Additional Coverage:
- ‘Antiques Roadshow’ guest says ‘oh, you’re kidding’ after expert revealed the value of her old book (marketrealist.com)
A hair care manual fit for a queen – or at least a self-made millionaire. A recent episode of “Antiques Roadshow” featured a surprise appraisal that left one guest speechless.
The guest, a hairdresser, brought in a vintage beauty book gifted to her by a friend. She believed it to be the first African American beauty book, but she had no idea of its true value.
“Antiques Roadshow” expert Ken Sanders quickly identified the book as a first edition of the “Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Manual,” a textbook used in Madam C.J.
Walker’s Schools of Beauty Culture. While textbooks typically aren’t highly valued in the antiquarian book trade, Sanders explained the historical significance of this particular volume.
He highlighted that it was the first book published on hair styling and fashion for African American women.
The guest, who had experimented with some of the vintage techniques in the book, noted that many of the products mentioned were no longer available. Sanders pointed out that this wasn’t surprising, given the book’s age – likely over a century old.
He then delved into the fascinating history of Madam C.J. Walker, born Sarah Breedlove on a Louisiana plantation in 1867.
The first child in her family born after the Emancipation Proclamation, Walker went on to become, according to Guinness World Records, the first American self-made female millionaire. Her company, which still produces hair and facial products for African American women, bears her name today.
After this historical deep dive, the guest guessed the book might be worth around $3,000. Sanders, however, delivered a much bigger surprise.
Due to its rarity and the growing interest in early African American historical materials, he appraised the book at $10,000 or more. The guest’s stunned reaction was priceless: “Are you serious?
Oh, you’re kidding! $10,000?”
Overwhelmed and delighted, she thanked Sanders, still in disbelief at the unexpected windfall.