The most INCREDIBLE antique finds ever made
Posted by Chris on 26/01/2024
January is a fantastic time for clearing out old items from storage. Maybe you have paintings sitting in your attic, or old ceramic pots in the garden which you've never liked?
Many people just want to get rid of what they consider to be old junk - it ends up at thrift stores or charity shops, where just occasionally, the buyer finds out that it's worth a fortune!
Here are the top five most incredible antique discoveries ever made.
5. Diego Rivera Painting
Diego Rivera, a prominent Mexican artist of the 20th century, was renowned for his large-scale murals that introduced a novel artistic style.
Although his third wife, Frida Kahlo, is perhaps more famous, Rivera's artwork remains in high demand.
One of his early works, long believed to be lost, resurfaced unexpectedly when it was presented on the Antiques Roadshow. This painting, known as “El Albañil” or “The Labourer,” was appraised (valued) at an estimated value between $800,000 and $1 million, a remarkable figure for a piece that had been merely hanging behind a door in someone's home!
> Explore all art on Antiques.co.uk
4. A $25 Card Table
John and Thomas Seymour, renowned for their craftsmanship in furniture-making during the late 1700s and early 1800s in Boston, were known for their "Federal" style furniture. This furniture, crafted from premium wood and intricately adorned, is displayed in numerous museums nationwide.
Surprisingly, a table crafted by this duo appeared on the Antiques Roadshow...brought in upside down on a cart.
The table's current owner had acquired it from a garage sale for a mere $25, unbelievably bargaining down from the original $30 asking price. Initially hesitant due to her friend's concern about its stability for holding a lamp and its unclean, mould-covered condition, she decided to buy it.
The half-moon-shaped mahogany card table, after cleaning, proved to be an exceptional find. Appraisers valued it at around $225,000. However, had the owner over-cleaned it and removed its original finish, its value would have significantly decreased - so be careful before you decide to treat your own antique furniture to some DIY restoration!
When put up for auction, the table fetched $490,000. Including the auction house's buyer's premium, the final sale price escalated to $541,000.
> See all card tables on Antiques.co.uk
3. Prototype of the Angel of the North
In an episode of Antiques Roadshow in 2008, the show's first £1million+ valuation was seen.
A remarkable six-foot prototype of the Angel of the North, created by renowned sculptor Antony Gormley, was presented to the team at the Roadshow. This maquette represented the final design Gormley crafted before the commissioning of the iconic 66-foot sculpture in 1994. Art expert Philip Mould hailed it as 'arguably Britain's most successful modern sculpture'.
After spending 13 years in the council offices, this substantial statue required the effort of five people to transport it to the valuation site.
The sculpture was valued at an impressive £1 million by the experts, surpassing the original cost of the larger 66-foot statue!
> Explore all sculpture on Antiques.co.uk
2. An actual FA Cup
In 2015, a former silver FA Cup shattered the £1million valuation mark. This cup, distinct from typical antiques and surrounded by some debate, was owned by members of the local community.
This particular trophy was the third variation of the FA Cup, crafted by the Bradford-based company Fattorini and Sons. It was in use from 1911 to 1991, earning the distinction of being the longest-serving cup of its kind.
Alastair Dickenson, a specialist in silver, suggested that the trophy's original purpose might have been as a vessel for chilling champagne or wine. This theory is supported by the extensive engravings of grapes and vines on the trophy.
> Read our blog about the FA Cup and antiques
1. Faberge flowers
In 2017, an episode of the Antique Roadshow featured its most valuable item ever, presented by a pair of British soldiers. They showcased a Faberge flower, a relic of a British army regiment.
This exquisite flower, standing six inches tall, was masterfully created using materials including gold, silver, enamel, and jade, and featured a diamond at its centre, set upon a carved rock crystal base. It is among the few remaining 'botanical studies' by Faberge, dating back to the early 20th century. Remarkably, the piece was also accompanied by its original presentation box.
Geoffrey Munn, the show's specialist in Faberge jewellery, unveiled its astonishing valuation at £1 million.
> Search all Faberge on Antiques.co.uk
Could you be sitting on a fortune?
Who knows - maybe you have the next undiscovered Diego Rivera painting in your attic, or a priceless card table?! So let us professionally value your items and sell them for you!
> Try our expert valuations and appraisals service