Additional Coverage:
- ‘Antiques Roadshow’ guest gets $25,000 appraisal for sculpture that her kids used to play around with (marketrealist.com)
A “Priceless” Plaything: Family Heirloom Valued at $25,000 on Antiques Roadshow
An “Antiques Roadshow” guest received a delightful surprise when a sculpture, long used as a plaything by her children, was appraised for a staggering $25,000. The sculpture, a depiction of the Greek god Pan, was created by renowned African-American artist Richmond Barthe.
The guest’s grandmother purchased the piece for a mere $500 after a chance encounter with Barthe’s studio in Jamaica during the 1960s. Unaware of its true value, the family had playfully adorned the sculpture with Christmas cracker hats for years.
“My kids have been putting Christmas cracker hats on his head,” the guest chuckled. “I should maybe put him a bit higher so they can’t reach him!”
The guest recounted how her grandmother cherished the sculpture, which became her “pride and joy” after years of correspondence with Barthe following her initial deposit.
From Plaything to Prized Possession: A Legacy of Art and Value
While some family members found the sculpture’s imposing presence less than appealing, the guest always held a special affection for it. “The joke was when Nana passed away, it wasn’t ‘who gets Pan,’ it was ‘who’s going to have to take care of him’,” she explained.
“And I volunteered because I think he’s beautiful.” It turns out, Pan is not only beautiful but also incredibly valuable, with a retail value estimated between $15,000 and $25,000.
Silver Tortoise Makes a Splash on Antiques Roadshow
Sculptures often make appearances on “Antiques Roadshow,” each with its own unique story. In another episode, a guest brought in a silver tortoise sculpture, initially believing it to be worth around $3,000 to $4,000.
Crafted by the esteemed Japanese court artist Unno Shomin, the tortoise was not only made of solid silver but also featured gold barnacles. The expert highlighted the exquisite craftsmanship, noting the meticulously hand-chased details of the scales, face, and seaweed.
Dating back to the late 19th or early 20th century, the sculpture’s historical significance, combined with its precious metal composition, elevated its value considerably. To the guest’s astonishment, the expert appraised the piece at $20,000 to $30,000.