Antiques Roadshow expert lists what's wrong with 'scruffy' clock but still gives top price

An Antiques Roadshow guest was taken aback when a 50-year-old wedding present was said to be worth thousands.

During the episode, which unfolded at the majestic Thirlestane Castle in Scotland, BBC's seasoned expert Richard Price was less than impressed with the condition of the timepiece presented to him.

Price didn't mince his words as he remarked: "Now please don't think me rude but I have to say this is in pretty scruffy condition. Why?"

The owner responded: "I have to agree with you and that's a sad thing, I have no idea, because I inherited it in that condition about 50 years ago from my late husband's aunt.

"She knew I had always loved it and when we got married, she said 'you must have this.'

"It has always sat on my desk not working, I know, it's awful isn't it?"

Delving into the details, Price explained: "Well let's kick off by saying it's French and it is a miniature carriage clock.

"I call it a clock, but it's a timepiece, because it's a non-striking clock and anything non-striking we call a timepiece.

"And the joy of it is the porcelain panel, you've got the dial, the sides and the back door all porcelain.

"Let's open the back. You can see the movement there, that's the original lever platform at the top.

"The case is what we call a cannalee and the date is about 1885, maybe a little bit later."

The owner of the clock was surprised to find a stamp indicating it was made by "one of the best makers", Drocourt of Paris, confirming its value.

However, the expert warned that significant restoration work would be required before it could fetch a high price.

He explained: "This is the joy of this thing, it's what we call in the rough and I'm going to tell you what we need to do to make that into top retail."

The necessary repairs included a complete cleaning and overhaul of the movement, re-gilding the case, and most importantly, redoing and repainting the panel. The expert estimated that once restored, the clock could be worth £4,000.

The guest responded with laughter, saying: "I will certainly see what it costs to get done, because I just love it and it's very special to me."

Price added: "It'll be a lot more special when it's working!", to which the owner agreed: "I know, I can't wait to see that."

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