A woman who purchased a damaged blue and white plate for just 50 pence at a car boot sale was left speechless after learning its true value on Antiques Roadshow. The expert Henry Sandon identified the piece as dating from around 1760 and valued it at £800.
Surprise valuation at Chatsworth House
During a 2010 episode filmed at Chatsworth House in Derbyshire, the guest, who worked in the stately home's gift shop, brought several blue and white plates from her collection for appraisal. While most of her plates were from the 1860s, Sandon singled out one that was much older.
“This piece is much earlier than any of those,” he said. “How did you get it?” The woman explained she had bought it from a lady clearing out at a car boot sale who had been collecting blue and white items. She paid £1 for the other plates but only 50p for the one that caught Sandon’s attention.
Expert reveals 18th-century origin
Sandon told her: “This little chappie, who was 50p, is actually about 1760 in date… made either in Bristol or Liverpool, one or other of those places.” He then delivered the valuation: “And instead of being just a couple of odd quid, your 50p is now worth £800.”
The guest gasped and clapped her hand to her mouth, exclaiming, “Oh, my goodness!” She then asked, “Even in that condition?” referring to the plate’s visible wear and tear. Sandon replied: “It’s a little bit damaged, but what the heck? I mean, you’re entitled to be damaged after 250 years. I’m a little damaged after this!”
Antiques Roadshow continues to delight
The episode, which aired in 2010, is a classic example of the hidden treasures often uncovered on the show. Antiques Roadshow airs on BBC One on Sundays, with the next episode scheduled for June 21 at 8.15pm.
