Magical Faberge flower valued at £1 million - Antiques Roadshow - BBC One

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Watch the BBC first on iPlayer 👉 bbc.in/iPlayer-Home Programme website: bbc.in/2qx5aYC The Antiques Roadshow visits the Black Country Living Museum in Dudley, where surprising finds include a Faberge ornament destined to become one of the most valuable items ever seen on the show. Jewellery specialist Geoffrey Munn is left breathless by the majestic beauty of the regimental jewel, commissioned by the Countess of Dudley in 1903 for the Queen's Own Worcestershire Hussars in honour of their service in the Boer War.
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[@20zzxxx]

That time when the consignor looked like the expert auctioneer.

[@TheSFMCreators]

I thought the suited gentleman was the expert!

[@drinny26]

I didn’t know who was who.

[@QuasiELVIS]

Usually with the really expensive stuff that belongs to the Army or a Museum etc, the person who looks after it knows more about it than the AR expert can ever tell them. It's not a "discovery", everyone already knows how valuable it is.

[@ky-gp4sz]

Mac Doodles I couldn’t tell.

[@vika0194]

Mac Doodles me too and I thought the other guy was the one everybody joked about

[@HeyLaserLips]

For a few moments I thought they'd actually filled the base with water to maybe present it to the camera before realising it's solid. That's amazing craftsmanship.

[@charmelleretief1375]

Incredible workmanship..

[@OliverFlinn]

Yeah, its art..

[@PyroGothNerd]

That's Faberge for you

[@ronnieboucherthecrystalcraftsm]

me also totally asking myself = why would they put that metal flower in a glass of water ? gob smacked ! crystal !

[@user1.8.2.]

So did i!!

[@Brickcellent]

The fact the refraction of the stem in water is so realistic is incredible.

[@sampuatisamuel9785]

So realistic

[@veryconfused9768]

Yes I thought it was real water

[@a_plus_luxe3426]

Thats not a simulation, you’re seeing actual refraction.

[@elih9700]

@@a_plus_luxe3426 Lol

[@eleanorgames2857]

Carl at his best

[@MrMatt_Gray]

I was confused who was the presenter

[@eastlamb9949]

Hahaha

[@rafaelguerra7222]

Ja,ja,ja,ja,excellent.....I was confused also,ja,ja,ja.

[@ethanh8189]

Matt Gray was literally thinking the same ahah

[@willm3539]

i think we all were

[@user-qr2tf8vl4k]

Haha

[@britbritcritict2512]

So the base is not glass but stone wow that is a masterpiece alone

[@TheFlyingZulu]

I thought it was actually water at first! Masterful craftsmanship here.

[@mandelade]

Patrick Jones i kept wondering why they’d present the piece in water ahaha

[@phyllisdevries5734]

I was amazed by the clarity of quartz crystal.

[@manmaje3596]

It’s pure rock crystal carved with the most skilled craftsmanship.

[@rjjcms1]

Brilliant.

[@carlotta4th]

One of the rare times on antiques roadshow where I think that is LOOKS worth the price! Such a masterpiece.

[@RoySimon6]

The guy on the back looking for the sunshine at 2:03 😆

[@ashleylydbrook5047]

🤣 great catch!

[@PneumaticsAreCool]

Lol 😆

[@intuitivediane]

Lol

[@charlescutts2387]

Absolutely !!!! Hilarious !!!

[@doonspriggan9616]

Lmao!

[@normalil]

The presenter, who is accused of over handling the object, is Geoffrey Munn, one of the most respected and knowledgable jeweller and expert in the world. I am sure that he knows exactly what he's doing.

[@jumustube]

doesn't matter. still didn't need to touch it and get his oils on it. completely unnecessary for him to do so. it served no purpose whatsoever

[@wthwasthat8884]

@@jumustube ok random internet comment ill be sure to pass your criticism onto Geoffrey he'll get back to you once he's done being a better expert at this than you. toodle pip

[@jumustube]

@@wthwasthat8884 isn't every comment here a "random internet quote" including yours?

