Best Moment: Ottoman Zarf, ca. 1875

Vocabulary word of the day is Zarf! David Walker appraises this Ottoman zarf, ca. 1875, in Portland, Hour 3.
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As clarity into the valuation of this item, ANTIQUES ROADSHOW appraisals place the value in context. This example is an auction estimate, which is typically lower than a retail or insurance estimate. A combination of factors including material quality, comparable items in the marketplace, and consultation with other experts led to the appraiser’s estimate. Most importantly: ANTIQUES ROADSHOW is an appraisal event and television production; we do not buy or sell objects, and conducting business with an appraiser at the ANTIQUES ROADSHOW event in strictly prohibited. ANTIQUES ROADSHOW trades solely in information!

[@B_Bodziak]

You obviously recognize that there is a GLARING problem with either the appraisal, the viewers uneasiness or both for you to have posted this. While I can appreciate AR providing this comment, it pertains to all items featured on your show. The better way to address this particular issue, would be to provide a statement that is directed at this item very specifically. I'd like to suggest something more along the lines of an update about this specific item and its then owner: Did she gift it to a museum/memorial after the show? Did she sell it? If so, through what channel(s) and avenue(s)? Most importantly, if she did sell it, ask her if she was approached with an offer to represent the sale. If she initiated the sale, who did she reach out to and from where did that recommendation come. Just because appraisers sign contracts indicating they will not be solicitous towards guests, is not a guarantee that it never happens. This is the basic foundation, principle number one if you will, of the entire premise of the show, and AR's reputation is at stake. If there is an instance of "trickery" for personal gain that comes to light, you better hope AR breaks the story and not a report from outside the company. All it would take is one viewer in that city with a decently sized social media account to do one blast of her picture, and her identity would be known within 16 hours. I bet she'd be happy to come forward and tell the public what happened after she left the show. If it's not favorable towards that appraiser, it's even less favorable towards AR. That could be enough to cancel your show. As a viewer, I honestly thought you had a system in place with a much stronger protocol that has some type of follow up (even if it's done randomly) than what you seem to have. Which is simply trusting the 100's of appraisers that appear on your show to be ethical in dealing with guests. If there is a game, is there a producer that's in on it, too?

[@threefortytwo23]

@@B_Bodziak It's out of their hands. Tracking down the owner after an evaluation to find where an item currently resides isn't a part of the AR business model. Do I think the evaluation was low? Yes. Do we know the true weight of the metal or carat weight of gems? No. We can only speculate. It's only a red flag to someone who trades metals or gemstones. 95% of the viewers probably weren't hung up on this appraisal so it's not like they really have to save any face. Just KZbin comments damage control. All that said, I hope the lady didn't undersell it... They sometimes do a "what is it worth now" segment where they show market changes. I wouldn't be surprised if they 'correct' this appraisal on an upcoming episode claiming the value has increased due to market change... Very intriguing appraisal and I appreciate your thoughts.

[@B_Bodziak]

@@threefortytwo23 I appreciate your comments and understand the meaning of what you're saying. In AR's comment, I would have liked for AR to expand a bit on whether or not an appraiser is restricted from offering to represent the owner's item in an auction house or store after the appraisal. Is an appraiser or his/her associates allowed to reach out to an owner after filming to offer to purchase or to sell the item? What I MOST want to know from AR is what parameters do they have in place to prevent a fraud situation. My reply to AR's comment was written under the influence of being highly annoyed! I wanted reassurance that procedures were in place at AR so the audience could feel assured that this appraiser did not and could not take advantage of this lady.

[@williamsecor7745]

AR needs to lose this guy like a bad habit. That valuation isn't even SANE let alone reasonable.

[@WavyFBaby]

B Bodziak chill

[@K1ttyhawk]

Hi all - a few years late here. I’m her son and I can’t tell you how excited we were for mom to get the chance to be on ARS with the zarf. It was one of dads favorite things and also favorite shows. I came back to find this because apparently they reappraised it on their show tonight for 5-7k. The zarf has not been sold. It holds a great memory and it’s been very entertaining to see how many people notice how much my mom loved Pat and also how many people can give varying appraisals 😂 Side note: my mom worked in a middle school at the time and one of her classes made a “wow” remix from this episode just for her 😂

[@chmod1777]

That's a great valuation -- substantial, but not enough so that you're tempted to sell it given its importance.

