Moths, Lucite & £7,000: Antiques Roadshow Guest Shocked by Lighter's Value

WARNING: This article contains spoilers from Antiques Roadshow.

A recent episode of the BBC's Antiques Roadshow left a guest stunned as she learned the true value of her father's "precious" lighter. The episode, filmed at Portchester, saw expert Mark Hill appraising a unique and decorative Dunhill lighter.

"So we're looking at a, dare I say, rather kitsch 1950s, 1960s cigarette lighter," Hill began. The guest, whose father had worked as a Dunhill salesman in the 1950s, explained the significance of the brand: "Magic word - Dunhill. And of course, there it is on the front."

Hill went on to describe the unique design of the lighter, which he referred to as a "Dunhill 'aquarium' lighter." The guest was intrigued by the name, noting the unusual presence of moths on the design: "That's always intrigued me a bit, because I have heard it's called an aquarium lighter and it seems bizarre there's moths on it."

Hill elaborated on the intricate process involved in creating these lighters, highlighting their artistic value: "They would take a panel of lucite and they would carve from the back the pattern out so they had a watercolour to work from, which had been approved by Dunhill. And then they'd be sent elsewhere to be painted in bright colours, so you end up with these almost shimmering, with the effect of the lucite, sort of fish, you get that watery thing."

However, the guest's lighter featured moths instead of the more common fish design, leading to a surprising revelation. "I've only ever seen one other example with one moth and I haven't seen any with two moths," Hill shared, prompting a delighted but incredulous response from the guest.

"Do you like it?" Hill asked, to which the guest enthusiastically replied: "I love it. I absolutely love it. It's very, very precious to me, sentimentally."

But it was Hill's next statement that left the guest speechless. "Is it more precious when I say it's worth £5-7,000?" he asked.

The guest's reaction was priceless: "Oh stop it! Don't be silly. Are you kidding?" she exclaimed, burying her face in her hands.

Hill confirmed the surprising valuation, explaining the growing popularity of these rare lighters among collectors: "Rarity really counts. These have exploded among collectors in the past 10, 15 years, and they will fight and fight and fight and compete to get the rarest. As I say, I've only ever seen another one with one moth and I haven't seen any with two moths."

The guest was visibly overwhelmed by the news: "Wow. What a clever father I had, pick the one with the moths!" she laughed. "Thank you. Thank you very much, I'm kind of a bit lost for words. Thank you."

This heartwarming segment on Antiques Roadshow exemplifies the show's enduring appeal, showcasing the unexpected treasures hidden within everyday objects and the joy of discovery.

Antiques Roadshow is available to watch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.