Viewers of Antiques Roadshow were taken aback when they learned that a frightening-looking bird statue was worth thousands of dollars.
The ornament in issue, dubbed Ernie by its owner and their daughter, featured an unusual head that was separate from its body.
We can’t blame the girl for claiming that the artefact used to cause her nightmares.
Steven Moore, an antiques dealer and specialist, agreed with the sentiment, saying it had “a face only a mother could adore.”
However, Steven informed the stunned guests that if the bird had been perfect, it might be worth up to £70,000.
The bird’s head alone could fetch up to £4,000 as it was described as ‘a very collectable item.’
He told them: ‘They are very collectible.
‘There is an intriguing possibility. If you could find the head for this body, or if you could find the body for this head, you would have a profit of £60,000 to £70,000.’
However, the price didn’t sit well with viewers, with one person seething: ‘Haunted bird head – kill it with fire.’
Another added: ‘Who, in their right mind, would spend £70k on a bit of pottery?’
A third tweeted: ‘£4K just for the head!’ while another follower penned: ‘Generally speaking, I love Martin Bros’ Wally Birds, but gee… That’s ugly.’
The unusual sculpture was created by the well-known Martin brothers, who made ceramics in London in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
The four brothers were most renowned for their ‘Wally creatures’ designs, which were ornate decorations resembling strange creatures with long beaks, gigantic feet, human-like heads, and a puzzled expression in their eyes.
Antiques Roadshow airs Sundays at 8pm on BBC One.
