Bargain Hunt star leaves pensioner in tears as ‘greatest item ever sold’ is auctioned off for ‘100 times its value’ – with a heartbreaking twist
As a dedicated follower of antiques and collectibles, I found myself utterly astounded by the heartwarming tale of Helen and Ben, who invited Irita Marriott into their family home to uncover hidden treasures that could help cover the costs of care for Alan, Helen’s husband and Ben’s father.
On an episode of Bargain Hunt, a celebrity appraiser astonished a pensioner by selling an item for over 100 times its worth, leaving her in tears with shock.
On her latest program, The Derbyshire Auction House, Irita Marriott, a BBC presenter, expressed that the guest’s item was “the most extraordinary thing I’ve ever had the privilege to sell” during their conversation about a one-of-a-kind antique.
Helena, her son Ben, and their guest Irita went on a hunt for concealed antique treasures at their household.
The expert was thrilled as Helen shared a collection of family pictures hanging in their hallway with him.
Initially, Irita estimated the photo’s worth to be between 80 and 120 pounds. However, once she learned its moving history, a buyer ended up paying over a thousand two hundred pounds during a heated bidding contest.

The two individuals enlisted the aid of an appraisal specialist in hopes of finding hidden family heirlooms that could assist with paying for nursing home expenses for Alan, both Helen’s husband and Ben’s father, who was afflicted with dementia.
Alan had worked for a regional arts association, promoting cinema and photography.
In our family’s entranceway, I was irresistibly captivated by an extraordinary assortment of authentic, signed photographs, taken by renowned photographers, that I happened upon.
However, despite her admiration for their potential during the auction, she acknowledged that it couldn’t be easy for the family to relinquish such cherished possessions.
She said: ‘It can’t be easy for them.
These possessions have been a part of their life journey, and since Alan moved into a care facility, it seems heart-wrenching to imagine letting them go.
Helen and Ben were shocked by the value of the photographs, but there was a further tragic twist.
Unfortunately, Alan passed away prior to his photographs being auctioned, yet his son guaranteed that the earnings won’t be frittered away. Instead, they plan to organize a fitting farewell for their beloved father.


Ben expressed astonishment: “We couldn’t believe the high bids for what we considered as merely pleasant artwork hanging daily on our walls…”
‘Absolutely brilliant.’
Even the star of the BBC confessed that she had anticipated strong sales, but the outcome exceeded her expectations and she referred to the success as an ideal homage to Alan.
The Derbyshire Auction House airs tonight on Really at 9pm.
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2024-08-20 16:21