An enlightening episode on the BBC's Antiques Roadshow left a guest utterly surprised when he discovered the current value of his 17th-century silver gambling box. Initially purchased for a mere £2,000 in 1988, the intricately crafted box, featuring a portrait of Charles I, is now estimated to be worth between £6,000 to £8,000.
Daily Mail reported that an antique acquisition from a colleague needing cash had become valuable in English history.
In a captivating segment, antiques expert Alastair Dickenson examined a silver box from the 1640s. The retired guest, formerly an insurance specialist in antiques, had purchased the item from a financially desperate colleague.
Initially unaware of its true value, he saw only its aesthetic appeal and potential worth. Described as containing 'gaming discs' used by the English gentry, he invested £2,000 after negotiating from a higher asking price.
The gambling box features a portrait of King Charles I and Queen Henrietta Maria, skillfully integrated into its design, with fanciful, almost demonic figures etched onto its sides.
Dickenson praised the exceptional engraving and craftsmanship of Simon Van de Pass, an artist who died in 1647, shortly after the box's presumed creation. Inside, the box contains 32 counters, each etched with different English monarchs, making the set rare and valuable. Dickenson noted that having 32 counters is nearly the maximum for such a box, highlighting its uniqueness and worth.
After reveling in the box's features and significance, Dickenson estimated its current value to significantly exceed the purchase price from over three decades ago, placing it between £6,000 and £8,000. The guest reacted with shock and humor, joking that he might now need a bodyguard due to the box's increased worth.
"Do they? I'm waiting for you to tell me what that sum is! No! Golly," the guest exclaimed, expressing surprise and delight at the valuation.
The expert's analysis revealed that while the box features royal figures, its value stems from its artistic depiction and historical narrative. Each counter in the box serves as a unique piece of art, enhancing both its historic and monetary value.
The Antiques Roadshow episode not only highlighted the owner's monetary gain but also showcased the intricate art and historical value of 17th-century English silverware. Antique enthusiasts and historians now appreciate such items as a tangible connection to the past, valued in new contexts.
The show uncovers hidden stories of objects with deep historical significance, bringing them to light for public appreciation. This episode underscores the unpredictable journey of antiques, transforming ordinary acquisitions into valuable treasures.
In conclusion, this episode offered a remarkable look at the history, artistry, and evolving value of a 17th-century gambling box. The visually stunning and historically significant piece captivated the audience and its owner, proving the enduring allure and surprise of antique treasures.
