Antiques Roadshow’s expert Duncan Campbell was left absolutely gushing over a tiny teapot which was brought in by some guests on the BBC show as he admitted he was ‘envious’
Antiques Roadshow: Expert values mini teapot at £12k
During the latest episode of Antiques Roadshow, expert Duncan Campbell was left in awe after appraising what he declared “the nicest teapot” he has ever encountered.
The show, hosted by Fiona Bruce, aired on Sunday (March 30) from the scenic Swanage Pier in Dorset, treating viewers to an array of captivating finds such as theatrical costumes from a renowned pantomime dame, a worn watch with a surprising value, and sought-after Star Wars collectables.
Despite these unique items, it was a diminutive silver teapot that truly drew Duncan’s eye.
At first glance assuming an appearance akin to a child’s plaything, the teapot was, in fact, a valuable artefact estimated over £12,000 in worth, reports the Mirror.
Duncan couldn’t contain his admiration for the teapot, which snugly fit within his hand, confessing: “This is the nicest teapot I’ve certainly ever seen on Antiques Roadshow and arguably I’ve ever seen.”
His enthusiasm didn’t end there as he expressed: “I absolutely adore it and I am more than a little bit envious.”
The item had been inherited from the guest’s great-uncle and aunt and was identified by Duncan as a rare miniature bullet teapot crafted by celebrated silversmith Paul de Lamerie.
This exceptional piece comes from 1728, and with De Lamerie seldom producing miniatures, Duncan emphasized its “remarkably uncommon” nature.
Upon hearing the valuation of at least £12,000, the owners of the teapot were visibly astounded.
Duncan concluded with high praise: “It is absolutely beautiful. If I could take home one piece of silver I could take home from all the roadshows I’ve ever done, it would be this one.”
The teapot’s owners expressed their delight, saying: “I knew it was special but it’s nice to have that confirmed.”
Since its debut in 1971, Antiques Roadshow has been a staple for enthusiasts travelling the UK to get their items appraised by leading experts.
The BBC has expanded the brand with several specials, including last year’s D-Day event and A History of Food programme, as well as spin-offs such as Priceless Antiques Roadshow and Antiques Road Trip.
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This comes after it was reported yesterday that BBC Antiques Roadshow has been embroiled in a court drama.
A couple featured on the US version of the show were charged with fraud, after appearing on the show. Military artifacts dealers, Russ Pritchard III and George Juno, faced federal mail and wire fraud charges in 2021.
ABC News reported that the duo was accused of conducting fake appraisals on the American version of the Antiques Roadshow to boost their status as Civil War-era weapons and military artefacts specialists.
Despite the allegations, the pair claimed they were not guilty. At the time the charges were made public, the pair could reportedly have been looking at 60 years in prison and over $2.75 million (£2.1 million) in fines.