An Antique Roadshow item, considered useless, stuns viewers as it’s valued at $1,250,000 because of its rich history.
A recent episode of the popular show Antiques Roadshow left viewers in shock when an item was valued at an astonishing $1,250,000.
This ornament, described as having “absolutely no function,” captivated everyone with its unique history and beauty.
The moment happened during a filming at the Black Country Living Museum in Dudley, West Midlands, back in 2017.
A group from an Army reserve squadron brought the rare item, not expecting it to be worth much.
However, the valuation turned out to be a stunning surprise for everyone involved.
The ornament on Antique Roadshow resembles a delicate flower stem design.
The ornament resembles a delicate stem of flowers, crafted with exceptional detail.
It was examined by Geoffrey Munn, a jewelry expert on the show.
Munn expressed that valuing such an extraordinary piece was a challenging task.
He noted that this particular item was a “towering masterpiece” from the famous jeweler Fabergé.
Munn explained that the object is considered an “object of fantasy” because it serves no practical purpose.
Instead, it is meant solely to bring pleasure and joy to those who admire it.
He described the piece as the “rarest, most poetic manifestation” of Fabergé’s artistry.
“It’s what we call an ‘object of fantasy’ because it has absolutely no function whatsoever except to be a source of pleasure – and it is…
“It is the rarest, most poetic manifestation of Faberge’s work that one could ever hope to see.”
“The expert said it’s probably the second time he’s ever done that type of valuation,” he told the Express & Star.
“I think he was reluctant to say £1 million [$1,250,000] and nervous to say it was worth that much.”
Munn hesitated before announcing the ornament’s high value.
When Munn first laid eyes on the ornament, he was visibly amazed.
He admitted that he had likely given such a high valuation for a similar item only twice.
Dan Bansal, who witnessed the evaluation, noted Munn’s hesitation in announcing the $1,250,000 figure.
“To make a judgment of that enormity is a tricky thing to do so I’m not going to pretend it wasn’t pressurised,” he said.
“This was a sensation beyond our wildest dreams really – this is a towering masterpiece from Faberge.
“It’s what we call an ‘object of fantasy’ because it has absolutely no function whatsoever except to be a source of pleasure – and it is…
“It is the rarest, most poetic manifestation of Faberge’s work that one could ever hope to see,” Antique Roadshow’s jewelry expert Geoffrey Munn said.
Colonel Stamford Cartwright, representing the B Squadron The Royal Yeomanry, brought the ornament to the show.
The valuation overwhelmed Colonel Cartwright.
He shared that growing up with the piece made it feel like just another part of the furniture.
The ornament symbolizes the squadron’s rich historical legacy.
Georgina, the Countess of Dudley, gifted the ornament to the squadron in 1904.
Lord Dudley, the regiment’s second-in-command, married her.
Colonel Cartwright explained that the ornament holds sentimental value for the squadron, reminding them of their fallen comrades.
It symbolizes a bond that has lasted from the early 1900s to the present day.
Social media reactions
Viewers expressed their amazement on social media after someone shared a clip of this incredible moment online.
Many commented on the beauty and craftsmanship of the piece.
One wrote: One of the rare times on Antiques Roadshow where I think that is LOOKS worth the price! Such a masterpiece.
Another added: The fact the refraction of the stem in water is so realistic is incredible.
While a third commented: I honestly thought they’d brought the flower out in a glass vase & water for display purposes. Extraordinary.