[@firstlast5068]

Let's put amount of the appraisal on the side, the fact that she brought in her husband's favorite item on his birthday is a wonderful way to honor his memory.

[@englishruraldoggynerd]

Absolutely. She must have loved him very much indeed.

[@jacknasty6940]

I'm sure he's thrilled

[@narcissismisadisease]

@@jacknasty6940 How can he be? He’s no longer here and, he didn’t take it with him.

[@YeshuaDisciple916]

​@@narcissismisadisease that's what his point was... That it doesn't matter to him, because he's no longer here.

[@stacythomas7162]

While the cup is exquisite, the story behind it abt this woman's husband is even sweeter.

[@__seeker__]

This woman really loves her husband. A lot. And that’s the most valuable part of this segment.

[@MISNM0]

💛

[@serkangul2761]

She doesn't need an auction to sell that piece. I can give her several names in Turkey who would easily pay much more than that amount. I don't know about the US but there is an increasing demand for the Ottoman art in auctions in Europe.

[@angelathorpe1611]

Nope, no way this is $5000. It’s absolutely stunning.

[@jaredanson]

you should buy it for more than 5k, then you'd be correct that it is worth more.

[@modelcitizen1977]

The market for buyers is very small.

[@yangziouhci7014]

@@jaredanson If i saw it at an auction, I would genuinely buy it in a heartbeat for $5000, maybe up till $7500. It’s dazzling, has real jewellery, and much history.

[@glassarthouse]

I think the real lesson I have learned from Antiques Roadshow is that within our lives, for each of us, there is bound to be some mystical, mysterious object, and all we have to do is be willing to search for it and find out from others what it may be. So great to see people learn of what wonderful treasures they unknowingly possess.

[@justmeonthebeach]

You are right!

[@BoneyRasputin]

Well I have hundreds in my collection so does that mean hundreds of people won’t get to experience their item😂😂😂

[@MISNM0]

💜

[@downo]

David Walker, to be entirely candid, you have done an excruciating job at appraising this zarf to international standard of its price. Its value is simply-put so much more. I hope this woman had realised that and hasn't sold it for anywhere under 13.000-15.000. Considering it's elegance, rarity and importance in Ottoman history and culture. @DavidWalker

[@cleancutlawnservice1]

He went over all of the history of the item and then gave her less than gold and diamond value as an appraisal. I think she was shocked and about to cry because of such a lowball appraisal

[@Marcel_Audubon]

@Karamjeet Bedi don't be a dullard

[@Marcel_Audubon]

@@cleancutlawnservice1 18k gold and minecut diamonds with culets so large you can see them sometimes space ain't worth a fortune, sweetie. Stop pretending you know what you're talking about because you so clearly don't. Hicks like you hear the words 'diamond' and 'gold' and start making some very braindead assumptions

[@jharris947]

Beautiful......Now that's what you call a coffee cup. I'm a big fan of the appraiser David Walker.

[@tommypetraglia4688]

This guy James is class act from the fit of his jacket and shirt, sleeves just past the cuffs, to the knot in tie and his coiffure right down to his perfect Kings English

[@AH-te5gs]

It's not perfect King's English at all. He clearly has an accent, I'm guessing New Zealand or Australia, or South Africa.

[@andygarrod5611]

Watching this whilst drinking coffee from my giant 'I run on coffee' mug, which is valued somewhere in the region of £3.

[@hippiecowgirl4231]

What a stunning piece !

[@Actingskint]

I always enjoy reading all the expert opinions from the internet experts , who’ve never done the job ever . It’s so easy to criticise a estimate , remember that word estimated value , on an object you haven’t held , or examined closely , other than on your tv . On the plus side I’m delighted for her to get a surprise about its use , as well as the joy of its possible value . She probably looked up at the sky that night with a glass of wine in her hand and smiled at the memories her and her shared together . Maybe even the enjoyment of collecting beautiful objects like this .

