Every time Antiques Roadshow made guests cry - broken plates and big price tags

28 January 2024 , 18:00

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Antiques Roadshow has caused many tears over the years (Image: BBC)

Antiques Roadshow has been on screens for years and has left many guests and experts in tears.

Hopefuls across the country wait for the experts to head to their local town as they bring along their items to receive an official valuation. Experts from the world of antiques and fine arts are on hand to share stories of the objects and can dish out life-changing figures.

Items featured on the BBC show often have an interesting story attached to them or have some connection to that episode's venue. We take a look back at the five most tear-jerking moments from the series as guests received the all important valuation of their prized possessions.

'Stunning' diamond brooch

A silver brooch received a huge valuation on the show (BBC)

When Antiques Roadshow headed to Brodie Castle in Morayshire, Scotland, a guest was left with "tears in her eyes" after being told the value of her beloved diamond brooch. Expert Susan Rumfitt revealed the item originated in the Art Deco period of the 1930s. The expert explained the diamonds were a "modern brilliant cut" before noting the brooch was "unusual" as it was one brooch rather than two separate clips connected together, as was the style of the time.

"It's pretty stunning, isn't it? It does make a statement set in white gold it's got a yellow gold back to it. That white gold at the top to again help to really reflect those diamonds. It's absolutely wonderful. Have you ever thought how many carats are in the weight of the diamonds?" Susan asked. The guest, who guessed three, was stunned to discover the weight was 14 carats. "Oh my goodness," she remarked before the expert revealed its value was £20,000.

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"Oh my goodness," the guest repeated. "That's taken my breath away. Oh crumbs, brings tears to my eyes." The owner then confirmed she would still wear the item.

Staggering sail boat

Expert Rupert Mass was left in tears as he gave a valuation (BBC)

Expert Rupert Mass was the one who broke down in tears upon giving a huge valuation of a sail boat. He was tasked with evaluating the sail boat prop from his favourite childhood film Swallows and Amazons, which which dates back to about 1930 when the book was originally published.

The guest thought the boat would be worth around £2,000 to £3,000. But, Rupert revealed the boat in question could fetch a much higher value at auction. He said: "The association of that iconic film, it’s just so powerful. It is to me and I think to a generation of sailors. And so, without hesitation, I’m going to put £20,000 to £30,000 on it." The owner replied: “Well, I’m glad we crowdfunded and bought her because that’s incredible," before revealing he would still continue to take her out on the water.

Childhood teddy bear

An Antiques Roadshow guest was left in tears at her valuation

During a Christmas special, one guest was stunned to find out the staggering value of her childhood toy that was kept in a carrier bag. The toy was made by Steiff, who are now known for making soft toys for designer brand Louis Vuitton. Expert Bunny Campione was shocked when she saw the bear. She said: "Well, I must admit, I hope I didn't give too much of a shock when I saw you coming to my table. I think I screamed didn't I?" Bunny praised the rare item and then gave the guest her valuation.

"So, we are talking about a Steiff teddy bear, circa 1904, incredibly rare colour, a rare size because most of them were smaller than this, and a value wise, £15,000," Bunny told the guest. The lady responded in shock: "What 15? It’s just been put in a bag in the wardrobe."

Father's war medal

Sikh soldier Naik Gian Singh was recognised for his brave actions in Burma during WWII (BBC)

One guest welled up after learning a war medal his father was awarded in World War Two is worth a staggering £250,000. The man told experts Mark Smith that his father, Sikh soldier Naik Gian Singh, was recognised for his actions in Burma - but to this day the family don't know what his acts of bravery were.

Mark then revealed he had found a book which said what Naik had been awarded the Victoria Cross for, the highest award Great Britain has for bravery and has been awarded to less than 1,400 people since. Asked if he had any idea what this might be worth, the guest quipped: "Nope. My dad never wanted to be parted from it ever." His eyes then rolled to the back of his head in shock as Mark told him: "It's a quarter of a million pounds."

The guest said he would never sell the medal as it was so important to his late father. "Wow, wow," he said. "Even if it's worth two million, 10 million, we won't part with it. No way."

Rare broken plates

One guest couldn't believe the valuation (BBC)

Another guest was in tears after she was told her plates were as "rare as you can get" by experts on the show. John Sandon - a glass and ceramics specialist who has been on the show since 1985 - was taken aback by the white, unusually shaped plates, which were decorated with images and a blue outline.

He said: "I mean, this one is a bit of a shocking state, it's been broken in half and someone liked it enough to stitch it together, just about. But it's barely held together - but this is really quite an important piece of pottery because you've got a picture of the king on a rare plate with rare colours. So let's think, the perfect but Chinese subject one, shall we say - £10,000 to £20,000."

Antiques Roadshow guest breaks down in tears over shock value of 'rare' plates

The guest was astonished, while John added: "The broken one, it's got to be more than that, so at least £30,000." "Oh my god," the plate owner said, before face-palming in disbelief. "Together as a pair, £30,000 or more," John noted. Becoming emotional, the guest uttered: "I brought them in my handbag!" "That's alright, a good strong handbag," John laughed.

Mia O'Hare