'Speechless': Owner shocked to find cheap fan bought at local markets worth 'staggering' amount on Antiques Roadshow

A Birmingham local was left stunned to find the cheap fan she bought at the markets was worth a staggering amount of money.

In an episode of Antiques Roadshow, the lady explained she bought the hand-held fan for a mere £8 (AU$15) after the man in front of her looked at it, "shook his head" then put it down.

Stream episodes of Antiques Roadshow for free on 9Now.

"Thank goodness you did," gushed antiques expert Ian Pickford.

As you can see in the video above, he explained exactly why it was a "stunningly" rare find.

Turns out it was an "18th Century" goldmine.

"What we've got is a stunning example of Chinese filigree work," he said, which is a form of intricate metalwork that often gives a lacelike effect.

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"You so rarely see things of this quality," he added.

When Pickford revealed the estimated value of the rare market find, the owner of the fan was lost for words.

"The Chinese market, of course today, is hot. And it's hot for this sort of piece," he prefaced.

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"You paid £8 (AU$15) for it?" he confirmed. "I think you could reasonably multiple that by 1000."

Catch her priceless reaction and Pickford's full evaluation here:

"I'm staggered," gasped the owner. "Good heavens. I am... I'm speechless, really speechless."

The piece was valued at £6000-£8000 (up to AU$15,000).

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This isn't the first time an owner had been lost for words when learning the value of a prized possession.

One woman was shocked to learn an old diary was worth tens of thousands.

Check out more incredible moments here:

Stream episodes of Antiques Roadshow for free on 9Now.

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