An Antiques Roadshow guest was left speechless after discovering that a "creaky contraption" once left in a pile of pig manure was valued at between £30,000 and £50,000. The item, an original jig for the iconic Norton Manx motorcycle, was brought to the BBC show at the Botanic Gardens in Belfast.
The Original Jig for the Norton Manx
Host Fiona Bruce introduced the item as a "creaky contraption," but expert Raj Bisram quickly identified it as the original jig or template for the Norton Manx, one of the world's most famous motorcycles. The jig was designed by local engineer Rex McCandless in 1949. Bisram met with the current owner and Rex's nephew, John, to discuss the item's history.
John brought along an "unusual collection" to accompany the jig, including Isle of Man replica trophies, a helmet, and a scarf signed by famous motorcyclists such as Geoff Duke and Stanley Woods.
A Revolutionary Design
Bisram emphasized the significance of the jig, stating: "His [Rex's] passion for motorbikes is what led him onto this. This is no ordinary piece of metal. This actually changed the face of motorcycle racing in the 1950s, almost for the next 30 years."
The owner added: "This was revolutionary. Norton took it to the Isle of Man in 1950 and absolutely cleaned up, first, second and third." Bisram agreed that it was an "amazing achievement."
Discovered in Pig Manure
The story of how the jig came into the owner's family was equally remarkable. She explained: "How this came into my family's possession was Rex gave it to these brothers, mutual friends with my dad, and they lived, believe it or not, on a pig farm. My dad visited one day and it was lying in a heap of pig manure. My dad said 'What are you doing with it?' And the brothers said 'Take it with you.'"
Valuation and Reaction
When it came time for Bisram to value the jig and accompanying items, he initially struggled. He said: "Every now and then, something comes on the Roadshow that's very, very hard to value and without a doubt this is. But to me, there isn't a single motorcycle museum in the world that wouldn't want to have this. And I honestly believe these items would be worth anything from £30,000 to £50,000."
The owner gasped, placing her hand on John's shoulder and exclaiming "Wow!" She appeared breathless with a big smile. John then remarked: "I don't think it's going to go anywhere. What do you think?"
Bisram suggested an alternative: "A museum, you could give it to them on loan and you would still have the pleasure of owning it. And if you ever wanted to bring it back, you could do so." John agreed, calling it "an idea," and Bisram added "fantastic" before thanking the pair.
Antiques Roadshow airs on BBC One and is available on BBC iPlayer.