[@MoneyMager]

There are tons of people who are on KZbin who are actually experts in particular subject lol. Just because its the internet doesnt mean there arent any experts

[@patricaomas8750]

Dam I been using my set of 6 as egg cups

[@Malfehzan]

Hmmm, oeuf-à-la-coq

[@elizabethjackson8328]

Don't you mean....dammmmm?

[@trumpanzeeslayer4036]

I feel even worse. I’ve got a couple that I fashioned into boring drill bits for my fancy construction business. They became dull very fast so I tossed them.

[@piustwelfth]

He is, by far, the best looking appraiser in the history of the road show.

[@justmeonthebeach]

I guess, you are right 😄

[@armuk]

appears (no pun intended) to be the worst at doing his job in giving an accurate valuation though! serriously low-balled this poor lady

[@balluumm1]

Personally i think that estimate is far too low. The gold value alone would be $3k. Add the diamonds, workmanship, age and rarity and it's more likely to be $30-50k

[@lucky-qr3tk]

yes in today market this piece would easy hit 40 -50k +

[@Marcel_Audubon]

@@lucky-qr3tk and your credentials are ...?

[@Marcel_Audubon]

@False Flag LOL Unless you're that fool, then no, you cannot guarantee that

[@fbksfrank4]

@@Marcel_Audubon armchair appraiser.

[@josetapia8878]

He must work for Rick from Pawn star

[@YaoEspirito]

I enjoy watching a person genuinely surprised by a pretty modest valuation. Nobody wants to see a putz who's aware from the start what they're holding, and then upon hearing the value basically nod contentedly, "Ok. Thanks..."

[@karenjcosme]

Is he trying to buy this? That's insane. AR needs to do an update. The diamonds must carry at least 10 carats, never mind all that gold. I'm thinking he doesn't work at that auction house any longer. I sure hope she still has it. Good lord.

[@B_Bodziak]

He even verbatim tells her, "Yes. That's a lot of money." Certainly seems like AR may want to ask a few questions.

[@stephanieyee9784]

The zarb certainly looks and sounds as though it Should be worth more than the estimate. It's gold and decorated with diamonds!

[@iamwindchakra]

Take your old diamond ring and try to sell it. You'll get a low ball offer. Diamonds are very common and the amount of diamonds in circulation are controlled by Debeers. Unless the diamonds have a name brand attached, like Tiffany, or belonged to someone quite famous like Marie Antoinette, the value for resale just isn't there. There has to be interest in a piece to drive up value as well, and my guess is not that many people are looking for a fancy coffee cup. Plus, he gave the auction estimate which is always lower than retail. It's not a lowball offer at all.

[@LeidenLinen]

The gold alone is more than that! And it's encrusted in diamonds. Did he mis-speak on the appraisal? That is impossibly low.

[@aylacarter1955]

Diamonds are not necessarily expensive. If they are of poor grade and poorly cut they are not valuable. You would think it would be of a higher price however. The valuation was very moderate. Im sure it would be worth much more today.. this video may date in the 90s.

[@hittinfoe383]

@@aylacarter1955 wtf are u talking about??.. this video is no older than 2010..

[@hittinfoe383]

@@aylacarter1955 wow it even says it was filmed in 2018!!.. u idiot omg lmao..HAHA!!!

[@hittinfoe383]

The gold alone is worth like $500-$700

[@brihooke]

@@hittinfoe383 No, it says that it was published on KZbin in 2018!

[@rosencain]

She didn't seem too surprised when he said "diamonds". If I knew nothing of an item and it had sparkling things on it, I'd be flabbergasted to learn the sparkles are real gems. I know not every gemstone is of equal quality, but there's got to be well over 100 stones and at least a dozen are larger center stones around the design.

[@Yaoi155]

Old mine cut diamonds have very little worth

[@professor4202]

they're ugly diamonds cut badly

[@englishrose4388]

Love that your appraisers aren't allowed to purchase any items--so that their estimate is unbiased.

