Hilary Kay rejects Titanic item on Antiques Roadshow

In the United Kingdom, the popular BBC programme 'Antiques Roadshow' aired a new episode on December 8, 2024. The show, hosted by Fiona Bruce, took place at Beaumaris Castle in Anglesey, North Wales, where members of the public brought treasures for valuation from a panel of experts. One particular segment of the episode featured a guest who presented a brass rowlock mounted on a board, claiming it was from Titanic Lifeboat no. 3. The guest explained that he discovered the item while clearing out his garage after moving into a new house. He conveyed his excitement when he stumbled upon the artefact, believing it to be a significant piece of maritime history. Hilary Kay, an expert on the show, engaged with the guest and shared some historical context regarding the Titanic Lifeboat no. 3. She noted that, while the lifeboat had the capacity to carry 65 people, records indicated that only 36 to 38 individuals were on board at the time of its use. She recounted how, after the lifeboats were recovered, they ended up at Pier Number 59 in New York City. Once there, she emphasized that all identifying name boards, including those from the Titanic, were removed, which led to their eventual dispersal. Despite the guest's initial hopes for a substantial appraisal, Kay expressed her inability to definitively ascertain the origin of the artefact presented. The atmosphere shifted when Kay explained the challenges in providing a valuation. She remarked that without incontrovertible evidence linking the item to the lifeboat, she could not confidently assign a monetary value to it. She noted, “Wouldn't it be wonderful if I could say categorically that this is from lifeboat number three on the Titanic? And if it was, we could be talking about in excess of £50,000 for value.” Her frank admission left the guest with a sense of unresolved mystery regarding the piece, one that held sentimental value but lacked historical certainty. Despite the grim news delivered by Hilary Kay, the guest remained upbeat, thanking her for her insights, even if it did not lead to the anticipated financial appraisal. The segment highlighted the mystery and intrigue surrounding items from the Titanic, as well as the sometimes disappointing but essential reality of provenance in the antiques market. In an era of heightened interest in historical relics and the narratives they tell, such encounters are commonplace on the show. While the search for treasure continues, experts like Hilary Kay remind participants of the importance of verifying claims to authenticity, which can greatly impact the perceived value of an item. Ultimately, the encounter left the audience pondering the complexities of antique valuation and the emotional connections individuals have to items that carry legacies, even when their origins can't be confirmed.