Antiques Roadshow star in awe over 'really weird' object worth four-figure sum


Antiques Roadshow enthusiasts were in for a treat as the latest episode whisked them away to Ealing, where a parade of curious and intriguing valuables awaited appraisal.

Expert Matthew Haley couldn't hide his amazement on the most recent instalment of the beloved BBC programme.

The Sunday night show transported viewers to the historical Pitzhanger Manor, where an assortment of treasures awaited to get valued by the show's experts.

Among the artifacts brought in was an unusual photobook presented by a guest that immediately caught the attention of the veteran expert.

Matthew revealed: "I've been in this business for about 20 years and I had never seen one of these before until about a month ago. This is the third one I've seen in the past month."

The woman brought in an 18th century Harlequinade children's flip book
The woman brought in an 18th century Harlequinade children's flip book -Credit:BBC

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The BBC personality enlightened the owner that her possession was known as a Harlequinade - a fascinating book type with flippable pages designed to entertain by combining images as the story progresses.

Intrigued by the playful object, crafted for the amusement of children, Matthew eagerly inquired about its history, reports Express.

The woman shared: "It's my partners. He was left it by a friend of his about two years ago and we know nothing about it at all."

The item was valued at £1,000
The item was valued at £1,000 -Credit:BBC

Matthew disclosed: "It's really, really curious. It starts with the story of Adam and Eve. It's done in manuscript in ink, handmade and water coloured."

As he flipped through the pages, BBC viewers were taken on a quirky journey Eve turned into a mermaid before an image of a lion wearing a regal crown.

The journey didn't end there as audiences also caught sight of a watercolour man chilling beside his abode before the finale hit with a full-page spread of a skeleton representing death itself.

"I mean, it's really weird, isn't it!?", remarked Matthew during the segment as the owner couldn't agree more, stating: "I didn't know what to make of it if I'm honest."

Antiques Roadshow expert Matthew Haley was left speechless
Antiques Roadshow expert Matthew Haley was left speechless -Credit:BBC

Inquiring about its origins, the lady took a punt saying it hailed from the 18th century. Spot on, Matthew confirmed, pinpointing its creation somewhere smack in the middle of the 1700s.

He added: "Now, having said that this is the third one of these that I've seen in a month, they are still quite rare. Obviously, each one is unique and special. At auction, I think you'd expect it to make at least £1,000."

The owner was utterly flabbergasted as she replied: "Wow! I didn't think it was going to be that much, thank you! Thank you very much."

Antiques Roadshow is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.