[@Fandango541]

I'm sure he does not! At one point his fat little finger wiggled one of the pieces inside the blossom. Who gives a shit about how respectable he is. He still can break a valuable piece of art with those flashing mitts of his.

[@Fandango541]

@@wthwasthat8884 PHUCK OFF! prissy pants and toodle shit to you.

[@vxrdrummer]

I remember growing up with this program on a Sunday evening. We play a game as a family and see who could get the closet to the actual valuation. I always loved this show.

[@bigyeet3629]

I went from thinking it was an actual plant, to it being a glass art piece, to having my mind blown.

[@tothelighthouse9843]

I honestly thought they'd brought the flower out in a glass vase & water for display purposes. Extraordinary.

[@MrRamazanLale2]

Pawnstars: "I give you 50 bucks for it and I'm taking a huge risk"

[@stoner4life765]

MrRamazanLale2 packet of slim Jim’s and a bottle of malt licker and some Fryed chicken

[@jeffrandall4046]

Let me call a buddy of mine to come take a look at it.

[@kaungthu2213]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@sandyhossman7771]

Are you crazy it was made by Faberge in Imperial Russia!

[@junkmonkey5513]

@@sandyhossman7771 r/whoosh

[@LaserHighway]

I like to picture Mr Bean strolling past and somehow tipping over the table without knowing

[@vozamaraktv-art5595]

And gets a standing ovation

[@josetul6969]

Hahahahah😄

[@veryconfused9768]

Uh oh

[@TroupeGoal]

lol!

[@projas9432]

😂

[@nigelcarren]

In 2018, the man the legend Geoffrey Munn telephoned me to wish me Happy Birthday just as he had promised in response to my Twitter joke the year before. This remains my second-best birthday wake-up moment! 😉 A perfect Gent and thoroughly charming... Long may he reign. 🏆🇬🇧

[@Missditabomb]

nigelcarren: Nice!!

[@elseby]

2:04 the guy on the left looking for the "sunshine" 🤣

[@africareigns]

😂😂😂

[@hokiangateroroa]

"shrieking pitch of perfection" is a fabulous line.

[@Deezhan]

You knew it was serious when 2 army guys had to come.

[@klgreload]

They brought it in. Its owned by the Regiment.

[@abdulfattah4276]

mate one of them is a general.

[@jackmatthews2245]

@@abdulfattah4276 captain

[@sampuatisamuel9785]

Well they need to protect their valuable property

[@stevenhawker4984]

@RR ExtraReal gangsters 😂 😂

[@markasfahani8315]

Anyone else freaked out when he kept on touching that delicate item?

[@TheresaPowers]

No. I would do the same.

[@hellskitchenkritterandfrie3372]

It gave me the MOST ANXIETY

[@ahsonyousef4636]

@@hellskitchenkritterandfrie3372Don't worry... He's Geoffrey Munn! There are few people more respected than him in the Jewellery world...

[@dakotakavana]

YOOOOOOOO FR

[@malenotyalc]

No, because he's an expert, and he was touching solid stone (rock crystal specifically), which is not delicate.

[@jedidiah710]

I replayed this over and over again just to look at the reactions of the people at the background 🤣🤣🤣

[@bugsygoo]

But the General's reaction is the best. He just sort of nods approvingly while everyone else gasps. Guess that's the temperament you want in battle!

[@theirmanager5204]

‘Shrieking pitch of perfection’ is now my life goal.

[@BenGateno]

I had the privilege of seeing the largest expo of Faberge eggs and other Faberge creations collected in one location at a special expo in Brussels in 2005. They had some 'plants' like these and I can confirm in person they are utterly astonishing! In fact, I found them to be way more intriguing than many of the eggs (although some of the eggs, especially the carriage one, are off the charts amazing).

[@Missditabomb]

@Ben Gateno: Wow! Lucky you!!

[@TheDaern]

@Will Hooton I would love to have been able to visit at some point, but sadly it's going to be off limits to those from the West for some years to come I feel. Such a shame, but I live in hope to be able to visit one day in the future.

[@alkh3myst]

This must have been before that Russian oligarch started trying to buy them all. I've been fascinated by Faberge eggs since I was a child. Seeing many of them at once would probably make my head explode.

