During a memorable episode of BBC's Antiques Road Trip from 2017, experts Paul Laidlaw and Christina Trevanion were on the hunt for profitable antiques to take to auction. Paul was immediately drawn to an item upon entering the shop, declaring to viewers "How far am I from the door? Three paces (to the shop) and that's what I'm buying.".
He quickly justified his swift choice by pointing out the item's age and surprisingly low price; it was a 1700s sweetmeat dish, which could also be repurposed as a cake stand, with a cost of just £1. Upon closer examination, Paul admired the craftsmanship of the item, praising its knopped stem and folded foot the dish sat on, reports the Express.
Overjoyed by the discovery, Paul remarked: "That is serendipity. It's also a colossal bargain. The truth of the matter is, I think that's worth, to a specialist collector, £100 of anyone's money.". He joyfully recounted how the find was made in mere moments upon his arrival at the shop. He said: "I kid you not, three paces from the door, second shelf down on the bric-a-brac stall, ta-dah!".
Come auction day, Paul was astounded when his bargain started with an opening bid of £110. As the auctioneer noted increasing internet interest and the bids surpassed £200, Paul's disbelief was palpable while Christina offered applause for his purchase.
