WARNING: This article contains spoilers from Antiques Roadshow.
In a shocking turn of events, an Antiques Roadshow guest stumbled upon a hidden treasure during a recent episode. Expert Brad Witherell was tasked with appraising a wooden gambling wheel from the 19th Century when the show visited Tulsa. The guest, who had inherited the unique item from his uncle, revealed that the wheel had a fascinating history.
According to the owner, his uncle and aunt arrived in Oklahoma in 1898 and embarked on a journey across the state. Eventually, they settled in Tulsa, or as it was known back then, Tulsee Town. The uncle leased a building in Tulsa that housed a cigar stand, a barber shop, a billiard parlour, and an upstairs gambling hall. He soon discovered a lucrative side business – lending money to gamblers. When the gamblers ran out of cash, they would pawn their valuable possessions, such as rings and diamonds, to the uncle. If the pawned item was valuable enough, he would use it to win back the money he had lent. He would then hold onto the item until the gambler could retrieve it. The uncle’s business flourished during the oil boom in Tulsa, but the introduction of statehood put a damper on the gambling scene.
Witherell took the opportunity to dig deeper into the origins of the gambling wheel. He revealed that it was manufactured by Will & Fink in San Francisco. The company initially started as cutlers in the 1860s but shifted to producing gambling equipment in the 1930s when the demand for bowie knives declined. The wheel in question likely dates back to the turn of the century in terms of production. Its remarkable feature is the vibrant colors and untouched patina on the paint, which adds to its allure.
Antiques Roadshow has a long history of surprising lucky individuals with valuable finds. Over the years, the show has uncovered numerous antiques worth millions of pounds. From a Faberge flower to artwork by Banksy, here are the seven most expensive treasures ever discovered on the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow.
A jaw-dropping revelation was made on the popular show Antiques Roadshow when a guest unveiled a stunning gaming equipment. The item, known as Will & Fink, was proudly made in California and is considered the ultimate game maker. With an estimated value of $4,000, it is truly a masterpiece.
The guest couldn’t help but laugh when he heard the astonishing appraisal. He shared that his daughter keeps the precious gaming equipment in her living room, which surely adds a touch of elegance to the space. It’s no wonder she treasures it so much!
If you want to catch more incredible moments like this, make sure to tune in to Antiques Roadshow on PBS. Stay updated with the latest news by subscribing to Daily Express notifications. Don’t miss out on any exciting discoveries!
