Nine Antiques Roadshow's most valuable items that will leave fans speechless

Since its debut on our television screens back in 1997, 'Antiques Roadshow' has captured the hearts of viewers, with fresh episodes still being aired.

The much-loved BBC series showcases individuals presenting their antique treasures to experts for assessment, and these items range from artwork and crockery to war medals and tiny trinkets.

While there's a mixed bag of valuables, with some turning out to be of no value and others uncovering fortunes, it's not only the prospect of unexpected worth that keeps the audience hooked; the rich histories behind the heirlooms are equally compelling.

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Delving into the 'Antiques Roadshow' vault, here's a peek at 10 of the priciest assessments ever made on the show.

Signed first editions by Beatrix Potter

One visitor in 2017 had a collection of these original prints, personally inscribed by the author herself. Ignoring the spine damage, book specialist Farahar ascertained the battered but precious volumes could yield £25,000.

Shakespearean notebook

In the same year, another guest was astounded to learn that their small notebook, filled with "scientific scholarly notes" about Shakespeare's works and dating back to the 17th century, had the makings of an auction star, with estimates suggesting it could fetch upwards of £30,000.

Document signed by Queen Elizabeth I

A guest once presented a unique document from 1563 on the show. Although it may have appeared to be just an old piece of paper, it was actually quite special as it bore the signature of Queen Elizabeth I.

The document was in fact a licence, issued to permit an Elizabethan adventurer to discover gunpowder. Book specialist Clive Farahar was astounded by the valuable item and estimated its worth at a staggering £35,000.

Star Wars helmet

In 2014, a collector brought a piece of Star Wars memorabilia to the Roadshow. It was a helmet - an original prop from the iconic 1977 film and it was valued at an impressive £50,000.

Van Dyck Painting

Back in 2013, Fiona Bruce identified a painting that appeared to be an original Van Dyck. The artwork had been purchased for a mere £400 from an antique shop by a priest. However, it was later revealed to be worth £400,000 and subsequently exhibited internationally.

Jardiniere by Christofle

Previously used as a plant pot, expert Eric Knowles disclosed that the item was actually a French 'Japonisme' crafted in 1874. Found in Cleethorpes in 1991, the Jardiniere was later sold for £560,000 in September 2012.

Maquette of the Angel of the North

One of the priciest items ever featured on Antiques Roadshow was a prototype model of the globally renowned Angel of the North sculpture by Anthony Gormley.

The experts appraised the piece at £1 million, marking the first seven-figure valuation in the history of Antiques Roadshow.

Faberge flower

Two British soldiers previously featured on the show to have a Faberge flower, a possession of the British army, evaluated by an expert.

The artefact was exquisitely made from gold, jade, diamonds and silver, and it stood on a carved rock crystal base. The soldiers were astounded when Faberge jewellery specialist Geoffrey Munn estimated the unique piece at a whopping £1million.

FA Cup

In 2016, former Leeds United player Eddie Gray brought in a retired silver cup. After being bought at auction in 2005, the trophy was donated to the National Football Museum. Alastair Dickenson valued the trophy at approximately £1 million during its on-air appraisal.

Antiques Roadshow is available to watch on BBC iPlayer