I worked on Antiques Roadshow and appraisers can’t do | UK News

An Antiques Roadshow volunteer has uncovered the stringent guidelines appraisers need to abide by on the hit show.

While the UK model of the programme airs on BBC One, US followers can tune into their model abroad on PBS. And it was a volunteer on the US spin-off that one Reddit consumer worked on as a volunteer, in addition to getting their own antiques valued.

User u/wellmeomy took to the social media platform to elucidate: “I worked as a volunteer at one of their shows this season. I did get two items appraised, but I was not video taped. They had me working on the set for the whole day so I should be able to answer any questions you have about it!”

One intrigued consumer requested: “Did any of the appraisers ever offer to buy items from the guests?”

The unique poster defined: “The appraisers do not offer to buy items on the spot, because it would be totally unprofessional. They may express interest though.

“All the guests at the event are encouraged to pick up the appraisers business cards, which are all set out on a huge table as the guests leave the event. Not all appraisers leave their cards though.”

Giving more behind-the-scenes insight, they added: “All of the research is done on the day of the event. The appraisers take usually take about an hour, but some time more, to collect their information.

“There is a small area back stage with computers and a book collection to use for reference, although it seems most of the appraisers can assess the more common items instantly without much research.

“They really are the nicest people. They definitely edit the appraisals, but that is just because the appraisers give the owner SOOOO much information that they have to cut some of it.”

The official PBS web site states: “Antiques Roadshow is an antiques appraisal event and television production; we do not buy or sell objects, and conducting any business with an appraiser at the event is strictly forbidden.”