Hilary Kay warns guest after refusing to value garage find
- A man presented a brass rowlock connected to Titanic Lifeboat no. 3 during an episode of Antiques Roadshow.
- Expert Hilary Kay provided a detailed history of the lifeboat but could not verify the item's origin.
- Ultimately, she advised the guest that the True provenance of the artefact remains a mystery.
In a recent episode of the beloved BBC program, serving as a platform where individuals showcase antiques and collectibles, an intriguing story unfolded. This occurred on December 8, 2024, during a taping at Beaumaris Castle in Anglesey, North Wales. Guests arrived with hopes of having their items valued by experts. Among these was a man who presented a brass rowlock reportedly linked to Titanic Lifeboat no. 3, claiming to have discovered it while exploring his new home's garage. The guest shared that he stumbled upon the artefact hidden in a corner, which piqued the interest of expert Hilary Kay. As Hilary commenced her assessment of the piece, she provided a brief history of Titanic Lifeboat no. 3, known for its capacity to hold up to 65 people, although it is believed that only 36 to 38 passengers were aboard during the famous tragedy. Following the disastrous sinking of the Titanic, lifeboats, including this one, were transported to Pier Number 59 in New York. Subsequently, name boards identifying them as Titanic were removed and the lifeboats remained there for several months before being dispersed. Despite the compelling narrative surrounding the artefact, Hilary Kay ultimately chose not to place a definitive value on it. She emphasized the uncertainty attached to its provenance, stating, "Wouldn't it be wonderful if I could say categorically that this is from life sort number three on the Titanic? And if it was, we could be talking about in excess of £50,000 for value." However, she highlighted the lack of certainty regarding its origin, which left her unable to confidently appraise the item. She warned the guest that while there may be speculation about its historic significance, the reality is that the True history of the item remains unknown. Despite the disappointing conclusion, the guest remained unfazed by the outcome, expressing gratitude and understanding of the situation. The whimsical atmosphere of the Antiques Roadshow persisted as both viewers and participants recognized the allure of antiques, mysteries, and the stories they can carry.