Antiques Roadshow fans in disbelief over true value of 'ugliest item ever seen'

20 January 2024 , 16:15

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Antiques Roadshow fans in disbelief over true value of 'ugliest item ever seen' (Image: BBC)

An Antiques Roadshow guest was left gobsmacked after an "ugly" gift from his mum turned out to be worth a fortune. The BBC show, known for its surprising valuations, saw a bizarre yellow three-legged toad valued at a hefty sum.

In the episode filmed at Brodie Castle in Morayshire, Scotland, the guest brought in the ornament for expert Lee Young to examine. The toad, a birthday present from his mother, had been dubbed the 'ugly toad' by the owner for about 60 years.

The man said: "He has been known as 'ugly toad' to me for about 60 years. My mother collected unusual items," and added jokingly, "I love him but not so much for my wife."

Antiques Roadshow fans in disbelief over true value of 'ugliest item ever seen' (BBC)

Expert Lee identified the strange item as an 18th-century Scottish pottery piece by Dunmore, based on a mythical three-legged Chinese toad. He explained: "The myth is that the three-legged toad would turn up at your house in full moon to predict an event, usually of good fortune or wealth. So in China he's actually portrayed with little coins in his mouth."

Lee then revealed the estimated worth of the ornament, leaving its owner stunned. He said: 'I think he is such a wonderful thing and for all the things we have just discussed about him, I think he would easily carry an auction estimate of £600-£900. And if two people got excited about him, maybe a little bit more."

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The man was shocked by Lee's evaluation, exclaiming: "Oh wow. I'm delighted about that." Lee added: "And I suspect that if two people got excited about him, he could even make a bit more."

The expert then turned to the man's wife and joked: "Do you like him a little bit more now?" She nodded and laughed: "Yes."

However, viewers didn't share the same enthusiasm for the guest's ornament. On Twitter, one person said: "My initial reaction to seeing the frog is "what the heck is that?" But honestly, it would be something I'd have in my house."

Another wrote: "Each to their own." A third suggested: "Smash it up and use it for drainage in your plant pots!" Another repeated: "My initial reaction to seeing the frog is 'what the heck is that?' But honestly it would be something I'd have in my house."

* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can report any errors to [email protected]

Susan Knox