From Antiques Roadshow Rejection to £53 Million Auction Success: The Vase's Incredible Journey.
A rare vase once dismissed as a mere reproduction on Antiques Roadshow has stunned the world, fetching an eye-watering £53 million at auction. The 16-inch porcelain piece, which was initially thought to be worth just £800, has captivated collectors and antique enthusiasts alike, proving that sometimes even the most overlooked objects can hold priceless value.
The vase, dating back to the Qing dynasty, first appeared on the BBC show Going for a Song in the 1970s. At the time, an antiques expert dismissed it as a “very clever reproduction”, with a modest valuation of only £800. Little did anyone know that this seemingly ordinary item would one day make headlines.
"The vase had been tucked away in an attic for forty years, largely forgotten by the family who inherited it," said David Reay, manager at Bainbridges Auction House. "When it was rediscovered by the family, no one had any idea of its true worth. I was told it had been valued at only £800 just two months before it came to us, and I was also informed it had been on Going for a Song around 40 years ago, where it had been labelled a reproduction."
After its rediscovery, the vase was taken to Bainbridges, where David Reay quickly recognised its historical significance. Through careful research and expert verification, the piece was confirmed to be an authentic artefact, created around 1740 during the reign of Qianlong, the fifth emperor of the Qing dynasty. Experts speculated that the vase may have been looted from the Summer Palace in Peking during the Second Opium War, adding a layer of intrigue to its already fascinating history.
"Once we were able to authenticate the piece, we were initially able to estimate its value at around £1 million," Reay explained. "However, we had no idea what would happen when the bidding started."
The auction itself was nothing short of electric. The vase quickly became the centre of attention, with the bids escalating rapidly. The final sale price reached an astounding £43 million, and with added commissions and VAT, the total sum reached an eye-popping £53,105,000.
Auctioneer Peter Bainbridge, who presided over the sale, described the atmosphere in the room as "electric." He recalled, "There was a silence that wrapped itself around the sale as the figure grew slowly but surely up to the sky." Reflecting on the monumental moment, Peter added, "I'm an auctioneer, so at that point, I’m just doing my professional job. But once the hammer’s down, you do take stock and think, 'Oh, wow, that’s really rather a lot of money.'"
The family, whose modest attic find had turned into a fortune, were left in shock by the extraordinary outcome. "It was all a bit much," one family member admitted. "We had no idea this was even valuable. We were completely taken aback by the final price."
This incredible turn of events marked a landmark moment for the auction house, with Peter Bainbridge raking in around £10 million in commission. It also served as a reminder to collectors and antique lovers that even the most unassuming of items can hold immense value—if only they are recognised for what they truly are.
From being dismissed as a “reproduction” to selling for millions, the vase’s story is a testament to the unpredictable nature of the antique world. What was once seen as a forgotten object tucked away in an attic has now become one of the most talked-about treasures in recent history.
