In a classic tale of serendipity that would make any antique hunter green with envy, a casual purchase from a charity shop turned into a life-changing windfall for one astonished guest on BBC's Antiques Roadshow.
The episode, filmed at the breathtaking Wrest Park in Bedfordshire, saw expert John Sandon utterly stunned by an item brought in by an unsuspecting owner. What they believed was a simple £20 candlestick bought on a whim was revealed to be an exceptionally rare silver taperstick from the 1720s, crafted by the renowned Huguenot silversmith David Willaume.
A Moment of Television Magic
The owner recounted the fateful day they stumbled upon the item, admitting they nearly left it behind. "I saw it on a shelf and I thought 'that's nice'… I very nearly didn't buy it," they revealed to Sandon. This moment of hesitation almost cost them a fortune.
Expert Sandon's eyes lit up upon inspection. He identified it not as a common candlestick, but as a taperstick—a smaller, more delicate object used for holding tapers before the widespread use of electricity. Its true value lay in its maker's mark and impeccable provenance.
The Reveal That Left Everyone Speechless
The tension built as Sandon deliberated. After emphasising its rarity and flawless condition, he delivered the earth-shattering news: "I think at auction, that would make somewhere between £2,000 and £3,000."
The guest was rendered speechless, managing only a stunned gasp. Host Fiona Bruce, watching nearby, mirrored the audience's shock, her hand flying to her mouth in disbelief. The £20 gamble had just yielded an astronomical return, turning a simple mistake into a five-figure treasure.
This extraordinary segment serves as a reminder to every charity shop browser and car boot sale enthusiast: you never know what incredible history—and value—might be hiding in plain sight, just waiting to be discovered.