[@ahh1180]

This guy needs to smell the coffee - that Zarf will fetch no less than $20,000.00. A similar piece in a French auction in fair condition fetched €11,000.00 euros.

[@YaoEspirito]

That's what I was thinking.

[@jacksonparker3671]

That's at auction. Appraisers always give a lowball estimate.

[@Marcel_Audubon]

Sure, honey, you know more than David Walker. Sure.

[@Marcel_Audubon]

@@YaoEspirito based upon your education in Eastern antiques and experience at Sotheby's and at Freeman's?. didn't think so.

[@YaoEspirito]

@@Marcel_Audubon Nah. I know nothing about art or antiques. Cheers

[@stephanieyee9784]

This object is really lovely and I think it would be worth a lot more to a discerning buyer.

[@exas4791]

I was expecting a higher valuation.

[@tongsllc]

I am interested in the appraiser's tie! 😄Hahaha!

[@nikkinicole5588]

Bless her Lord. And I hope her husband was there listen to everything.

[@weijingburr2392]

The "cup" is very nice, that tie though...is fantastic!

[@michaelhughes3302]

What a lovely video that is. The object is sensation, the lady beautiful in her humility and the host is fcuking tops. What a fine young gentleman.

[@Chr.U.Cas1622]

Again something very beautiful was underrated.

[@Marcel_Audubon]

Again, some hick has an dimwitted opinion

[@drinny26]

All those diamonds and gold I was expecting at least $50,000. He probably offered her $5,000 cash in the parking lot and took it.

[@gordonilaoa1275]

Yeah I don't get some of these appraisals... I'll see then talk about pieces of the finest quality with gems and diamonds and Bam!... $12,000. Although I think it's illegal for an appraiser to make an offer on something they've appraised.

[@Valkonnen]

Yeah, that's how reputable people with shops stay in business....LOL... The man is an expert, and is putting everything on the line with each appraisal. So because you "Expect 50,000" that should mean what? The expert took the diamonds, gold and fine work into consideration and gave an "Auction Estimate". That is what we Antique dealers buy from, take it back to our store and then put a much higher price on it. I hit at least three auctions a week for the past 35 years....I think that I know a little about it.

[@joshwinters6214]

@@Valkonnen I don't think so. The diamonds alone are worth that easily, no matter grade. This is specially crafted for aristicrats from the Ottoman empire! Absurd!

[@Valkonnen]

@@joshwinters6214 I'm a person with 35 years of real experience. These are experts in their respective specialties. If you give wrong or dishonest information to someone, much less on TV, you're done for good. I understand what you think, but you are mistaken in this particular case.

[@joshwinters6214]

@@Valkonnen I totally respect and understand as I am definitely not an expert. But I would need an entire class study to convince me that this is worth less than my old Buick that barely runs sitting in my garage. I know it's not retail but why is such an essential empire's timestamp worthless?

[@robertculliver9120]

I don't know where he's getting his figures a men's 14 karat gold ring will run you just under $1,000 at today's market this is 18 karat gold encrusted with diamonds enameled and has the antique value as well I think his estimate is way low

[@36thgallardo]

That's what I thought too, I expected 15 to 20 grand.

[@gordonhopkins4658]

I will pay cash for it if that the price she is happy to take. There is no way that is only worth 3-5 grand.

[@dcmc7383]

Absolutely low. I wonder if he wanted to acquire it or knew some one who did and undervalued it on purpose. I’ve never seen an ARS episode where someone valued an antique for less than the sum of its parts. Hmmm.

[@iversonjcameron]

Agreed

[@michaelreed3368]

Robert Culliver The Value given is fair. The quality of diamonds and or missing diamonds would greatly affect value. There's no such thing as Antique Value, there are many old things that aren't worth their weight. 3/5K was probably generous at best.

[@HunterBidenCocaineBag]

He's awfully cute. He can low-ball me. I'm cheap.

[@simonhbrooke]

The most opulent thing in this video is the appraiser's hair.

[@zolluuu]

People, get a grip. The appraisers don't come up with these values in a vacuum. They consult one another on the scene. They do internet research on the spot. And keep in mind that the zarf is relatively small. When they zoom in, it looks like a goblet but in fact it's probably not even big enough to hold the equivalent of a shot glass.

