An Antiques Roadshow expert voiced concerns about a guest's Beatrix Potter collectable during Sunday's (October 11) episode. The latest edition of the BBC programme saw the roadshow visit Dartington Estate in Devon, where local residents had their antiques and fine art valued by specialists.
Among the items presented were a walking stick concealing a secret, an African headrest, and a Rolex watch salvaged from a rubbish pile. Expert Hilary Kay was also shown a particularly special collectable item.
A collector's 30-year passion
"We're looking at Jemima Puddleduck!" the guest exclaimed, with Hilary responding: "Unmistakeable in every way, particularly her little shawl."
The guest revealed she was a Beatrix Potter collector who had purchased the stuffed toy from a dealer in Bath 15 years prior. "I've been collecting for over 30 years," the guest added.
Hilary explained: "For those who aren't Beatrix Potter fans, we ought to just explain who Jemima is. She featured in one of Beatrix Potter's books called Jemima Puddleduck, which was published in 1908, and it was really about a rather 'sinister friendship' between a fox and a duck."
Concerns over condition
"The popularity of Beatrix Potter books made it an absolute gem for a very entrepreneurial type of business to make, if you like, products relating to her books. And one of those entrepreneurial companies was a company called J. K. Farnell. This could be dating from as early as 1910, that's when they were first made."
Hilary subsequently raised several concerns about the piece, which she believed would affect its valuation. "There are some things on here that I'm not entirely happy about. Have you looked at her closely?" she said.
The guest then pointed out the ribbon, before Hilary drew another detail to her attention. "There's been some work done to her beak and to her webbed feet. But otherwise, I would say that she's in remarkably good condition, isn't she?" she said.
Despite these concerns, Hilary was delighted to discover that both Jemima's head and legs were capable of movement. The guest had purchased the figure for £35.
Valuation revealed
Disclosing her valuation, Hilary said: "The last one that I saw that went for auction was actually in New York. And she went for just under $3,000."
"Wow! Lucky find," the astonished guest replied. However, Hilary did include a disclaimer before she became too enthusiastic.
She said: "Now look, I'm going to put a caveat on that and say that was in perfect condition, and the market goes up and down, but it's not a bad benchmark. And if we translate that back into pounds, $3,000 is around, what, £2,200-ish, or it would have been at that point."
The expert then concluded: "Lovely to see her. She's a real rarity and hugely popular, and I'm very pleased to have made her acquaintance today. Thank you."
Antiques Roadshow is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
