Additional Coverage:
- ‘Antiques Roadshow’ seller almost in tears after expert reveals value of his grandma’s old beer mug (marketrealist.com)
A recent episode of “Antiques Roadshow” featured a surprising discovery. A guest brought in a seemingly ordinary beer stein, a family heirloom from his grandmother. He was nearly brought to tears when antique expert Noel Barrett revealed its true value.
Barrett was intrigued by the stein’s unique “reverse on-glass” label, a feature rarely seen on beer steins. He explained that this type of label, typically found on liquor bottles, was painted on the reverse side of a curved piece of glass and then applied to the stein.
The stein, likely a Gambrinus Lager advertisement from the 1800s, had a humble history. The guest’s grandmother used it to store string in her kitchen. He even recalled attempting to sell it at a garage sale, with no luck.
The expert’s appraisal stunned the guest. The stein was valued between $2,000 and $4,000. Overwhelmed with emotion, he could barely express his gratitude.
Another remarkable find on “Antiques Roadshow” involved a Russian wine-tasting vessel. A couple brought in the small cup, which had belonged to the wife’s grandfather. He received it as a gift during a trip to Russia with the British chess team.
For years, the vessel served as an ashtray and was carelessly tossed around their home. The husband eventually decided to polish it, uncovering the silver beneath layers of grime.
To their astonishment, they learned the cup, designed by Fabergé, was worth $6,300. The husband jokingly declared himself a “clever little husband” after the surprising revelation.