A guest on Antiques Roadshow was left speechless after glass expert Andy McConnell valued his pair of 18th century Masonic glasses at £16,000, breaking a personal record on the show.
During a previous episode of the BBC programme, filmed at Woodhorn Museum in Ashington, Northumberland, McConnell assessed two rare glasses brought in by a Newcastle resident who collects items from the city.
Rare Masonic glasses revealed
Presenter Fiona Bruce explained the significance of the items, saying: "Occasionally on the Roadshow, we get a glimpse into the secretive world of freemasonry - an organisation made up of hundreds of groups or lodges, each with their own traditions incorporating mysterious symbols and objects. Items like these 18th century glasses offer both an insight into Masonic rituals and the craftsmen who made them."
McConnell praised the glasses, saying: "These glasses are absolutely the cream! And, of course, they're firing glasses... for toasting. So, how on earth do you end up owning these wonderful little gems?"
Guest's lucky auction find
The guest admitted he became "a bit lucky" after spotting them at an auction, where they were valued at £50 to £70. He added: "They were just a general lot. They were valued at, I think, £50 to £70. And I pretty much knew what I thought they were. Sadly, they had been spotted by somebody else, so they did go for value, but managed to win the lot [for] just under £6,000."
Explaining his investment, the guest said: "They're local glasses. I just like collecting things that come from Newcastle. It's beautiful stuff. It's just a passion."
Expert identifies Beilby family work
McConnell identified the glasses as the work of William Beilby, who was in Newcastle in 1768. He described Beilby as "Britain's leading enamellers, the greatest enamellers, working exclusively on glass."
The expert explained the intricate process: the glass would have been crushed into a fine powder, before Beilby applied oil to a paintbrush to carefully layer each colour individually. McConnell added: "Then using these fine brushes, [he would have] painted on these details. So, here we have the Masonic compasses and the square on the other side with this Rococo style white, floral banding around the top. And they are a well-known set."
McConnell noted that a similar glass was bought by the British Museum in about 2009 for £12,000, with others selling for £8,000 and £6,000. He then delivered the valuation: "But yours, I know, today, would fetch at auction - you'd get somewhere like £16,000 for the pair."
The gobsmacked guest could only utter "wow" upon hearing the value, prompting an elated McConnell to exclaim: "So look, I mean what a pleasure!"
The expert concluded: "These are by far the most expensive glasses that I've ever had in 16 years on the Roadshow. I'm so made up with these. So, cheers to you and William Beilby!" as the crowd burst into rapturous applause. Antiques Roadshow is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
