BBC Antiques Road Trip host horrified as item flops at auction and issues stern warning
BBC Antiques Road Trip presenters Irita Marriott and Raj Bisram were left screaming "no" after a Royal item they found in an antique shop made a huge loss at auction
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The BBC's Antiques Road Trip episode took an unexpected turn when hosts Irita Marriott and Raj Bisram yelled "no" in shock at the dismal auction results for a Royal item they had invested in.
On the episode, the pair journeyed to Stamford, Lincolnshire to uncover some profitable treasure to put up for auction. It initially seemed that Raj, co-founder of Bentley's Fine Art and Antiques Auction House, Kent, had unearthed something special at Stratton Oakford Antiques.
He discovered a "set of medals that all belonged to the same person", accompanied by a bundle of paperwork. Raj explained that when you find a set of medals all on one bar, it indicates they belonged to the same person.
So, having the paperwork enhances its authenticity and can help raise the item's value.
Upon inquiry, Chris, the owner of the antique shop, explained the medals were awarded to a Second World War radar operator named John Philip Middleton. The name 'Middleton' immediately sparked Raj's interest as it is the surname of our current Princess of Wales, Kate.
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Raj was intrigued by his purchase because the man who originally received the medals hailed from Reading - just like Prince William's wife. Raj said: "I find facts like that intriguing".
He bought the item for £80. Filled with optimism, Raj took the piece to be sold at Guildings Auctioneers in Market Harborough. But sadly, the hammer fell on a price of just £32.
Both Raj and his competitor couldn't believe their eyes. "No! " they both exclaimed when the hammer confirmed the deal. Irita chimed in with disbelief: "I don't think I dared say anything! £32? ! ".
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Raj muttered: "Ok, don't remind me. I do not need reminding! " Regrettably, more disappointment lay in store for Raj as bidders also overlooked his silver brush set, which cost him £110.
Frustrated, Raj stood up and shouted at the auction-goers: "Come on! Are you still alive all of you? Come on! These are rare items! " Unfortunately, once again, the hammer fell on the measly sum of £32.
By the conclusion of the episode, Raj had made a loss of £123.92 while Irita came out on top, albeit having sustained a smaller loss of £34.84.