The 5 Most Expensive Finds Ever Seen on ‘Antiques Roadshow’
Most Memorable Things To Appear On "Antiques Roadshow"
"Antiques Roadshow" is a popular television reality show where people from across the country can bring in family heirlooms, collectibles, and other antique pieces to be appraised by experts. Even ordinary objects can sometimes turn out to be a treasure once an expert takes a look at it and uncovers its history and origins. In the decades since the show's first episode, some items have astonished fans and owners alike, as they were precious beyond imagination. Among them five most valuable items ever appraised on "Antiques Roadshow" stand out.
An Oil Painting by Diego Rivera
El Albañil is one of the earliest oil paintings made by the artist Diego Rivera in the United States. Rivera, who lived from 1886 to 1957, was celebrated as one of the most influential artists of the early 20th century. He was best known for his powerful murals that reflected social and political themes, as reported by the San Antonio Museum of Art. A person brought the famous El Albañil oil painting to "Antiques Roadshow" in 2012. After having a look at it, everyone was shocked to know that it was the same lost painting created by Rivera when he was just 18.
Navajo Ute Blanket
Navajo weavings are one of the most popular traditional textiles created by the Navajo people of the Four Corners region in the U.S. For more than a century, these iconic pieces have been widely traded for their cultural and artistic value. So, when a guest brought a Navajo blanket during a 2001 episode of the TV show, appraiser Donald Ellis said, “It is the most important thing that’s come into the ‘Roadshow’ that I’ve seen." As reported by WWLP, by 2021, a fresh appraisal estimated the blanket's worth at somewhere between $1.5 million and $2 million.
Alexander Calder Mobile
The television show’s first item to reach an appraisal of up to $1 million was a wire mobile created by Alexander Calder, a popular sculptor. The guest who came with the mobile got it from her aunt, who's a devoted admirer of Calder. In 1958, her aunt hosted the sculptor at a cocktail party and gifted him a handmade pillow decorated with one of his designs. A few days later, Calder sent his thanks by presenting her with the mobile. An appraisal in 2021 revealed the worth of the item at $2 million in the retail market.
Baseball Cards From the 1870s
Previously on the show, appraiser Leila Dunbar revealed that a guest’s family had held onto a rare set of early photographic baseball cards. The guest reportedly received it from her great-great-grandmother, who ran a boarding house where some of the earliest professional baseball players once stayed, as reported by CNBC. Dunbar emphasized their extraordinary historical value and recommended that the person insure the item for at least $1 million. The appraiser called it, “It is the greatest archive I have ever had at the Roadshow.”
Swiss-Made Pocket Watch
A Swiss-made Patek Philippe pocket watch is a symbol of luxury, craftsmanship, and elegance. In 2004, jeweler Paul Hartquist brought one such 1914 pocket watch to "Antiques Roadshow" and surprised the experts. Speaking about the piece, Hartquist said, “This is one incredible watch. It’s the finest watch I’ve ever held in my hand.” It is estimated to cost somewhere between $2 million and $3 million.