[@booboo3175]

I clicked here thinking there was a real magical flower but then realize the flower is a “hair blossom” and wonder if it would be damaged in the glass of water.. THEN realize it’s a rock... wow

[@nancy-katharynmcgraw2669]

Pear blossom.

[@John-X]

I clicked cuz I thought it was an actual flower that like, moved or something. Disappointed.

[@canine576]

That collective gasps though.

[@tarafoy9929]

I love how breathless and excited the guy on the right is, he's literally beside himself. It's so great!

[@CochinKerala]

That's one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen! 💐

[@ssbeebs]

Piece Of Junk........... Worth 2-Bits ....

[@jubelivion182]

It is! Surreal and vibrant like a living thing.

[@jumustube]

you need to get out more

[@jubelivion182]

@@Gaudine you couldn't possibly know.

[@jd9039]

Hi Steve.....you got my vote.

[@megalopolis2015]

Stunning workmanship, to put it mildly. Wow. Completely awesome and of massive historical significance.

[@zmvictor]

“And here we have something that’s sort of redolent of the distant past, because it’s a shrieking pitch of perfection and luxury. And it’s an utterly breathtaking object.” Geoffrey Munn, silver-tongued connoisseur-how beautifully put!

[@jennifers6435]

Most beautiful object from antiques roadshow..ever

[@intuitivediane]

So unusual.

[@AudioAndroid]

The day you meet your best friend. These two should be amazing friends.

[@slukky]

I just today learned that Faberge made glass & stone flowers. Just wow!

[@AuntK68]

Can you imagine being told it's worth that much and then having to get it back where it belongs in one piece? I'd have been a nervous wreck all the way home!

[@gilesmiles8458]

This took my breath away before I even heard the valuation. What an absolutely exquisite piece.

[@danielwhyatt3278]

I bet in the two years since it has become even more valuable. Such an exquisite piece of Faberge work.

[@cosmicgracess7059]

Really a master piece

[@erogyerb1235]

Cosmic grace ss I ngtfy

[@robertfrye5161]

I have seen this clip many times and it still blows my mind

[@scouser2010ify]

Damn whoever made that was a genius craftsman

[@seamonster936]

Yeah, maybe that's why he made all those eggs for the Russian Imperial family?

[@renardmigrant]

Fabergé? Yeah, no shit.

[@ivanolsen7966]

just like a female ... cannot ....WILL NOT .... LISTEN

[@MrBonners]

and handled by a fool.

[@pippipster6767]

Yeah, but made something dodgy aftershave.

[@Sabrina-rn9dn]

Never seen anything like it. It is absolutely beautiful and elegant. Love it

[@bilbobaggins4710]

I love you ❤😊

[@notgaryoldman1178]

4:45 Woman in the back *Hears £1million.* Now the cogs are turning: potential fast exit routes analysed, the threat of the two soldiers assessed, the proximity to an international airport quantified...

[@cloisterene]

I recommend keeping it in the Royal Trust or whatever they call the national museum over there. That's right up there with the rest of the jewels and priceless artwork.

[@Soli2deYT]

I found the reaction from the ladies in the background most intriguing. lol. The one looked in complete shock and it almost looked as tho she started plotting the idea of stealing the object just out of sheer jealousy as most of us have thought at one point. Specifically the lady w/blonde hair n the blue flowery look'n dress.

[@MrStGeorgeIllawarra]

LOL that the solider on the left just nods but the other looks shocked.

[@antw4065]

The lady with the flowery dress looked like she just sold it to him at a car boot sale for a fiver

[@shawnfitzpatrick2914]

I'm not sure what's better...the art or the comments about shaky jake poking it to death

[@cleatusmcgurkin3740]

A fitting tribute to the men it honors.

[@stefan514]

The way this guy touches everything gives me chills.

[@ThepPixel]

Hes Geoffrey Munn, one of the most respected jewellery specialists ON EARTH. I think he knows how to handle these things.

[@carlosfer2201]

I've seen this 20 times. But mostly only the gasps near the end. It's amazing.

