Additional Coverage:
- ‘Antiques Roadshow’ guest falls on expert after he revealed her artifact was fake: ‘You’re joking…’ (marketrealist.com)
Talk about an emotional rollercoaster! An “Antiques Roadshow” guest recently experienced the highs and lows of antique appraisal, all within the span of a few minutes.
Initially, the archaeology student was ecstatic, believing she’d unearthed a rare Chinese artifact at a flea market for the bargain price of $40. She regaled expert David Battie with the tale of her find, describing the “sandy earth” and her theory that it was a funeral offering.
Battie, examining the bronze disc, initially seemed to confirm her suspicions. He discussed its purpose as a grave good for high-ranking officials during the Han Dynasty, pointing out the telltale signs of age and burial. The guest, practically giddy, was likely already envisioning her early retirement.
Then came the crash. When she inquired about the artifact’s age, Battie delivered the devastating blow: “A couple of years.”
The guest’s reaction? She practically collapsed onto the poor appraiser, her dreams of a valuable find dashed in an instant.
“My life is over,” she lamented, clearly heartbroken.
But Battie, ever the professional, offered a silver lining. While not ancient, the piece was a testament to the skill of modern Chinese artisans.
He even suggested it could be a worthwhile investment, something her children might appreciate in the future. While not the million-dollar treasure she’d hoped for, her $40 purchase wasn’t a complete loss.
A valuable lesson learned, perhaps, on the unpredictable nature of antiques hunting.