Additional Coverage:
- ‘Antiques Roadshow’ guest left stunned after expert revealed the value of table that cost her just $25 (marketrealist.com)
Garage Sale Find Turns into $225,000 Windfall on Antiques Roadshow
One lucky “Antiques Roadshow” guest received a life-changing surprise when her humble $25 garage sale find turned out to be worth a small fortune. The guest, who bought the small table about 30 years ago, was stunned to learn its true value: a whopping $200,000 to $225,000.
At first glance, the table appeared unremarkable. However, a faded label on the underside, reading “John Seymour and Son, Creek Square, Boston,” caught the attention of the show’s experts. The label identified the table as the work of renowned 18th-century cabinetmakers John and Thomas Seymour, known for crafting exquisite furniture for Boston’s elite.
Expert Leslie Keno pointed out the table’s exceptional features, including the figured mahogany, inlaid design with sand-burned detailing, satinwood inlay, and a distinctive “coved” edge. He noted that the Seymours, originally from Britain, drew inspiration from English design books but elevated those designs to a new level of artistry.
The guest admitted to cleaning the once-moldy table with linseed oil and turpentine years ago, but thankfully, she never fully refinished it. Keno explained that this apparent neglect actually preserved its value, as over-cleaning could have diminished its worth.
While the guest hoped for an appraisal around $20,000, she was speechless when Keno announced the six-figure valuation. He even suggested that on a particularly good day, the table could fetch as much as $300,000. The guest’s shocked reaction spoke volumes, capturing the magic and surprise that “Antiques Roadshow” is known for.