[@button1ginger1]

If you have ever been to Dudley, you'd understand. There's not much in Dudley - the Black Country Living Museum, where this episode was filmed, is where some of Peaky Blinders is filmed. Dudley is a run down, working class town with it's manufacturing days long behind it.

[@carlosfer2201]

@@button1ginger1 I think you could get that reaction almost anywhere. A million dollar/pounds/euros object is incredible.

[@shmookins]

I actually thought that was water. Amazing craftsmanship, especially using old tools.

[@stephanieyee9784]

So did I. It's remarkable how realistic it is. I hate to think how many times the base was attempted before it was perfected.

[@MrSmid888]

I love our Britishness that we laugh or simply agree when told the estimation. Whereas I’ve watched a few America clips and they nearly all reply “no you’re kidding? Seriously? Stop it no?” 😀

[@katelights]

I saw one on ARUSA where the guy fake fainted.

[@MrSmid888]

@@katelights 🤣🤣

[@phillymouse2033]

Absolutely breathtaking! Faberge was an amazing genius whose like we will not see again.

[@grimreaper3526]

was a different time back then..... honestly, give someone the best materials to work with & yes its gonna be nice

[@tamarrajames3590]

Philly Mouse agreed, but I think Lalique became his equal in more modern styles. I wouldn’t refuse a gift of either man’s work. 🖤🇨🇦

[@phillymouse2033]

I completely agree, Tamarra. Lalique made some lovely items as well and I would also never refuse something from either of these great men.

[@tamarrajames3590]

Philly Mouse I always used to say I wanted to be Rene Lalique when I grew up. U am a jeweller, but haven’t had the chance to work with the quality of gems he had access To and I’ve definitely not yet achieved the quality if his workmanship, but he remains my primary inspiration....one day...🖤🇨🇦

[@tamarrajames3590]

Mark Kingston; I fully agree with you, I have even made the odd piece that surprised ME with the quality of finished product. I don’t let others do parts of my designs though...I seem to need to do the whole project...I wouldn’t mind getting to play with some of the old Imperial Russian materials though. They had such stunning gems, and a love for using different colour gold alloys together. I love that they also used unusual materials as well, like cow horn and semiprecious stones...not as costly as some, but still the best quality. 🖤🇨🇦

[@TsetsiStoyanova]

Jesus, this is exquisite!

[@davelordy]

I made one like this from an egg box it’s actually not hard, the hardest bit is getting the paint out of your eyebrows

[@Lara-234]

@Sammy G if you're not religious it doesn't matter

[@tonyjoesephbourke7786]

@@Lara-234 yes it does God doesn’t hold people guiltless for doing so for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God for God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life

[@sixfootbear]

@@tonyjoesephbourke7786 Jesus wept.Damn god botherers!

[@jungle3434]

@@tonyjoesephbourke7786 you’ve been brainwashed by religion.

[@livingmetalandmineral8543]

this is a very valuable masterpiece

[@gaijininja]

At first I thought that was a real pear blossom and they were going to open the box to show the medallion. Damn, that is insanely real artist skills. Value at one million pounds, real value, priceless.

[@TorToroPorco]

In a way it’s a shame to have to put a value on something as meaningful and exquisite as this since in reality it is priceless in terms of its rarity and symbolism. A million pounds seems almost trite.

[@ninapatchett9969]

I love how my mum would shout at me for being too close to a glass on the floor, imagine if she was here with this guy poking this £1million flower 🤣

[@EterPuralis]

Which isn't made of glass 😅 maybas well be precious with a diamond.

[@SykeMediaTV]

I love the lady in the back wearing glasses .. she looks like shes thinking ''Ohhh you lucky bastard'

[@JimShadyUK]

The soldiers need to work on their poker faces - ha! Seriously though, what a gorgeous piece and an utterly moving backstory.

[@azntoogood]

I thought that 1st guy in the suite is the appraiser. Lol

[@nidzdotnet76]

I love it when the people around have no idea what it's worth until he announces it and the crowd gasps.. It's the best part of this show.

[@Sabrina-rn9dn]

However I would of loved to seen the lining of the inside of the box..

