Antiques Roadshow guest left stunned at value of 122-year-old chocolate bar-Ruth Lawes-Entertainment – Metro

An Antiques Roadshow guest’s jaw dropped after discovering the four-figure value of an ancient chocolate bar.

The confectionery was 122 years old and marked the coronation for King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra in 1902, he was told on the BBC show at Cromford Mills in Derbyshire.

Expert Lisa Lloyd noted the date on the tin was June 26, the original date for the King’s crowning that was later postponed to August after he fell ill with appendicitis.

The former autioneer said the sweet was commonplace at the time and given away to school children – but this one was ‘particularly special’ because it still contained the chocolate.

Lisa described the item with all its contents and original packaging including foil as a ‘real rarity’ and said the packaging would be worth up to £20 without the chocolate.

However, as the bar was complete, Lisa said it could fetch in the thousands as one previously sold at auction in 2023 for £1,000.

The chocolate bar was more than 100 years old and marked the 1902 coronation (Picture: BBC)

The bar was ‘particularly special’ as it still had chocolate inside (Picture: BBC)

The man, who was given the chocolate bar by his father when he cleared the house, was in disbelief over its value.

On X, Antiques Roadshow viewers were also in shock over the chocolate bar’s hefty price tag with @TheMainstand saying: ‘Eat the chocco, wait 1K…don’t eat the chocco, #AntiquesRoadshow.’

Making a dig at American chocolate, @LondonerBilly quipped: ‘122 years old, still tastier than Hershey’s. #AntiquesRoadshow.’

@BuckBuck220 also commented: ‘100 year old chocolate, mmmmm #antiquesroadshow.’

Last week, Antiques Roadshow guests and viewers were floored after discovering the value of war medals awarded to a pigeon.

As host Fiona Bruce explained, the show’s military experts see hundreds of medals awarded to troops, but ‘very occasionally’ were asked to value ones given to animals who assisted them in war.

In World War I, more than 16 million animals were put into service, including horses and dogs, but it wasn’t until the Second World War that their service was properly recognised.

In 1943, the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals dispensed an award to honour animal bravery.

On the BBC show, two guests brought a medal that had been awarded to a pigeon called Mary, who was airlifted and dropped into enemy lines in France during the war.

The Antiques Roadshow guest was shocked over the value of the chocolate (Picture: BBC)

Expert Mark Smith explained pigeons including Mary helped the French resistance, sending messages to the UK about secret items that had been discovered and then shared in an effort to stop the Germans.

‘She is then, bless her, the James Bond of the pigeon world,’ he added.

Mark then evaluated the medal at £30,000 to the shock of the two guests and viewers at home.

Lisa said the chocolate bar could fetch £1,000 at auction (Picture: BBC)

‘Wonderful story on Antiques Roadshow about Mary the wartime pigeon who flew behind enemy lines in the 1940s to bring back vital secrets. 30K valuation for her bravery medal and worth every penny!,’ Nick posted on X.

‘I’ve never welled up because of a pigeon before. Thanks Antiques Roadshow. Mary is a hero,’ Gavin shared.

Antiques Roadshow was first broadcast on the BBC 45 years ago with presenter Bruce Parker. It is now hosted by Fiona Bruce.

Antiques Roadshow airs Sundays at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer.

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