Antiques Roadshow expert spots 'big mistake' in couple's table that costs them £35k

Antiques Roadshow expert Hugh Scully was left in disbelief when he discovered a 'big mistake' in a couple's table that had cost them a staggering £35,000

View 3 Images

An Antiques Roadshow duo were left stunned when expert Hugh Scully revealed their beloved table was worth far less than they'd hoped. The BBC specialist assessed a late Georgian/Regency period table crafted from mahogany wood, dating all the way back to the 1820s.

At first, Hugh appeared pleased and seemed keen on the distinctive piece. However, following a more thorough examination, his enthusiasm waned as he spotted two major issues - the wood had endured serious bleaching from extended sun damage, and leather covering had been added at some point.

The couple disclosed they had previously been given an eye-watering estimate and were sceptical about the £35,000 price tag that had been assigned to their table.

View 3 Images

When they confirmed this sum, Hugh replied bluntly: "That is too much, I'm afraid." He then delivered the devastating news that a "big mistake" had taken place, which slashed its value, reports the Daily Star.

He elaborated: "Somebody has, I'm afraid, made a big mistake with this. This was never designed to have a leather top."

The antiques authority pointed out that the mahogany surface had been hollowed out to accommodate the leather, which significantly compromised the table's original structure.

"That is going to make a huge difference to the value," he continued. "I'm afraid I've already taken quite a bit off your £35,000 as a result of that."

View 3 Images

Despite the shocking revelation, Hugh still admired the craftsmanship of the piece. He praised the quality of the mahogany and its historical significance, recognising how much the couple cherished it.

However, when it came to re-evaluating the item's worth, the result was stark. Hugh admitted: "I'm going to have to revalue it. Minimum of £10,000, possibly £12,000 is more realistic."

Even though the new estimate was significantly lower, it still represented a substantial profit from the owners' original investment. When Hugh asked about their initial expenditure, the guest revealed: "£600."

This meant that despite the downgraded valuation, the couple were still looking at an impressive return - albeit far less than the life-changing sum they had initially imagined.

The segment, filmed in Northallerton in 1999, fascinated viewers with its insight into how modifications can impact the value of antiques.

Fans were quick to react online, with one commenting: "Furniture was made to be used and to have wear and tear on it; the fact it has survived this long makes it invaluable for someone's collection at home or office to be continually useful still."

Another praised the way the situation was handled, saying: "The evaluator was not only positive but so was the couple, which made a huge difference. As he said, they are enjoying it."

Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.