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Ordinary Vase Sells for £53 Million; Napoleon Statue's Secret Revealed

1/18/2025

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Summary

Vase Shocks Auction

A seemingly ordinary vase, dismissed as a mere reproduction on a BBC antiques show, stunned the art world by fetching £53 million after languishing in an attic for four decades. In a twist of fate, two sisters discovered their bronze Napoleon statue, once a festive decoration, was crafted from cannon captured at Waterloo, suggesting a surprising link to the legendary leader.

Summary

Archer-Morgan Discovers Cross

In a captivating episode of Antiques Roadshow in Belfast, expert Ronnie Archer-Morgan uncovered a hidden gem: a stone altar cross that had been tucked away under a guest's bed for a decade. With an estimated value of £500 to £1,000 and likely dating back to the 12th century, the guest, a devout Catholic, firmly declared, "we don’t sell blessed and holy things."

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Vase Shocks Auction

A seemingly ordinary vase, dismissed as a mere reproduction on a BBC antiques show, stunned the art world by fetching £53 million after languishing in an attic for four decades. In a twist of fate, two sisters discovered their bronze Napoleon statue, once a festive decoration, was crafted from cannon captured at Waterloo, suggesting a surprising link to the legendary leader.

1 / 2