[@elastronaute1198]

you are gorgeous

[@DrewJPS]

@@elastronaute1198 You want to see the lining of her box, don't you?

[@bunnystrasse]

Drew Layton holy crap 😂😂😂😂

[@bilbobaggins4710]

I love you ❤😊

[@canine576]

Me too! I was waiting for him to open it.

[@moomoo3031]

:54...I thought he was gonna knock it off the stand flopping his hand around like that...

[@chewie2055]

moo moo 0:54. You’re welcome 😉

[@DaneraNW]

I love things like this, and I love these Brit’s they’re so nice

[@lysettesoures2994]

Just Breath Taking Jewelry Art and a Real Recognizable Honor to the Soldiers that didn’t Return.

[@holdup5779]

Even the soldiers were blown away by the price reveal.

[@Wally-H]

It's a good job they were there to provide security - I think the regiment's insurers would expect that of such an incredibly valuable piece.

[@nicolette479]

How poignant and tragic .The Anglo Boer War. How ironic the flowers and stem are crafted from diamonds and gold , the very things that war was fought over. Gold and diamonds, the stuff of dreams or the stuff of nightmares depending the victor or prisoner . In the case of South Africa it brought so many woes if not the root of all ensuing problems and injustices, the discovery of gold and diamonds.....

[@SpandauJerry]

First serious comment here. What they've talked about was very shallow.

[@Smudgie]

Beautifully put.

[@JESUS-kg8kz]

Give it back

[@rfaria3822]

Hello from South Africa.

[@JESUS-kg8kz]

@@rfaria3822 hello from fife,Scotland

[@bryanmoyna9715]

1:44 oi! hands off! wars have been started for less! XD

[@pommiebears]

It’s absolutely gorgeous.

[@delusionsofgrandeur1330]

This is stunning and nostalgic and so old world .. thanks for sharing

[@c.s.7266]

Breathtakingly beautiful!!!

[@dustintacohands1107]

Beautiful may it last 1000 years

[@SpuroftheMountain]

If only those Beanie Babies up in the attic were worth anything.

[@AndySaenz]

Spur-of-the-Mountain The only one that is really worth anything is the purple 1997 Princess Diana beanie baby! I've seen it sold on eBay for $5,000!

[@LadyDragonsblood]

Just like all these Funko Pops, that will be rotting in boxes in five years..... never invest in a fad.... if you are going to do it.... get in and get out as quickly as possible.

[@bellakatherman1477]

Spur-of-the-Mountain ikr!?! i’d be rolling in the dough

[@LadyDragonsblood]

Andy Saenz By the way, I have one of those Diana Beanie Babies, not because it was a beanie baby, but for Diana... she was me heroine. Trust me... nobody would pay that much for it.... maybe fifty bucks at most.

[@pamelatapia5595]

Spur-of-the-Mountain if you have the Princess Di bear it is!

[@mfollett3613]

Exquisite Faberge, a sprig of apple blossom. What a wonderful story too. I would loved to have seen inside the box, to see how they keep it safe in there.

[@hjordistorfa]

This is so magnificent beauty it's a true pleasure to have been able see it.. Thank you Antique Road show for your interesting educational information 💕✌💖

[@daezjn]

*gasp* indeed ... definitely need those two guards to protect it on the way back lol

[@garyjames2892]

To have something made buy one of the greatest rulers Carl Faberge was just breathtaking Geoffrey Munn says it's worth a million pound and spot on because in my opinion it's the greatest object ever found on the Antiques Roadshow

[@Simon_PieMan]

gary james What do you mean by “greatest rulers”?

[@stephanieyee9784]

Perhaps he thinks Faberge was a King, not a goldsmith and jeweller.

[@pleasejustdobetter]

Stunning piece, nice to know so much of its history.

[@newcoyote]

Hey! How about stop jabbing at it with your big finger.

[@billyboblillybob344]

lol right! I was half expecting one of those diamonds to drop out from that inane poking...

[@hardleecure]

No kiddin. was chapping my ass to see this idiot putting his paws all over it. Just LOOK at it and tell the man what it's worth ffs.