[@B_Bodziak]

People cannot "get a grip" when the gold alone is worth more than the appraiser's value...that seems to be a huge red herring.

[@thecook8964]

It is not it is incomplete, missing the glass, which lowers it's value

[@Marcel_Audubon]

@@B_Bodziak don't be a dullard, there is no market for 18k gold,

[@tamt.5812]

I like his tie.

[@daleroth1477]

Museum quality piece.

[@ElwoodPDowd-nz2si]

Nice tie.

[@mahvashkhosrowyar1671]

Zarf means dish in Farsi and Arabic and Turkey.

[@unapologetica9121]

Not in Turkey.

[@luannyates5199]

Beautiful zarf

[@1ACL]

It's so pretty. I would keep it -- find a glass or ceranic insert for it-- and drink coffee out of it every morning! "Princess Cup", indeed!

[@jenniewright3045]

It's not just one person making up the estimate, its multiple people making the decision so you cant just have a go at this guy when the items are looked at by most if not all of the experts

[@inmybox100]

The dreaded WOW said how many times . I was expecting it to be so much more .

[@WikeddTung]

Nonsense. I just saw a gold/enamel zarf WITHOUT diamonds on sale for $8,500. He's clueless

[@user-cw8ej4gd3v]

Sexist appraiser on this show by far

[@ickn2005]

Amazing piece! Wow!

[@WaterChleo]

Terrible estimate, this item should've gone to a professional jeweler.

[@Valkonnen]

uh, that's exactly what he does every day....These are the top experts in the world...

[@downo]

@@Valkonnen nope. I don't know where you pull that information from but based on this appraisal alone, he provided her with a terribly off estimation on the value of that luxurious zarf. It's nowhere less than 10.000. In the right auction it may even reach 15.000. You've got to be an idiot to think this is worth 3.000?!

[@Valkonnen]

@@downo I Pull that information from the fact that I've handled the sale of two of these in my career and have been a professional in the Antiques Trade for over 35 years. I also buy at auctions every single week and understand that you get great deals at auctions and then sell the items that you purchase for RETAIL. Do you know the difference between those? Can you give me links to ones that have sold at auction for between 10 and 15 Thousand dollars. You are accusing a professional of being and "Idiot" so I hope that you can back up what you say with recorded sales.

[@Valkonnen]

@@downo We literally have to put our reputation on the line every time that we make an appraisal. One wrong appraisal that loses someone money could destroy a whole career. We're way more careful in spite of what you imagine.

[@rhuarkk2138]

3-5k? That’s it? Lame

[@ovh992]

Gold and diamonds cup for $5,000? That young whippersnapper of an appraiser needs to go back to school.

[@downo]

I agree

[@eriklindhurst5793]

A zarf! Of course! I knew it all along.

[@laurafedora5385]

That seems incredibly low, considering all the diamonds. I’m no expert by any means, but...

[@jeffpetrie7744]

That looks like a lot of diamonds and gold for only $5K.

[@daleHarrison93]

Jesus that is worth ALOT LOT LOT LOT MORE

[@badlyniceness2315]

It’s awesome

[@norwegiantj]

This is exactly how one should drink a cup of coffee.

[@51Saffron]

It is tiny, not very big at all, some people need to realize what zoom in and close ups are, it is not the actual size.

[@MsBeachboxer]

TBH, I haven't seen him again, but don't watch ALL. Complete amateur, feeling glad I'm not alone in this opinion.

[@1trschaefer78]

Bad appraisal. But the appraiser is kind of hot!

[@bobbsmith1959]

David Walker appraises this Ottoman zarf after smoking several bowls of fine Turkish Zarf.

[@cherylbarnard5621]

Lol

[@ChrisGirard]

Would you like your Zarf with your espresso, m'lord?

[@drahmet4806]

param olsa bu eseri türkiyeye geri kazandırmak isterdim..

[@Daijobustory]

Brought in a golden cup that by the weight of gold and diamonds alone worth way more than 5k. Appraiser: It’s 3k. Her: OMG! I thought it was 20 bucks!

