Ep 16. Erddig 2

In this episode of Antiques Roadshow UK, the team travels to the beautiful Erddig House in North Wales to offer free valuations and expert advice on antiques brought in by local residents. The show starts with a bang as presenter Fiona Bruce introduces a rare and exotic 19th-century vase, brought in by husband and wife Keith and Ann. The couple inherited the vase from a family member who purchased it from a dealer in the 1930s and had always assumed it was just a lovely decorative piece. Antiques expert John Benjamin quickly identifies the vase as a stunning piece of Japanese cloisonné enamel, crafted by the master artist Namikawa Sosuke. He values it at a staggering £35,000-£40,000, causing the couple to gasp in disbelief.

Next up is retired farmer George, who has brought along a peculiar and rarely seen object that he found in a shed on his land. The item turns out to be an antique cider press, dating back to the 18th century, and is in surprisingly good condition. Antiques Roadshow's woodwork expert William Tong identifies it as a hard-to-find piece with unique features, including a horseshoe-shaped press and a branding mark that indicates its origin in Devon. The press is valued at £5,000-£7,000, and George is thrilled to learn that the piece he almost threw away could now fetch such a high price at auction.

Another standout item featured in this episode is an impressive collection of Japanese ivory figurines, brought in by sisters Jane and Sarah. The figurines were originally owned by their great-grandfather, who worked as a missionary in Japan in the early 20th century. The intricate carvings depict a range of traditional Japanese scenes, from geishas and samurais to animals and mythical creatures. Antiques expert Ronnie Archer Morgan describes the collection as a "veritable menagerie," noting that each piece is expertly crafted and has intricate details. He values the collection at a surprising £10,000-£15,000, leaving the sisters both impressed and emotional.

Amid the excitement of these valuable treasures, the show also takes a poignant turn as we meet David, who has brought in a modest-looking piece of pottery for valuation. The item belonged to his father, who was a prisoner of war in Germany during World War II and passed away shortly before the show was filmed. David is unsure of the pottery's origins or value but hopes that it might provide some insight into his father's experiences as a POW. Antiques expert Henry Sandon examines the piece and identifies it as a rare and unusual example of pottery made by prisoners of war in the infamous Stalag Luft III camp in Poland. He explains that the delicate and intricate decoration was likely done using common household chemicals, such as toothpaste and shoe polish, and values it at a meaningful £500-£800.

As always, Antiques Roadshow UK offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of antiques and collectibles, providing a mix of surprising valuations, amazing stories, and historical insights. From the exquisite to the poignant, this episode has it all, and fans of the show are sure to be delighted.