Mummified Dog's Willy Stuns Antiques Roadshow Expert

An Antiques Roadshow expert was left speechless after a guest revealed a rather unusual item during an appraisal, leaving viewers in stitches. BBC expert Penny Britain was examining a vintage cigarette holder belonging to a pensioner when the unexpected twist occurred.

The guest, who had inherited the holder from an Austrian lady, described it as a "canary yellow enamel case" and explained its history. He revealed it had been given to him "in a cardboard box full of trinkets" when he was just seven years old. Britain confirmed the holder's Austrian origin, dating it back to around 1900, and noted its import marks, signifying its compliance with English regulations.

While the holder itself wasn't deemed "incredibly valuable", with a valuation of just £100, the owner seemed unfazed, stating he had no intention of selling it. However, just as the appraisal appeared to be concluding, the guest reached into his pocket and presented Britain with a peculiar item.

"Could you tell me, is that worth £100 and made in Austria?" he asked, placing the object in her hand.

Britain's initial reaction was one of bewilderment. "What on earth is that?" she exclaimed, her eyes wide with disbelief.

The guest leaned in and whispered, "It's a mummified dog's willy."

A stunned silence descended upon the room before Britain, unable to contain her surprise, announced to the audience, "A mummified dog's willy. And I'm holding it!"

The revelation sparked laughter from those gathered around, with Britain quickly handing back the oddity. "I'm rendered entirely speechless," she managed to say, her amusement evident.

The guest explained that the item had been passed down through generations of his family. "This bit's a bit gnawed because the puppy got hold of it," he revealed, adding that his father had intended to discard it but he had intervened, deeming it "so extraordinary."

"My cabinet of curiosities," Britain joked as the owner enquired, "Is that worth £100?"

"I don't think so," she chuckled, before collapsing into a fit of laughter. She disappeared momentarily from view, only to reappear with a beaming smile, still clearly amused by the bizarre encounter.

The episode serves as a reminder that even the most seasoned experts can be caught off guard by the unexpected treasures that surface on Antiques Roadshow.

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