In a stunning reversal of fortune that could be ripped straight from a daytime TV script, a Bargain Hunt purchase initially branded as 'worthless' has been unveiled as a rare antique treasure.
The drama unfolded when contestant Caroline Hawley and her partner appeared on the beloved BBC show. Their chosen expert guided them towards a peculiar, lion-shaped metal object, a decision met with scepticism from host Charlie Ross and the rest of the team, who collectively deemed it a poor investment.
"We were told it was a rubbish item," Caroline revealed. "The expert himself said he didn't know what it was. Charlie Ross absolutely slated it, and everyone on the team thought it was a terrible buy."
The object, which cost a mere £40 at a Sussex antiques fair, was a total mystery. Its purpose and origin were unknown, and it failed to impress at the auction, selling for a loss and solidifying its status as a flop.
The Shocking Revelation
The story, however, didn't end on the auction floor. The buyer who picked it up for a pittance later made an earth-shattering discovery. After extensive research, the item was conclusively identified as an extremely rare 18th-century Portuguese incense burner, known as a 'bruteiro'.
Caroline received the news in an email that left her speechless. "He told me he'd found out it was a rare 18th-century Portuguese bruteiro," she said. "And then he said it was worth £5,000. I nearly fell off my chair."
A Secret Windfall
The twist of fate means that while Caroline's team officially lost money on the day, the anonymous buyer who profited from their misfortune netted an incredible secret profit of nearly £5,000. The experience has given Caroline a new perspective on the unpredictable world of antiques.
"It just shows that even the experts don't always know what they're looking at," she mused. "It's a hilarious story and a great 'what if'... but I'm just pleased it's been properly identified now. It's a fascinating piece of history."
The incredible tale serves as a reminder that sometimes, the true value of an item isn't found in its price tag on the day, but in its hidden story and rarity.
