Antiques Roadshow viewers were left speechless when a breathtaking 19th-century Kashmiri silver bowl was appraised at an astonishing £20,000 during a recent episode filmed at Brodie Castle in Scotland.
The exquisite piece, brought in by a private collector, features intricate hand-chased decoration and stands as a remarkable example of Kashmiri craftsmanship from the 1860s. Expert John Sandon described it as "one of the finest examples of Kashmiri silver I've seen in 40 years on the Roadshow."
A Royal Connection?
What makes this bowl particularly fascinating is its possible royal provenance. The decorative motifs suggest it may have been commissioned by Maharaja Ranbir Singh of Jammu and Kashmir, adding significant historical importance to its already considerable artistic value.
Sandon explained: "The quality of workmanship is extraordinary. Each floral motif would have taken a master craftsman days to complete using traditional repoussé techniques."
From Trinket to Treasure
The bowl's owner, who wishes to remain anonymous, inherited it from a relative who served in the British Indian Army. "I never imagined it could be worth more than a few hundred pounds," they admitted. "It's been sitting on my mantelpiece for years."
This valuation serves as another reminder of the hidden treasures that might be gathering dust in British homes. Sandon noted: "We're seeing increasing interest in colonial-era artifacts, particularly pieces with this level of craftsmanship and historical significance."
The episode airs Sunday at 8pm on BBC One, promising more fascinating discoveries from Brodie Castle's stunning grounds.