[@TonyEnglandUK]

@@hardleecure arse*

[@nowandaround312]

​@@kingy002 Even really good antiques experts still have the ability to *break things* lol. There's no reason to take the risk with such a valuable item when it's completely unnecessary to touch it.

[@chrisbrooks4925]

That’s what she said 😂

[@msmagpie5620]

Can,t believe he kept pawing that beautiful object.

[@emrysariana4397]

omg when the guy keep poking that.. i was like "careful".. 😅

[@svfox]

the one soldier is like hmmm interesting.. what is for lunch

[@Chrissie.V.58]

It's absolutely beautiful!!!!

[@roygriffiths4399]

Nice to see Stamford Cartwright, the conservator, again after 66years. ' Knew him as a young chorister at St James' Church, Wollaston then. He always had a cheeky grin and a good sense oh humour.

[@marjoriecoey3418]

What an elegant and precious momento for that regiment and England!❤

[@dismith73]

a shrieking pitch of perfection

[@astridstoik6002]

people with last name smith don't use this type of vocabulary, you're copying it from the captions. you're a peasant

[@walkabout16]

In the hushed realm of treasures, a tale unfolds, A Fabergé flower, its magic foretold. On Antiques Roadshow's distinguished stage, A masterpiece revealed, from a bygone age. Petals of gold, a craftsmanship divine, A Fabergé creation, a treasure to shine. Valued at a million, a mystical bloom, In the dance of time, a rare heirloom. BBC One's lens captures the radiant gleam, Of a flower enchanted, like a timeless dream. In the delicate hands of the expert's caress, A million pounds' worth, a moment to impress. Each petal a whisper, a Russian ballet, In the heart of the bloom, history at play. A magical echo from an imperial past, In the Fabergé flower, memories cast. Intricate filigree, a delicate trance, A floral masterpiece, a dance of chance. Valued not just in pounds, but in stories untold, In the petals of gold, a legacy bold. Antiques Roadshow, a time-traveling guide, In the world of treasures, where stories reside. A Fabergé flower, a million-pound tale, In the BBC One spotlight, history unveiled. Mystical whispers in the antique air, A million pounds' worth, beyond compare. In the dance of valuation, a moment spun, The magical Fabergé, under the radiant sun.

[@jenndobrev9703]

Beautiful piece of art! The colors of the flowers WOW.

[@Tasoq]

I think it's really beautiful

[@blue3381]

It's really nice that Dwight from "The Office" has found a job as an appraiser.

[@MicaRayan]

Brilliant piece of art !

[@Concetta20]

Absolutely gorgeous.

[@NiklasEjnar]

*Rewinding 100 times to see everyones reactions*

[@Chr.U.Cas2216]

Simply fantastic/beautiful/wonderful!

[@boffage8922]

I love everyone’s reaction to the price

[@sagan666]

Fantastic looking piece. Real quality craftsmanship.

[@36cmbr]

I can watch these snippets for hours! Gotta get my shower!

[@markasfahani8315]

Am I the only one who was nervous each time he touched it?

[@mgscarborough]

I couldn't help but notice that the Brits and French military are the only troops in the world that know how to properly wear a beret.

[@Smells-like-foxes-piss]

Neil Anderson yes! They can.

[@amgriff18]

Ha their berets look like crap!! Well the Guy on the left is fine. Mine looked way better than the guy on the right though.

[@ensteffo]

+Guzeebo If you base that assumption on this then that is strange since this is what most troops do everywhere i have seen them.

[@wojciechjeziorski9653]

Yes, the only troops in the world that know how to properly wear a beret and how to retreat/betray

[@landcruiser2632]

Your last name is Polish. One could say that your country hasn't the proudest tradition of resistance in the face of force

[@juanlauda2300]

Gorgeous item.

[@sunnywakefield4659]

BEAUTIFUL !!!!

[@bojojojo913]

This faberge chappie makes damn good chocolate eggs too.

[@delfin_reels04]

More than the price, it is so beautiful though...I love it!

[@CK8smallville]

The two guards gives away the fact that it is an expensive piece

[@algemgulmatico7534]

Such a treasure!