A valuator became visibly emotional when revealing the insane amount a collection of vintage baseball cards were worth.
You know the saying 'one man's trash is another man's treasure'? Well, long-running series Antiques Roadshow proves the validity of this age old adage time and time again as people bring various items dug out of their attics in for valuation.
We've seen Olympic medals worth tens of thousands of pounds, an Army veteran 'pass out' after discovering the true value of his watch and even items so disturbing that experts have refused to value them.
This time baseball cards are getting their moment in the spotlight, which you can watch for yourself in the clip below:
Now, a bunch of baseball cards may seem like an underwhelming item to bring onto the Antiques Roadshow, as there's probably millions in circulation across the globe, but this set had a wonderfully unique story behind them.
Appearing on an episode of the US spin-off of the series, a woman revealed how her 'great great grandmother' had run a boarding house, which looked after the Boston Red Stockings back in 1871, who were amongst the first professionally paid baseball team in the country.
The items would then make its way through the family over the years, eventually making its way into her possession. And we're not talking about one or two cards either, as the guest had images of the entire team, alongside a letter which had been signed by players such as Harry Wright and Albert Spalding.
The collection dated back to the 1870s (YouTube/PBS)
The collection left valuator Leila Dunbar completely stunned. "They must have really loved her. I’m sure she did the cooking, the cleaning for them," Dunbar explained, examining the comments left on the letter.
Dunbar also pointed out the significance of having a signature from Spalding, who started the trend of wearing a baseball glove while playing amongst players, and later founded the sports equipment company of the same name.
So, definitely not your average set of baseball cards.
"We have never seen these cards before," Dunbar continued. "To have this letter with Harry Wright and Spalding on it is tremendous.
"To have anything with their signatures on it is phenomenal because again, you’re talking about the precursor to the National and American leagues."
The seven figure valuation left the woman speechless (YouTube/PBS)
Dunbar then revealed her estimation for the entire collection, informing the guest the cards were a 'archive' collection and worth 'at least' $1 million (£798,000).
The valuation left the guest visibly stunned, as she replied: "Are you serious? Oh my, holy smokes."
"It is the greatest archive I have ever had at the Roadshow," Dunbar replied, choking up at the revelation.
Despite the astronomical value, the guest had no intention of selling the collection, revealing she intended to keep them in the family.
English (US) ·