BBC Antiques Roadshow Guest Stunned by Unexpected Cufflink Valuation
During a recent episode of BBC’s Antiques Roadshow, filmed in Wales and hosted by Fiona Bruce, a guest was left speechless after receiving an unexpectedly high valuation for a pair of Edwardian cufflinks. Expert Joanna Hardy provided insights into the cufflinks’ background and value, leading to an emotional reaction from the guest, by Mirror.
The cufflinks, which were over 100 years old, depicted themes associated with Edwardian gentry—horse racing, gambling, women, and drinking. The owner, inheriting them from his mother who had received them from his grandfather, shared their history. His grandfather had been a chauffeur for Lord and Lady Trafford and was given the cufflinks as a token of appreciation for his service. The guest humorously speculated whether his grandfather’s service involved driving to many horse races and parties.
Joanna Hardy elaborated on the cufflinks’ significance, explaining how they reflected the transition from the somber Victorian era to the more lively and festive Edwardian period. “These were typically Edwardian, a time of gaiety and fun after the long mourning period of Queen Victoria,” she noted. The cufflinks, crafted from painted enamel with gold backs, were highlighted for their meticulous preservation and exquisite detail, emphasizing their quality and the care taken to maintain them over a century.
Upon revealing that the cufflinks were valued at approximately £1,000, the guest was visibly moved, exclaiming in disbelief, “Are you joking? I thought you were going to say £100, that’s amazing. Thank you so much, that’s hit me in the heart.” by Daily Mail.
The high valuation underscored not just the monetary worth of the cufflinks but also their historical and sentimental significance, leaving a lasting impression on the owner and capturing the essence of what makes Antiques Roadshow a beloved fixture on Sunday nights. The episode was a touching reminder of how antiques can connect us to our past and bring unexpected joy into our lives.