Jump directly to the content

A GUEST on Antiques Roadshow was left blown away after his "ugly" 18th-century ceramic toad was given a hefty valuation.

During a recent episode of the BBC programme, presenter Fiona Bruce and the show's experts took the roadshow to Brodie Castle in Scotland.

A guest on Antiques Roadshow was left stunned after his item was appraised
3
A guest on Antiques Roadshow was left stunned after his item was appraisedCredit: BBC
His 'ugly' 18th-century ceramic toad could fetch a pretty penny at auction
3
His 'ugly' 18th-century ceramic toad could fetch a pretty penny at auctionCredit: BBC

But it was one guest's ceramic yellow toad which left expert Lee Young impressed, as he admitted he had "never seen anything like it".

Knowing the item was unique, the guest began: "Well, he has been known as ugly toad to me for about 60 years.

"I don't know a lot about him, but my mother collected unusual items. I did actually phone her and ask her where she got it.

"She said it was an elderly lady and the lady wanted to de-clutter and she asked if there was anything that my mother would like.

READ MORE ON ANTIQUES ROADSHOW

"So I said, 'Well, what about giving me ugly toad?' So she gave me ugly toad."

Laughing at the comment, the guest admitted: "I do love him, but not so much my wife."

Delving into the history of the toad and its origin, Lee explained: "This is by Scottish pottery, Dunmore, which started in the 18th century.

"The one thing I will say about this is I have seen other examples of it, but I have never seen one at this scale."

Valuing the toad, Lee revealed: "I think he is such a wonderful thing and for all the things we have just discussed about him.

"I think he can easily carry an auction estimate between £600 - £900," to which the guest exclaimed: "Well, I am delighted about that!"

Lee then turned and asked the guest's wife: "And I suspect if two people got excited about him he could make even more, do you like him a little more now?"

She laughed and shrugged: "I guess..."

Antiques Roadshow is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

Expert Lee Young admitted he had never seen anything like it
3
Expert Lee Young admitted he had never seen anything like itCredit: BBC

We pay for your stories!

Do you have a story for The Sun Showbiz team?

Email [email protected] or call us direct on 0207 782 4220 .

We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.

Topics