An item that appeared on a 2010 episode of Antiques Roadshow may have increased in value by more than $40,000 (£24,000).
The programme featured a satchel brought in by a woman from San Diego, who was told it could be worth around $100,000 if some restoration work was carried out. Now, the value of the satchel is believed to have soared to $145,000.
The woman explained how her great-grandfather – a lieutenant in the army – had been presented with the satchel by the Cherokee in 1846. The token had been given to him by a warrior, as a way of saying thanks for showing kindness to his people. A letter had been sent by her great-grandfather which validated the tale, and a tribal arts expert also confirmed that the bag was genuine and the story was authentic.
Ted Trotta, the appraiser at the time, valued the satchel at $25,000 but told the lady that if she had it restored at a cost of around $7,500, it would be worth up to $100,000 (£61,000). Since the show was originally aired in 2010, the value of the satchel has soared to $145,000 (£89,000). According to the appraiser, the bag dates back to the 1820s and, together with the letter, is a valuable item.
Antiques are a secure investment option for many, with the added bonus of being able to use the pieces in a practical way, like antique chests. Cumbria has a number of dealers with pieces that have been restored to their original condition.