Once Birmingham was the envy of the world because of the Arts and Crafts School, which was based here, and Peter Nahum is delighted to find illustrations by Joseph Edward Southall. "It's somebody in the heart of Birmingham, which is exciting, because when the ROADSHOW comes to Birmingham it wants to see something of the Birmingham School." The illustrations for the story of Bluebeard were found only recently by the owner in a rather dirty loft, as Peter's grubby hands testify. The panel of sketches is worth about £8,000 ($12,000) and the surprised owner exclaims, "I nearly threw it away!"

The rather battered pottery bust sat on her aunt's mantelpiece from the 1920s until she died age 94, says the owner. John Sandon assumes the subject is a Turk because of his turban and explains that it is delftware, made in the 1670s, and that "anything from that age is quite a rare piece." But if it is English delftware then it is very rare indeed. He doesn't mind the fact that it's chipped because that indicates that it's more likely to be genuine, and he stresses that it is important to find out if it was made in Europe or in England. If it is British it will be much more valuable, and John says he's fairly sure the bust is "speaking in an English accent." It is a "major discovery" and John admits that he is so excited he is shaking from just holding it. If it turns out to be English it could be worth £50,000 ($75,000), or even more.

"Of all the toys that I see, I have to admit," says Hilary Kay, "that Noah's Arks are my favorite." This one is a particularly lovely example and dates from the early part of the 19th century. It was an educational, as well as an amusing, toy. Because it could be played with in a religious household on a Sunday it belonged to a group of toys known as "Sunday toys." Despite its compact size, it still holds 89 animals. Such arks, even in bad condition, are rare, so in good condition like this one they are "super rare." This one is worth approximately £3,000 ($4,500).