THE owner of a war toy was left stunned when an Antiques Roadshow expert revealed a harrowing secret.
In a repeated episode that recently aired, viewers watched as the popular programme came from Wrest Park in Bedfordshire.
One contributor brought a toy to be valued – and was stunned to hear its history
“I’ve seen them before, but they never, ever stop amazing me,” said expert Hilary Kay
One contributor brought a toy to be valued – and was stunned to hear its history.
“I’ve seen them before, but they never, ever stop amazing me,” said expert Hilary Kay.
She then asked the guest what her connection to the item was.
“It’s my mother-in-law’s,” she revealed. “She got it through her family.”
She continued: “Her grandfather was given it by his great-aunt or aunt.
“My mother-in-law mentioned that he was the favourite nephew, she died in 1911, and he got £400 and this.”
Describing the historic toy, Hilary said: “What we’re looking at is a little, naively carved – but really beautifully carved, nevertheless – spinning jenny.
“And it’s a little hand-operated automaton which was made by Napoleonic prisoners of war.”
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The toys were crafted by materials that were available to the prisoners, such as bone.
They were the sold locally with the cash from the sale going towards alcohol in some cases.
Hilary then revealed the item was valued at between £1,000 – £1,500.
“He really was the favourite nephew, because he got the treasure – and he got the money,” joked Hilary.
Antiques Roadshow airs on BBC One.
Describing the historic toy, Hilary said: “What we’re looking at is a little, naively carved – but really beautifully carved, nevertheless – spinning jenny”
Hilary revealed the item was valued at between £1,000 – £1,500
