Antiques Roadshow expert Marc Allum had to retract his rare offer for a guest’s heirloom after he estimated it to be worth a four-figure sum.
On this Sunday’s edition, experts pawed over extraordinary Battle of Britain memorabilia, an ingenious picture book and a collection of retro trainers.
Allum was left stunned when appraising an original promotional booklet for the 1927 German dystopian science fiction film, Metropolis.
“It’s an absolute wonder,” the expert enthused before adding: “I’m a massive science fiction fan and I cannot tell you how enamoured of this item I am.”
The guest revealed it had come to him through a “surprise bequest” from a family friend when he was young.
His family friend was an older actress known to him as “Mrs Seymour”.
Allum explained the significance of the Metropolis as groundbreaking cinema
BBC
He continued: “Her stage name was Ethel Erskine, and she was a Gaiety Girl. She worked hard. She was a working actress.“
When she died, when I was in my late teens, I got her small archive, and this was in the archive.”
After hearing the story, Allum excitedly added: “You’re very lucky to own this.”
The booklet, a Premiere Presentation at Marble Arch Pavillion from March 21, 1927, was full of “fabulous imagery” from Metropolis and its production.
Metropolis Premiere Presentation at Marble Arch Pavillion from March 21st, 1927
BBC
With reverence, Allum carefully leafed through the pages. He explained handling items such as this with clean, bare hands was much “safer” than using gloves.
One picture, showing the film’s iconic “maschinenmensch” or machine person, attracted Allum’s attention.
Giddy, the expert exclaimed: “It is just the most wondrous cinematic imagery and costume… It’s hard to really explain to people how important a film this is.”
In terms of value, Allum said the booklet was worth an astonishing £2,000.
The guest, incredulous, simply responded: “Several pages of paper for £2,000? Okay. That’s amazing. I may sell it.”
Allum quickly jumped in exclaiming: “I might have to buy it off you!”
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Some of the booklet’s “wondrous cinematic imagery”
BBC
As both laughed, the expert U-turned as he sadly conceded: “I’m not allowed to, unfortunately!”
The BBC stipulates that experts are barred from engaging: “In any commercial activity related to items seen on recording days.”