on the outside.
«Because the condition is so remarkable, I would put the value on this of about $5,000 (£3,692).»
At this moment, the guest was utterly stunned as he simply muttered: «My goodness gracious me!»
It wasn’t long before viewers took to social media to voice their opinions online. One simply labelled the bag «nightmare fuel» whilst another declared: «Nobody is going to pay 5 thousand for this… nobody.»
A third questioned: «$5,000?» whilst a fourth laughed: «I did not guess correctly..»
Antiques Roadshow airs on Sundays on BBC One from 7.30pm.
