Antiques Roadshow has been a treasure trove of remarkable discoveries, bringing to light numerous valuable items from the past. From family heirlooms to forgotten attic finds, the show has appraised many priceless antiques that left viewers and owners in awe. Here are seven of the most astounding finds ever featured on Antiques Roadshow.
1. Joseph Kleitsch Oil Painting (c. 1925)
Joseph Kleitsch, a renowned American Impressionist painter, was known for his vibrant and dynamic works. His paintings often captured the essence of early 20th-century California. In New York in 2014, a stunning oil painting by Joseph Kleitsch, dated around 1925, was brought to Antiques Roadshow. Originally purchased for approximately $100, this piece of art was a surprising find for the owner. The appraiser identified the painting as an authentic work of Kleitsch, significantly increasing its value. The painting was appraised at an astonishing $500,000, making it a truly priceless discovery.
2. 1907 Robert Henri Oil Painting
Robert Henri was a pivotal figure in American art, known for his leadership in the Ashcan School of American realism. His works often depicted the raw and real aspects of urban life. In San Diego in 2010, an oil painting by Robert Henri was presented, cherished by a family for its depiction of the grandmother of the current owner. The painting’s sentimental value was complemented by its historical and artistic significance. The appraiser valued the painting at $300,000, much to the delight of the family.
3. 1896 Frederic Remington Portrait with Letter
Frederic Remington was a famous American painter, sculptor, and writer, best known for his depictions of the Old American West. In Birmingham in 2014, a portrait of Lea Febiger by Frederic Remington, along with a letter from the artist to the subject, was brought to the show. The appraiser highlighted the unique combination of the portrait and letter, estimating their combined value at $600,000. This appraisal showcased the deep historical and monetary value of the items.
4. Alexander Calder Mobile
Alexander Calder was an innovative American sculptor known for inventing the mobile, a type of moving sculpture made with delicately balanced or suspended components. In Miami Beach in 2010, a mid-20th-century mobile by Alexander Calder, considered a family heirloom, was appraised by Chris Kennedy. Kennedy’s appraisal revealed the mobile’s exceptional worth, valuing it at $1 million. This valuation underscored Calder’s impact on modern art and the mobile’s significance.
5. Navajo Ute First Phase Blanket (19th Century)
The Navajo Ute First Phase blankets are highly esteemed for their intricate weaving and historical importance, often considered masterpieces of Native American textile art. In Tucson in 2001, a historic Navajo blanket, given by Kit Carson to the foster father of the owner’s grandmother, was brought to the show. Appraiser Donald Ellis valued the blanket at $350,000 to $500,000 initially, recognizing its cultural and historical significance. This valuation was a testament to the blanket’s unique heritage.
6. 18th-Century Qianlong Jade Collection from Qing Dynasty
The Qianlong Emperor was known for his patronage of the arts, and jade artifacts from his reign are highly prized for their exquisite craftsmanship and beauty. In Raleigh in 2009, a stunning collection of Qianlong jade dating back to the 18th century was presented to Antiques Roadshow. Appraiser James Callahan estimated the collection’s auction value at $710,000 to $1,070,000, highlighting the collection’s rarity and historical significance.
7. 1904 Diego Rivera El Albañil Oil Painting
Diego Rivera was a prominent Mexican painter and muralist known for his large-scale frescoes that helped establish the Mexican Mural Movement. In Corpus Christi in 2012, a painting by Diego Rivera, discovered behind a door in a family home, was authenticated by Colleene Fesko. Fesko’s authentication and appraisal valued the painting at $800,000 to $1 million initially, showcasing the immense worth of Rivera’s artwork.
