An Antiques Roadshow guest was moved to tears after learning that his collection of props from the 1989 film Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade was valued at approximately £150,000. The valuation took place during the episode filmed at Valentines Mansion in East London, aired on Sunday, October 18.
Rare film props presented to expert Stephen Lane
The guest, a former prop maker at Shepperton Studios, presented expert Stephen Lane with several items from the film, including 60 pages from the Grail Diary, a prototype of the Holy Grail cup, and two versions of the Cross of Coronado. The guest explained that he and his wife had worked on the props for 41 years, creating items for the film that starred Harrison Ford and Sean Connery.
Speaking about the Grail Diary, the guest said: "It's probably the most iconic book we ever made." Stephen Lane described the diary as "one of the most significant props in the film," noting that it "drives the plot, it delivers clues, it creates mystery."
Valuations revealed for each item
Stephen Lane valued each of the Holy Grail cups at between £5,000 and £10,000, and each Cross of Coronado at between £3,000 and £6,000. The 60 Grail Diary pages were valued at £2,000 per page. The guest, visibly astonished, joked, "Can I have a drink?" as the figures were announced.
Adding up the totals, Stephen concluded: "So, all told, probably somewhere in the region of £150,000 as a collection."
Emotional tribute to late wife
Fighting back tears, the guest honoured his wife, who had helped create the props. He said: "Can I just say, my wife and I did this for 41 years. 82 years between us, and without her, none of this would have happened. Unfortunately, she can't be here today, but thank you."
The episode also featured other items, including rare French buttons, a futuristic coffee service, and wrestling keepsakes. Presenter Fiona Bruce noted that original items from beloved films, including early design sketches, are increasingly coveted by collectors. The guest revealed that a second version of the Grail cup is currently in the possession of director Steven Spielberg. Antiques Roadshow is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
