1 week Ago By Lauren DuBois
An episode of Antiques Roadshow left a guest utterly stunned when a book she had bought for a mere $5 was estimated to be worth a staggering $12,000 to $18,000. The show has often featured episodes where guests think that they're being fooled over their items , many of which receive hefty price tags that cause them to fall over in surprise . In an episode filmed in Texas in the early 2000s, a guest presented a first edition children's book to expert Francis J.
Wahlgren, who specialises in books and manuscripts. He inquired about the book's origin, and the proud owner shared its story. The guest explained: "I actually just got this book out of our attic.
When my daughter was young, we found Anne of Green Gables on PBS and once we found that, we fell in love. "My daughter was about 10 years old when we started reading the Anne of Green Gables series and then at a flea market I saw this book and I thought, 'Perfect! We'll take it.'" When asked about the book's purchase price, the devoted mother revealed: "I don't think it was any more than $5, it's only a book.
" The expert then delved into the background of the children's book, revealing its significant value. The expert shared some fascinating history behind the cherished novel: "It was written in 1908 by [Lucy] Montgomery. There were really a lot of boys books up to that time, but that was one of the first girls' books of the day and because of that it had a great audience, it took off and the series followed.
" He continued, underlining the significance of the book's legacy, "It's just one of the most beloved girls' books ever written and it really means a lot to people. And because it is a first edition book, they often didn't print many copies because the publishers aren't sure if this thing is going to take off." Going into detail about what makes a first edition so coveted, he added, "It turns out it was a huge success and everybody wanted the book, but to get a true first edition was very difficult".
The appraiser then delineated key features that contribute to the book's hefty valuation. DON'T MISS..
. Antiques Roadshow insider shares 'unprofessional' habit appraisers are banned [LATEST] Antiques Roadshow guest asks 'are you kidding me' as he's told value of painting [INSIGHT] Antiques Roadshow guest speechlass as vintage jersey gets huge price tag [UPDATE] Drawing attention to its authenticity, he noted: "The book is dated on the title page 1908 and here it says 'First Impression, April, 1908.' That's very important because it marks it as the true first edition and for a collector that means everything.
" Comparing to past sales, he informed, "There's a copy that sold two years ago for $20,000 (£15,600). Copies rarely come up at auction and I've only handled three in my career, and this is in equally good condition to that one [that sold at auction]. I would estimate it safely between £12,000 to $18,000.
" Struck with astonishment, the owner could barely contain their reaction as the expert concluded: "You've got a real treasure and a book that you love, and I really am grateful that you brought it here to the Roadshow. It's a very special thing and take good care of it". She confessed with a sense of astonishment, "Gosh, now I'm worried.
My daughter is not going to believe it. Thank you very much, I appreciate it"..
