Additional Coverage:
- ‘Antiques Roadshow’ guest says ‘thank you to the Duke’ after hearing the value of her Royal gift (marketrealist.com)
A “Thank You” to the Duke: Antique Gaming Table Appraised at Nearly $12,000 on Antiques Roadshow
An Antiques Roadshow guest received a delightful surprise when her antique gaming table, a gift from the Duke of Wellington to a family member, was appraised at almost $12,000. The guest, who inherited the rosewood Sheraton-style table, recounted its history to expert Hugh Scully. Originally gifted by the Duke to his secretary or valet upon the latter’s marriage (along with a set of willow-patterned china), the table remained a family treasure, even surviving a fiery incident involving a bad-tempered ancestor and the original playing cards.
Scully, impressed by the table’s provenance, deemed it a remarkable piece from the 1780s or early 1790s. Made of exotic rosewood, likely imported from the West Indies, the table features inlaid boards for backgammon, chess, and cards.
Despite one board being a later replacement, Scully assured the guest that this did not significantly detract from its value. He emphasized the importance of the table’s history and encouraged her to preserve its story in writing.
Upon hearing the appraisal value, the guest reacted with a mixture of shock and delight, offering a heartfelt “thank you” to the Duke of Wellington. Scully advised her to insure the valuable heirloom and to keep its fascinating history alongside it for future generations. The guest confirmed that she had already documented the story, ensuring that the table’s legacy will continue.