Paul Martin and his guests on Flog It were left shell-shocked after a piece of rare artwork ended up selling for thousands on the programme.
The BBC One host introduced Anne to the show, along with her grandson Lewis, 11, who was coming along during the school holidays to witness the goods sold at auction – the pair had no idea what was in store.
Anne had served up quite a collection of rare tribal art including an Aboriginal shield, an African spear and an Axel hatchet with the items causing quite the bidding frenzy, much to their surprise.
The Flog It guests expected to get a couple of hundred pounds for the artwork, maybe a thousand pounds at best, but they ended up getting way more than what they’d bargained for.
As the auction got into full swing Anne and Lewis, along with host Paul Martin were left with mouths wide open as the bidding war continued for some time as the final amount totted up to huge figures.
Introducing Anne and her artwork, Paul said: “Going under the hammer right now we have a little group of Afnaigraphica. You’re probably thinking what the hell is he going on about?”
He added: “What’s Afnaigraphica? Well, Anne can tell us, can’t you?” Paul turned to the youngster standing at Anne’s side to ask: “And who have you brought along?”
“This is Lewis,” responded Anne as the host chimed in: “Hello Lewis, shake my hand. And how old are you?”
“11,” replied the shy boy. “11, so are you on your school holidays right now,” as his grandmother chirped back at him: “Yes.”
Paul went on to explain to Lewis: “You are one of the reasons Anne is selling her Afnaigraphoica – we’re talking about tribal art.” “Yes we are,” said the owner of the art.
“We see a lot of this on the programme over the years and a lot of it goes back to its country of origin. We see a lot of Aboriginal artefacts, Maori artefacts, Polynesian… all of these countries are buying their history back and putting it in museums and they’re top money for it,” said the hopeful host.
“Lot 145 showing now this is the tribal art, the African spear and the Axel hatchet,” introduced the auctioneer as three bidders started a frenzy over the items.
There was one person online from Australia, another person on the phone and one other in attendance at the auction. Within what seemed like minutes, the items were already at £3,000.
Before long, the bidding war had continued and Anne had bagged £10,000 but the auction wasn’t over, much to Anne’s surprise. Two people were keen to secure the art and would stop at nothing.
The total reached a whopping £30,000 as the auction came to a close, and Anne declared: “I’m shaking, I can’t believe it.”
Flog it will return to BBC One today from 5:15pm.
