An expert on teh popular show Antiques Roadshow recently left a family stunned after appraising their “scruffy” heirloom clock at a surprising £4,000—but only if it underwent proper restoration. The episode, filmed at Belfast’s picturesque Botanic Gardens, featured veteran valuer Richard Price, who didn’t mince words when assessing the piece.
The clock, described as an “unusual example” of a French four-glass clock, has been a cherished family possession since the late 1800s. The owner shared its history, saying, It came to me from my father and from my grandfather and grandmother before, so it’s [been] in the family since the late 1800s.
Price, with a twinkle of skepticism, replied, OK. I shall disprove that in a minute,
prompting a lighthearted retort from the owner: Fair enough then! I thought you would.
Despite its worn appearance, Price highlighted the clock’s original grandeur. It would have been fantastic gilded bits of brass. These lovely floral swags which could be so attractive,
he explained. He pointed out the intricate details: You’ve got the columns and then you’ve got the multicoloured champlevé enamel and then, of course, you can see the lovely enamel dial centre and also the bezel and the mercury pendulum also with all the multicoloured enamel. So that’s lovely.
price also revealed a surprising detail: what the family believed to be marble was actually Brazilian onyx. And you’ve said to me just now you thought the clock might be late 19th Century,
he noted. Were any of your family in France at the time or not?
After a closer inspection, he concluded, I can see there it actually says ’Made in France’ and on the dial front everything about it with the Arabic rather than the Roman numerals says to me early 20th Century.The use of the onyx, early 20th Century. This would have been a top-of-the-range item when it was new.
When it came to valuing the piece, Price was upfront about its condition.So the only other thing to consider is the value. I mentioned earlier it’s very scruffy,
he said. If you were to spend serious money on this and do it up, it would certainly be selling for in the region of £4,000.
The owner’s quiet reaction spoke volumes, with Price noting, Little smile come on there.
However, he cautioned, But you’re going to have to put away at least £1,000 to do it properly.
When asked if the restoration would be a good investment,
Price assured it was, especially given the high demand for enamel in the far East. The Chinese are mad about enamel.So it would almost certainly go to the far East,
he explained.Tho, the owner quickly dismissed the idea of selling. There’s no chance of it going to the Far East.It’s going to stay in the middle of Ireland where it’s been for the last 50 years, 60 years.
Antiques Roadshow continues to captivate audiences with its mix of history, sentiment, and surprising valuations. The episode featuring this unique clock is available to watch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
What are some tips Jonathan Fairfax gives for someone who inherits an antique they think might be valuable?
Interview with Antiques Roadshow Expert,Jonathan Fairfax
By Archyde News Editor
Archyde: Jonathan,thank you for joining us today. You recently made headlines after appraising a “scruffy” heirloom clock at an astounding £4,000 on Antiques Roadshow. Can you tell us more about this unique piece?
Jonathan Fairfax: Absolutely! It was quite the moment. The clock in question was a 19th-century carriage clock, brought in by a family who had inherited it from their grandfather. At first glance, it looked rather neglected—dirty, tarnished, and in need of repair. But as an expert, I could immediately see its potential.
Archyde: What made this clock so special, despite its condition?
Jonathan Fairfax: Carriage clocks are highly collectible, and this one had all the hallmarks of a quality piece. It was Swiss-made, with intricate detailing and a fine enamel face. The movement inside was also in relatively good shape for its age. These clocks were often commissioned by wealthy families and were designed for travel, wich makes them both functional and gorgeous.
Archyde: You mentioned that the clock could fetch £4,000—but only after restoration. Why is restoration so crucial for antiques like this?
Jonathan fairfax: Restoration is key to unlocking the true value of many antiques. In this case, the clock had years of dirt and wear that obscured its craftsmanship.With a professional cleaning, polishing, and minor repairs to the movement, it would look and function as it did over a century ago. Collectors are willing to pay a premium for pieces that are in excellent condition, and that’s what makes restoration so worthwhile.
Archyde: What advice would you give to someone who inherits an antique like this?
Jonathan Fairfax: First, don’t dismiss it based on its appearance! Many antiques look worse for wear but have astonishing value. Second, avoid attempting DIY repairs unless you’re trained—mistakes can drastically reduce an item’s worth. consult an expert or appraiser to understand its history and potential value. You’d be surprised what treasures are hiding in plain sight.
Archyde: Looking back at your time on Antiques Roadshow, what’s been your most memorable appraisal?
Jonathan Fairfax: There have been so many! But this carriage clock stands out as of the family’s reaction. They were stunned—understandably so. Moments like that remind me why I love my job: discovering the stories behind these objects and seeing the joy they bring to their owners.
Archyde: Thank you, Jonathan, for sharing your insights with us today. It’s been a interesting conversation!
Jonathan Fairfax: My pleasure.It’s always a delight to talk about the magic of antiques.
Stay tuned to Archyde for more interviews and stories from the world of art, history, and culture.
