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FAQ

Attending Antiques Roadshow

All you'll need to know about your visit to an Antiques Roadshow near you.

Can I bring ivory to Antiques Roadshow?

At the end of 2018, the UK government’s Ivory Bill gained Royal Assent to become law.

Further information on the detail and scope of the legislation can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ivory-bill-2018

Please note that Antiques Roadshow no longer values items of antique elephant ivory.

However, our experts may be able to examine your items and offer guidance about the new legislation.

Do you have an expert for coins, stamps, rugs, carpets and musical instruments?

We do not have specialists in the fields of stamps, coins, rugs, carpets or musical instruments.

When will the Roadshow I attended be televised?

At the time of filming we won't know when the programme will be broadcast. However, if you've been filmed you will be notified of the transmission date. Our latest transmission schedule is on our homepage.

Is the Antiques Roadshow available on DVD or ?

Unfortunately we are not able to supply copies of the programme on request.

Can I watch Antiques Roadshow online?

Yes, you can watch the most recent episode of Antiques Roadshow again on BBC iPlayer for up to a year after transmission (UK only).

Can I get a valuation from a photograph, phone or tablet?

Our experts are unable to make a valuation based on an image.

Can I send in my item for valuation?

Experts can only give appraisals and valuations at Antiques Roadshows, not via email or post.

We do not have ANY experts based in the Antiques Roadshow office and we are unable to assist in valuations or appraisals.

You can find details of local antiques dealers and auction houses in the UK on the Association of Art & Antiques Dealers or The British Antique Dealers' Association websites.

Can I bring an antique firearm or edged weapon to the Roadshow?

If you have brought an antique firearm or edged weapon to the show then you will need to declare it to our security team before you enter the event.

Antique firearms and edged weapons will need to be inspected by our armourer to make sure they are safe and then tagged to prove they have been inspected before they are allowed in.

You may be requested to hand in any weapons to our security for safekeeping between the search point and valuation.

Can I bring an item found when metal detecting or recovered from a shipwreck?

It is essential to report any wreck material or any historic or valuable finds to the relevant authorities.

Metal Detecting

If you intend to go metal detecting you must ensure you are complying with the law. If you intend to metal detect on private land or a public outdoor space you must obtain permission from the landowner and/or occupier before venturing onto any land. Further information can be found on the Portable Antiquities Scheme website.

https://finds.org.uk/getinvolved/guides/codeofpractice

Reporting treasure, wreck material or archaeological finds

The following websites provides detailed information about the procedures to follow when reporting wreck material or any historic or valuable items in England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

https://www.gov.uk/report-treasure-step-by-step

https://treasuretrovescotland.co.uk

https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/archaeology-and-treasure

What are the rules about antiques that may have been made from animals or plants that are now endangered?

We occasionally see antique items at a Roadshow that were created from materials that are now considered endangered or protected – for example, some woods (such as rosewood and ebony from certain regions), coral, tortoiseshell, whale teeth and bone, reptile skin accessories etc. Many of these items are subject to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and there can often be restrictions on trade. Further information is available on the CITES website and the UK Government website:

https://cites.org/eng
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/cites-imports-and-exports