Antiques Roadshow guest wowed as 25-year-old Halloween decoration given top price tag
An Antiques Roadshow guest couldn't believe he had used a four-figure ornament as an outside Halloween decoration for more than two decades.
AR: Carved devil figure valued at $5,000
WARNING: This article contains spoilers from Antiques Roadshow.
An Antiques Roadshow guest was amazed when he was informed a family Halloween decoration was actually worth thousands.
Expert Nancy Druckman had the job of appraising an unusual wooden figurine in the shape of a devil sitting in a chair, brought in by a guest who purchased the item more than two decades ago.
“About 25 years ago, I went to a historical society sale where people donated items to keep the historical society going”, he explained.
“And I collected Halloween [items] and I walked in and he was sitting on the floor and I purchased him. He cost a whole $10.
“I inquired about who made it and it was a local gentleman who worked in a factory and supposedly it was like [in] around 1920 or 1930.”
Read more: Antiques Roadshow guest barely reacts to 6-figure value of art by Madonna's ex
Despite not knowing exactly who made the figure, it was then Druckman’s opportunity to delve more into its most likely backstory.
She said: “This is the epitome of American folk art. Here’s a guy who was probably a millworker along the Monongahela River.
“I think the date is correct for it, because we’re sort of in the era of Prohibition and the big temperance movement.
“So devils are out there and they’re warning you about the evils of drink.”
Don't miss...
Antiques Roadshow guest speechless as art pieces amount to eye-watering value [REACTION]
Antiques Roadshow guests speechless at eye-watering value of item bought for £1 [REVEALED]
Antiques Roadshow guest wants to swap ‘Casio’ for inherited five-figure watch [EXPLAINER]
Summarising, Druckman commented: “It’s just one individual’s kind of inspiration and humour and capability and it’s just got such personality.
“It’s the beauty of American folk art. This piece could probably bring between $4,000 and $5,000.”
The guest instantly began laughing at the valuation, exclaiming: “Wow. Geez!
“Well, it sat on my front porch during Halloween for 25 years in October, for the whole month.”
BBC Antiques Roadshow: Top 7 biggest valuations will leave you staggered
Antiques Roadshow has made some lucky Brits a pretty penny over the years.
Often viewers are left stunned when something left sitting in an attic is worth millions of pounds.
From a Faberge flower, to art by Banksy - here are the seven most expensive antiques discovered on the BBC's Antiques Roadshow.
“And he had corn stalks around him and everything, and I think we’re going to be bringing him in.”
“You’ve got to find another centre piece”, Druckman joked.
The owner agreed with Druckman adding that his statue was “just delicious”.
“He’s quite a guy”, the guest added.
Antiques Roadshow is available to watch on PBS.
