27-04-2025
I work on Antiques Roadshow - there are two golden rules we must follow when it comes to the guests or risk BIG trouble
A volunteer who worked on American version of Antiques Roadshow has revealed why they NEVER touch the items that guests bring on the show.
The person opened up about their experience on the much-loved show on Reddit.
Going by the username 'wellmeomy', they wrote on the discussion website: 'I have been on Antiques Roadshow.
'I worked as a volunteer at one of their shows this season.
'I did get two items appraised, but I was not video taped.
'They had me working on the set for the whole day so I should be able to answer any questions you have about it!'
Many rushed to reply to their post to find out all the gossip from behind the scenes of the programme.
The Reddit user ended up bringing two items in and were left shocked when they found out that they were 19th century tantric.
However, they weren't allowed to touch them under any circumstances.
In the post they confessed: 'There were several instance where owners dropped their objects, one woman dropped a vase that was valued at a couple grand... she flipped.
'We were told explicitly by the producers to not touch ANY of the guests items, even if the owners were asking for assistance.'
Meanwhile another fan questioned them: 'How much research do the appraisers (or assistants) do for an object?
'What's the time line like between when they first see something, and when they make their final analysis?'
They replied: 'All of the research is done on the day of the event. The appraisers take usually about an hour, but some time more, to collect their information.
'There is a small area backstage with computers and a book collection to use for reference, although it seems most of the appraisers can assess the more common items instantly without much research.'
And another intrigued viewer asked: 'Did any of the appraisers ever offer to buy items from the guests?'
'The appraisers do not offer to buy items on the spot, because it would be totally unprofessional,' the Reddit user replied.
'They may express interest though.
'All the guests at the event are encouraged to pick up the appraisers business cards, which are all set out on a huge table as the guests leave the event.
'Not all appraisers leave their cards though.'
Antiques Roadshow sees guests appear on the programme to get their objects valued by experts.
The US version of Antiques Roadshow was created by BBC Television and developed by WGHB-TV Boston.
Since airing on PBS it has had 29 successful seasons and had a number of presenters.
They include Chris Jussel, Dan Elias, Lara Spencer and Mark L. Walberg.
Meanwhile the British version has been on our screens since 1979.
Over the past 46 years there have been 866 episodes across 47 series.
