The 15 Biggest Surprises on ‘Antiques Roadshow’
“Antiques Roadshow” has examined dusty attic relics and forgotten family heirlooms for over 25 years. Some of those examinations have turned into jaw-dropping revelations resulting in life-changing amounts of money. From a $3 million pocket watch to a Navajo blanket tied to Kit Carson, the PBS staple has often unearthed treasures that leave owners (and viewers) stunned.
Here are 15 of the biggest surprises — and the most valuable items appraised — on the show, proving that one person’s trash can indeed be another’s fortune.
1. Boston Red Stockings’ Archive
In 2014, a woman’s archive of 1871-1872 Boston Red Stockings’ memorabilia was appraised at a whopping $1 million in New York. The impressive collection, which included some of the earliest-known baseball cards as well as a letter from the team’s first lineup, was considered valuable because it offered a unique glimpse into the early history of the sport.
2. Chinese Rhinoceros Horn Cups
During a 2011 “Antiques Roadshow” episode in Tulsa, Oklahoma, a collection of late 17th or early 18th-century Chinese rhinoceros horn cups were appraised at $1 million to $1.5 million. The carved cups were deemed extremely rare due to the scarcity of rhinoceros horns and the intricate artistry involved in making them. Not to mention how some rhino species are on the verge of extinction.
3. Patek Philippe Pocket Watch
In 2004, a man brought a 1914 Patek Philippe pocket watch to the show in St. Paul, Minnesota. Initially appraised at $250,000, its value was later updated to between $2 million and $3 million in 2018. The watch was a family heirloom passed down from the owner’s great-grandfather and was worth so much due to its intricate craftsmanship and pristine condition.
4. Alexander Calder Mobile
This mid-20th-century hanging mobile by American sculptor Alexander Calder was brought to the “Antiques Roadshow” in Miami in 2010. Initially appraised at a value of $400,000 to $600,000, it was later updated to $2 million in 2021. Renowned for his work in kinetic art, Calder’s mobiles have seen their value skyrocket over the years. The item was brought in by a woman who said her parents were avid art collectors; she was unaware of its value until the appraisal. (Sigh, why didn’t my folks collect art?)
5. Navajo Ute First Phase Blanket
In 2001, a man presented a Navajo blanket from 1850 in Tucson, Arizona, which was given to his family by American frontiersman, Kit Carson. Initially appraised at $350,000 to $500,000, its value was later updated to $1.5 million to $2 million in 2021. The blanket’s rarity, coupled with its pristine condition, cemented its status as a treasure of Native American textile art.
6. Daytona Rolex Watch
During a 2015 episode in Omaha, Nebraska, a guest brought in a 1973 Daytona watch by Rolex. Originally bought for just $543, the owner kept the box it came in, along with the receipt from the store. Donning a reference number of 6263, the watch is known for its solid gold case and black enamel bezel. Due to its rarity, it was appraised for $100,000.
7. Tiffany Studios Lamps
In 2008, a man brought two lamps by Tiffany Studios to the show in Palm Springs, California. Gifted to him by a friend, the man said he knew the lamps “were Tiffany” but was unaware of their true value. Appraised for a combined total of $130,000, the value was later updated to $170,000 in 2021. The lamps were estimated to be from the early 1900s, the appraiser said.
8. Diego Rivera’s ‘El Albañil’ Painting
After bringing in a 1904 oil painting from acclaimed Mexican artist Diego Rivera, a man in Corpus Christi, Texas, walked away with an appraisal of $800,000 to $1 million in 2012. The painting, titled “El Albañil,” was later updated to a retail price of between $1.2 million and $2.2 million due to the prominence and historical significance of Rivera’s work.
9. Qianlong Jade Collection
In 2009, a woman brought an 18th-century Qianlong jade collection from the Qing dynasty to an “Antiques Roadshow” taping in Raleigh, North Carolina. Appraised at $710,000 to $1,070,000, the collection’s value was attributed to the jade’s exceptional quality, coupled with the exquisite craftsmanship of one of China’s most prolific and culturally significant periods in history.
10. Frederic Remington Portrait and Letter
During a 2014 show in Birmingham, Alabama, a man brought in a portrait of his great-grandfather painted by impressionist Frederic Remington and a letter signed by Remington himself. Appraised at $600,000 to $800,000, the value stemmed from Remington’s enduring appeal, coupled with the unique personal connection between the subject and artist.
11. German Violin circa 1750
During a 2016 taping in Salt Lake City, Utah, a woman brought in a vintage German violin that her father had purchased in 1965 for $600. The appraiser identified it as a possible Widhalm from Nuremberg—a family known for its elite craftsmanship. The violin also retained its original neck and an intricately carved head, indicating it was handmade. Though it was appraised for just $10,000 to $15,000 at the time, it was later updated to a value of $12,000 to $20,000.
12. Fabergé Flower
On the BBC version of the show, a Fabergé flower ornament commissioned by the Countess of Dudley in 1903 was appraised at over £1 million (approximately $1.27 million) in 2002. With only about 80 known to exist, these botanical studies are highly prized for their ties to Russian imperial history and their “majestic beauty,” as noted by jewelry specialist Geoffrey Munn. (Also, the “water” the flower appears to sit in is actually a part of the ornament itself. Impressive, indeed.)
13. Ángel Botello Oil Painting
In 2022, during a stop in Santa Fe, New Mexico, a guest presented an oil painting by acclaimed Puerto Rican-Spanish artist Ángel Botello. The vibrant piece, which had been gifted to the guest’s family circa 1960, was appraised for $100,000 due to its provenance. In recent years, Botello’s art has soared in value, with collectors willing to pay top dollar for his early works.
14. Leica Luxus II Camera
Dubbed the “world’s rarest camera,” this gold-plated Leica Luxus II camera was also appraised on the BBC version of “Antiques Roadshow” for a staggering £1.7 million (about $2.1 million) in 2001. One of only four made, the rarity and prestige of the Leica brand helped elevate its value among photography enthusiasts. Fun fact: the owner “used it for years” before knowing its worth.
15. 1937 Clyfford Still Oil Painting
In 2008, a woman brought in an oil painting by American abstract painter Clyfford Still. The woman said the piece was gifted to her and her husband as a housewarming present by a colleague who used to work with Still. The painting was inscribed on the back and was signed and dated: “Clyfford 37.” It was appraised for a whopping $500,000. Given the scarcity of Still’s work on the market (he kept most of his paintings during his lifetime), the piece was considered a major find.
Interested in learning more about valuable antiques?
Then don’t miss 10 Historic Guns That Sold for Sky-High Prices and 10 of the Most Valuable Historical Letters Ever Sold. You should also check out 9 Essential Tips To Know Before Selling Your Antiques. And if you’re curious about shopping for your antiques, take a look at 8 Effective Tips for Bargaining at an Antique Shop.