The Repair Shop's Steve Fletcher addresses 'real heartbreak' as he connects to item
The Repair Shop expert Steve Fletcher was able to restore a dynamometer - a device for measuring mechanical force.
The Repair Shop's clock restorer Steve Fletcher welcomed brothers Nick and Chris into the famous BBC barn in a recent episode of the programme as they wondered if he could restore their dynamometer.
The guests revealed the item was part of the family business which had been an integral part of the First World War.
Nick, who placed it before Steve on the show which aired on Wednesday night, explained: "It's called a dynamometer. It's for measuring the strength of twine which was used to make sandbags, coal bags or wheat bags.
"If you buy a sandbag and that bursts they wouldn't be very happy would they?"
His brother chimed in: "It was the first thing I had to do when I joined the family business at 18. They said 'Chris you've got to test the strength of the twine.'"
Nick explained the family item went back to the 1900s, adding: "Our father was in the business, grandfather, and even before, several grandfathers."
Chris worked in the family business for more than 40 years and was upset when his father had to break the news that the factory was closing down.
After explaining how the machine worked, the pair asked Steve to work his magic on the item to restore it to its former glory.
Don't miss...
Man accused of stabbing Jay Blades' uncle to death pleads ‘not guilty’ [UPDATE]
The Repair Shop future 'sealed' after Jay Blades takes break from show [INSIGHT ]
The Repair Shop fans in floods of tears after Jay Blades' touching restoration [LATEST]
Steve exclaimed: "What an amazing piece of machinery. This is such well-made quirkiness.
"I really empathise with Chris and Nick having to close their business down after generations because I have come from a long line of craftspeople."
The BBC star continued: "And for me to close down the business would be a real heartbreak so it must have been really sad and it really does signify what they did in the factory. It is all very tired and I think it would be nice if it was polished up."
He "handed over" the woodworking part to his colleague Will Kirk and the pair got to work repairing the historical item.
BBC Antiques Roadshow: Top 7 biggest valuations will leave you staggered
Antiques Roadshow has made some lucky Brits a pretty penny over the years.
Often viewers are left stunned when something left sitting in an attic is worth millions of pounds.
From a Faberge flower, to art by Banksy - here are the seven most expensive antiques discovered on the BBC's Antiques Roadshow.
The brothers were blown away by the work of The Repair Shop team, with Chris telling the experts: "That is lovely, it really is lovely.
"You have done a cracking job there Steve you really have. Tingles are going up my back now."
The Repair Shop episodes are available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
