An Antiques Roadshow expert issued a complaint during Sunday's (October 11) episode. The latest instalment of the hit BBC programme saw the roadshow travel to the Dartington Estate in Devon, where local residents arrived to have their antiques and fine arts appraised by experts.
Some of the items included a walking stick with a secret, an African headrest, and a Rolex watch that was rescued from rubbish. That's not all, as expert Hilary Kay was presented with a very special collectible item.
A Rare Beatrix Potter Figure
"We're looking at Jemima Puddleduck!" the guest said, with Hilary adding: "Unmistakeable in every way, particularly her little shawl." The guest explained that she was a Beatrix Potter collector and had bought the stuffed animal from a dealer in Bath 15 years before.
"I've been collecting for over 30 years," the guest added. Hilary then said, "For those who aren't Beatrix Potter fans, we ought to just explain who Jemima is. She featured in one of Beatrix Potter's books called Jemima Puddleduck, which was published in 1908, and it was really about a rather 'sinister friendship' between a fox and a duck."
"The popularity of Beatrix Potter books made it an absolute gem for a very entrepreneurial type of business to make, if you like, products relating to her books. And one of those entrepreneurial companies was a company called J. K. Farnell. This could be dating from as early as 1910, that's when they were first made."
Expert's Concerns and Valuation
Hilary then issued a few complaints about the item, which she felt would impact the valuation. "There are some things on here that I'm not entirely happy about. Have you looked at her closely?" she said. The guest then pointed out the ribbon, before Hilary brought another detail to her attention.
"There's been some work done to her beak and to her webbed feet. But otherwise, I would say that she's in remarkably good condition, isn't she?" Despite the issues, Hilary was soon excited to learn that both Jemima's head and legs were able to move.
The guest paid £35 for the figure, which would give her a huge profit at auction. Revealing her valuation, Hilary said: "The last one that I saw that went for auction was actually in New York, and she went for just under $3,000."
"Wow! Lucky find," the stunned guest replied. But Hilary did have a disclaimer before she got too excited. "Now look, I'm going to put a caveat on that and say that was in perfect condition, and the market goes up and down, but it's not a bad benchmark. And if we translate that back into pounds, $3,000 is around, what, £2,200-ish, or it would have been at that point."
The expert then concluded: "Lovely to see her. She's a real rarity and hugely popular, and I'm very pleased to have made her acquaintance today. Thank you."
Antiques Roadshow is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
