An Antiques Roadshow guest was left flabbergasted when she discovered the medieval stone head she found in her drain could fetch a cool £5,000 at auction.
The episode, filmed at the Ulster Folk Museum in Northern Ireland, saw valuer Adam Schoon presented with the large stone head, which he described as “fantastic”. The guest revealed she had stumbled upon the item while digging up drains.
She initially thought it might have been a garden ornament, but as she cleaned it, she realised that it was something else. Adam noted the item’s eyes were “very reminiscent of a Celtic style”, suggesting it could date back over 2,000 years to the third century AD.
READ MORE: BBC Breakfast chaos as old Huw Edwards video airs and star suffers awkward sound blunder
READ MORE: Click for more brilliant Daily Star TV stories
He also mentioned that similar heads had been found near Hadrian’s Wall, hinting the piece could date back to 1066. The valuation left the guest utterly stunned.
(Image: BBC)
The guest said: “I was digging up drains and I just so happened to dig down and hit stone, and I pulled him out and there he was,” prompting expert Adam to shout: “Good grief!” She added: “The more I cleaned him I thought, “No I am not sure.”.’
Adam then said: “I think to myself that here we are in Northern Ireland where the Celts existed and stone heads like this go back literally over 2,000 years. The style of this one, I think, is third century AD.” Valuing the item he then said it could fetch £5,000 at auction.
(Image: BBC)
In a recent episode of BBC One’s Antiques Roadshow, a guest was left speechless after discovering the staggering value of an old pistol he brought in. The man hadn’t spent a penny on the “astounding” display weapon, which was gifted to him by his stepfather who had no interest in it.
The show’s expert, Robert Tilney, was taken aback by the gun’s “highest possible quality”, despite it having been “dry fired” and damaged previously. “This is a top quality presentation piece,” Mr Tilney commented, adding that it likely dated back to the 1770s or 1780s.
(Image: BBC)
He then guided viewers through the beautifully intricate design of gold and silver adorning the barrel of the pistol. The expert said: “Here, gold chasing [running his finger towards the sight]. The two cartouches are the Turin-proof marks.
“This is silver inlay work of the finest possible quality – a superb lion mask here with gilt around it.” Mr Tilney then revealed the estimated auction price for such an item – a jaw-dropping £15,000 to £20,000.
Want all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
