Antiques Road Trip expert gobsmacked as battered item makes record-breaking profit

An Antiques Road Trip expert was left stunned as a damaged item that was bought for just £8 at an auction went on to make a record-breaking profit

In an episode of Antiques Road Trip that viewers won't soon forget, a battered elephant figurine bought for a mere £8 at auction turned into a goldmine. The year 2012 was a standout moment for BBC's antiques experts Charlie Ross and James Braxton, who were given just £200 to find profitable treasures.

In a surprising twist, Charlie's risky investment in the flawed elephant paid off massively at a Buckie, Scotland auction house. The damaged piece sparked a frenzy online, catapulting Charlie's profits sky-high.

The elephant, initially purchased for next to nothing, sold for a staggering £2700, leaving audiences amazed. The show's narration captured the tension: "With one lot each still to go, Charlie is only £7 ahead. Next up, it's his Staffordshire elephant, and the auctioneer thinks it could go for a couple of hundred! ", as reported by OK!

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The excitement kicked off with bids starting at "£80 is online," ten times Charlie's initial outlay. The Staffordshire figure continued to defy expectations, with Charlie expressing surprise, "It's jumped to £130?" as the bids climbed to £130 online.

As the auction progressed, the voice-over added to the suspense: "This is getting really interesting; there are no more bids in the room but the phone and internet bids are really picking up! " and the auctioneer announced, "£140 is on the phone," reports the Express.

Charlie was unable to hide his excitement as the bids escalated beyond £400, causing him to exclaim, "Sorry?" and leap from his seat in disbelief. In a surprising twist, bids began to soar with offers of £600 and £650, leading the expert to question: "Are you hearing this? This is ridiculous! ".

As the bids astonishingly surged to "£1000... £1200 online," rival James conceded defeat, stating: "It's all over."

The auctioneer heightened the drama with "£1400... £1800, £1900, £2000," while the narration emphasised the unprecedented nature of the bidding on Antiques Road Trip with: "Unheard of on the Road Trip! ". " £2100, £2230, £2300 is on the phone. Are we all done online at £2500? " asked the auctioneer, as higher bids continued to pour in: "£2600.."

With a hint of humour in his surrender, a dejected James joked, "I fear my Road Trip is already over," while Charlie could not contain his delight.

The gavel finally fell, confirming an extraordinary £2700 online sale. Californian collector Myrna Schkolne emerged victorious in acquiring the much-desired elephant, having sought it for 25 years.

Overwhelmed with emotion, Schkolne expressed her immediate connection with the piece, saying, "I saw this elephant on the website, and it was love at first sight," and revealed her commitment by waking up at 5 am and enduring the lengthy process of phone bidding. Tune in for more unforgettable moments on Antiques Road Trip, every weekday at 4.30 pm on BBC Two.