On today’s Antiques Roadshow, glass expert Andy McConnell made it clear that not every item brought to the show is a hidden treasure. During a segment filmed at Ebrington Square in Derry, Northern Ireland, McConnell spoke with a mother-daughter duo who had brought in a vintage scent bottle, which had been kept with the family’s fine china for years.
Describing the object, McConnell noted, “This is a really pretty, feminine object… an object for a woman’s dressing table back in the day.” The green bottle, featuring a silver top, was revealed to have been passed down through generations. The mother shared that she had received it as a gift from an older friend and, in turn, had given it to her daughter, Pauline.
Pauline fondly recalled admiring the bottle as a child, saying, “I always noticed it in my mum’s china cabinet and admired it, because it is really, really pretty. And I asked if I could have it someday, so hopefully she’ll give it to me.”
The mother, eager to pass it on, joked, “Oh, I’ll give it to her. I’ll give it to her now.” McConnell then quipped, “Great! So it came with you, and it’s going to leave with Pauline? Fantastic result.”
Upon further inspection, McConnell explained the history of the piece, noting that it had two makers—one for the glass and another for the silver. He identified a hallmark on the silver lid, which revealed that the bottle was crafted by Mapin and Co. in 1898.
Despite the item’s age and intricate craftsmanship, McConnell was quick to temper expectations. While sharing his expertise on the bottle’s creation, he casually informed Pauline that the scent bottle’s value was relatively modest. “So the best thing is that you go home with it and save mum from having to handle this junk that’s worth—I don’t know—100 to 150 quid. So there we go, nice thing, hey?”
This low valuation stood in stark contrast to another episode aired last year, when McConnell dramatically increased the value of a glass bought for just 50p. That glass, purchased at a market stall for a mere 50p, was later identified as a rare 17th-century piece, with an estimated worth of around £2000.
In that instance, McConnell explained the glass’s historical significance, dating it to around 1705-1710, a period after George Ravenscroft perfected the formula for lead crystal in 1676. The delighted guest was left “shaking” after hearing the surprising valuation.
While the scent bottle may not have been a windfall, McConnell’s ability to share the rich history behind each object continues to captivate viewers, offering both knowledge and entertainment in equal measure.