[@Yaoi155]

Old mine cut diamonds are not very valuable and that wasn’t a lot of gold so most of the value comes from the age but the item is not rare nor does it have a fantastic provenance so the appraisal is probably about right

[@lindanorris2455]

AMAZES ME HOW PEOPLE INHERIT FABULOUS THINGS AND NEVER HAVE THE DESIRE TO INVESTIGATE OR LEARN ANYTHING ABOUT THEIR GREAT THINGS?

[@rodakjones7574]

Come on lady. You ain't surprised. It's got like a hundred diamonds in it. What were you guessing , a couple hundred.

[@hiawathasbrother]

I would think the diamonds alone would be worth $10,000.

[@BIX-18827DCM]

These estimates sometimes feel so off to me. There is no way

[@smittymcjob2582]

on a side note: I wonder how a person from Iran would react to his comment that the Ottoman empire included parts of Iran! hehe...

[@seanhudson9763]

First time I’ve heard someone’s from eureka

[@briannovak5028]

I expected a million or something.

[@88997799]

$3000-$5000!…. 18k Gold melt plus the diamonds is worth more than that!

[@kevinsmith5360]

Incidentally, there is also a line of menstrual cups called Princess Cups

[@kurtbarlow9402]

You have to "encrust" those ones yourself. Not literally yourself, (judging by the name) but you know what I mean.

[@enlisty]

Was the valuer in a right state of mind when he said $3000 for its valuation?

[@mfatih9032]

Maşallah 🌷

[@danacaro-herman3530]

I wish the Americans stopped saying "wow" all the time. The UK Antigues Roadshow guests are so much more refined and genteel.

[@journalwithdolly]

Nah I'm British and I get pissed off with the UK one. Usually old posh farts who know exactly how much stuff is. Some genuine excitement is refreshing

[@JerryShelby]

The Arabic word is "ظرف". It means envelope, bag or holder.

[@shailahijani6575]

That cup is a lot more worth then 3 to 5,000 more like 10,000 to 20,000

[@michaigonzalez2732]

He fine

[@julieo6266]

I'd get a second and third opinion

[@lightbody232]

it's a treasure what ru talking a bout

[@patriciawickholm3617]

Holes or not, it is still a cup.

[@bjay4u280]

Is that the cutie again ? The auctioneer from before.

[@angusmatheson8906]

This is worth at least 15 k.... 15 k BRITISH POUNDS

[@ameliareaganwright2758]

WOW!!!

[@bobbycratchet3958]

While it's impressive to hear the appraiser's explanation of the piece, it a little sad that the owner of many pieces showcased on the Antique's Roadshow know pretty much nothing about it. Why, when you have something for decades of such important family history/value do you know nothing about it. A bit of an insult, to the piece that is.

[@The_Anunnaki]

She says wow better than Owen Wilson

[@electrostatic1]

There is about $5000 of raw gold bullion in that piece (and was in 2018 as well), Wtf is this guy trying to pull?

[@boondock1355]

You could scrap this piece for 3-5 thousand dollars!

[@axiomist1076]

This must be a cup holder. One couldnt drink out of it as is, with a ll the holes in it.

[@jadelee6555]

Zarf means container.

[@4Dye]

18 kt gold and enamel. And mine cut diamonds....$3000. Wtf. Seems like it should be worth more in gold weight alone. Smh

[@redwoods7370]

Estimate way too low.

[@ChevelleMan317]

Add another 0 to that appraisal sir..🧐

[@JJ-xt1nc]

That's silly The gold and diamonds are worth more separately

[@joshwinters6214]

For that price, I would buy this from her immediately if I was a scumbag

[@rossbrumby1957]

Cheapest gold and diamonds I've ever heard of. Maybe he lowballed her to make an offer off camera.

[@anthonyuchello2031]

18k gold & full of diamonds. $3-5k. Right...

[@rflint9902]

I'll take 10

[@nunyabizness199]

My next question might be, how in the world did they get it ?

[@elizemuller5065]

Inherited it from his aunt, where they got it, who knows ...