An Antiques Roadshow guest was left utterly astonished after receiving a staggering six-figure valuation for a rare historical object discovered in her family home. The episode, filmed at the Firsite contemporary art gallery in Colchester and broadcast over the weekend, featured expert Ronnie Archer-Morgan appraising an unusual ironwood pole club.
Unearthing a Hidden Treasure in Wales
The visitor explained that her in-laws initially found the item after purchasing a new property in West Wales during the 1960s, where it had been left behind by previous owners. She recounted, 'In the 1960s, my husband's parents bought a house in West Wales with all its contents and this was in its contents.' Through preliminary internet research, the family had speculated that the pole club might originate from Fiji, but Ronnie Archer-Morgan soon revealed a more precise and fascinating origin.
A Magnificent Artefact from the Cook Islands
Ronnie identified the object as a magnificent ironwood pole club from the Cook Islands, known locally as an akatara. He detailed, 'This is a magnificent ironwood pole club and the Cook Islands people call it an akatara. They were made either on the island of Rarotonga or Atiu.' He connected the artefact to the era of Captain Cook's voyages to Polynesia, noting that on his third visit, Cook's surgeon observed similar clubs.
Originally crafted as a fighting weapon, Ronnie explained that by the time of Western contact, it had evolved into a ceremonial object imbued with manna—spiritual power associated with warrior chiefs. He expressed, 'I feel as though I've got the power holding this. It's such an impressive object.' By examining the stone-cut craftsmanship, he dated the club to the 18th century, specifically around the 1770s when Cook arrived, hinting at a potential historical link that could enhance its significance.
Staggering Valuation and Guest's Reaction
Despite noting minor damage, such as a missing tip, Ronnie emphasized that this did not diminish the item's energy or value. He projected that in a top-tier auction in Paris, the pole club could fetch a pre-sale estimate between £100,000 and £150,000. The guest was visibly shocked, exclaiming, 'Crikey. That's amazing, really amazing.' Later, she reflected to the camera, 'I just can't believe how did something like that end up in an old house in the middle of Wales? How did it get there? I'd love to be able to step back in time and follow its journey because it's just incredible.'
Another Rare Find: A Valuable Snuffbox
Elsewhere in the show, another guest was left amazed by the valuation of a rare snuffbox featured on the spin-off series, Unseen Treasures. This previously unaired clip from the Hill of Tarvit Mansion in Fife, Scotland, showed expert Gordon Foster appraising a gold and quartz snuffbox dating back to 1815.
Exquisite Craftsmanship and Historical Details
Gordon praised the snuffbox as one of the best he had ever seen on Antiques Roadshow, highlighting its 18-carat gold construction, Scottish origin, and a faceted citrine stone on top. The guest explained it was inherited from her husband's grandmother, with an inscription and date marking from 1815. Gordon detailed the specialised craftsmanship involved, from an engraver to a hinge maker and an Edinburgh lapidary specialist who cut the stone, noting its unique golden, honey-like colour reminiscent of whisky.
Valuation and Family Mystery
After thorough examination, Gordon estimated the snuffbox's market value at £10,000 to £15,000, leaving the guest stunned. He remarked on the significance of such a gift, suggesting it must have been for a very special friend, though the family remains unsure of the exact relationship behind it.
Antiques Roadshow continues to captivate audiences with its discoveries, airing on BBC One and iPlayer, showcasing how everyday items can hold extraordinary historical and monetary worth.
