Antiques Roadshow Season 20 Episode 27 Mansion Masterpieces

In season 20 episode 27 of Antiques Roadshow, titled "Mansion Masterpieces," the team travels to Birmingham, Alabama, to visit the stunning 1920s home of a wealthy family. With its intricate hand-carved woodwork and impressive collection of antique furniture and art, the mansion serves as a perfect backdrop for some of the most valuable and unique items ever seen on the show.

The episode starts with an impressive Art Deco diamond bracelet, valued at a staggering $100,000, that was once owned by a Hollywood film star of the 1930s. The expert appraiser is amazed by the pristine condition of the piece, which is adorned with over 50 carats of diamonds and features intricate geometric patterns that epitomize the Art Deco style.

Next up is a rare pair of Louis XV gilt-bronze candelabras that were brought to the show by a local collector. The candelabras were originally made for the French court and were later acquired by a wealthy American family in the late 19th century. The expert appraiser praises the intricate details and ornate craftsmanship of the pieces, and estimates their value to be around $200,000.

The episode also features a stunning oil painting by the American Impressionist Walter Launt Palmer, titled "Autumn's Glow." The painting, which depicts a colorful forest scene in upstate New York, was purchased by the owner's great-grandfather at an auction in the early 20th century. The expert appraiser admires the warmth and depth of the painting, and values it at over $150,000.

Another highlight of the show is a set of rare, early 18th-century Chinese export porcelain vases that were brought in by a couple who inherited them from their grandparents. The intricate painted scenes on the vases depict Chinese landscapes and court scenes, and are considered some of the finest examples of the blue-and-white porcelain popular in Europe at the time. The expert appraiser is impressed by the rarity and condition of the vases, and values them at around $300,000.

The episode also includes a rare Qing Dynasty bowl made of yellow-glazed porcelain, which was originally used by the Chinese imperial court as a tribute vessel. The bowl is adorned with intricate floral patterns and the expert appraiser estimates its value to be around $100,000.

In addition to these exquisite pieces, the show also features other unique and interesting items, such as a Civil War-era sword owned by a Union soldier, a 1930s Coca-Cola sign that was once displayed in a small-town soda shop, and a 19th-century French automaton that performs a complex ballet when wound up.

As usual, the expert appraisers provide insightful commentary and historical context to the items, shedding light on their craftsmanship, provenance, and cultural significance. The show offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of antique collecting, and highlights the enduring appeal of objects that have stood the test of time.