An Antiques Roadshow expert was left completely speechless after a guest handed her a 'crude' object. BBC's Penny Britain was lost for words when she was asked to value a 'mummified dog's willy'.
Guest's cigarette holder
During an earlier episode of the BBC programme, originally broadcast in March 2011, the expert was approached by an elderly gentleman who arrived with a cigarette holder. The pensioner recalled being given the cigarette holder during his younger years, explaining: 'It was given to me by a very old lady when I was about seven and I remember to this day that she was Austrian and she gave it to me in a cardboard box full of trinkets.'
Penny confirmed the piece was indeed Austrian, dating back to around 1900, and bore import marks indicating it met English standards. Despite discovering his cigarette holder held little monetary worth, with a valuation of just £100, the owner remained untroubled, making it clear he had no intention of parting with it.
Second item revealed
Just as the exchange seemed to be drawing to a close, the gentleman revealed he had another item to be examined. He reached into his pocket and placed the object directly into Penny's hand. Upon inspecting it, Penny burst into laughter, exclaiming: 'What on earth is that?' The man joked: 'Could you tell me, is that worth £100 and made in Austria?' Speaking quietly, the guest said: 'I'll whisper in your ear.' He then revealed: 'It's a mummified dog's willy.'
Penny's reaction left those around her in fits of laughter. Still struggling to believe what she was holding, she said: 'A mummified willy and I'm still holding it.' The expert swiftly returned the item to the guest as she admitted: 'I'm rendered entirely speechless.' The guest explained: 'It's been passed down the family literally for years.'
Gesturing towards the object, he continued: 'This bit's a bit gnawed because the puppy got hold of it and my father, when it came to him, wanted to throw it away and I said, "You can't because it's so extraordinary".' Penny quipped: 'My cabinet of curiosities.' The owner then enquired: 'Is that worth £100?' Penny replied: 'I don't think so.'
