A rare Led Zeppelin single kept for 55 years was valued at around £1,000 on Antiques Roadshow, leaving its owner stunned and prompting him to ask the expert to keep the valuation a secret.
The guest brought his copy of Led Zeppelin's Whole Lotta Love to the BBC programme's October 4 episode, recorded at Caerphilly Castle and presented by Fiona Bruce.
Expert explains rarity
Expert Marc Allum examined the 1969 single and explained that it "should never have been released in the UK" and "shouldn't really exist". The record was reportedly never officially released as a UK single, with estimates suggesting around 500 copies exist.
The owner recalled receiving it while searching for music to start a disco. He said: "It was given to me by a rep in a record shop in early 1970. I was looking for records to start a disco and out of his bag came a couple of records, he said you can have those."
Owner plans to pass it on
Despite its rarity, the record was not in perfect condition. Marc spotted several scratches and a fingerprint mark, but still put its estimated auction value at around £1,000.
For the guest, who admitted the single had not been much of a success at his discos, the discovery was enough to change how he planned to treat it. Speaking to the cameras afterwards, he said: "It's been with me for 55 years and I'll probably give it to my daughters, see what they want to do with it. I don't think I'll play it again, basically because it will devalue it."
Other finds at the castle
The record was among a varied selection of objects brought to the castle. Other finds included a handwritten letter from Albert Einstein, three paintings by Nigerian artist Akinola Lasekan and an Egyptian scarab beetle necklace more than 3,500 years old.
A ballet-inspired Sèvres figurine bought for £4 at a car boot sale and rare Swansea porcelain stored in boxes for 50 years also featured. Meanwhile, Fiona explored the castle's defences and tested her antiques knowledge by placing carved lovespoons in order of value.
Tonight's episode synopsis stated: "Ronnie Archer-Morgan is excited to come across an intricate Egyptian scarab beetle necklace that is over 3,500 years old, while Katherine Wright is delighted to find a ballet-inspired Sèvres figurine whose owner haggled it down from £5 to £4 at a car boot sale."
It added: "Presenter Fiona Bruce explores the towers and battlements to learn about the history of Caerphilly Castle and its formidable defences, and her antiques knowledge is put to the test by Ben Rogers Jones when he challenges her to put some beautifully carved lovespoons in order of value." Antiques Roadshow is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
