Ep 5. Ca' d'Zan, Hour 2

Ca' d'Zan, Hour 2 is the fifth episode of the twenty-third season of the British television series, Antiques Roadshow. The show is presented by Fiona Bruce and showcases various antiques from across the UK and sometimes beyond. The series is known for its appraisal style, history lessons, and entertaining interactions between the presenters and the owners of the antiques.

This particular episode takes place in Ca' d'Zan, an Italian-inspired palace located on the Sarasota waterfront in Florida. The mansion was built in the early 20th century by John and Mable Ringling, founders of the famous Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. The episode features the second hour of the event, following the first hour that premiered the week before. The show highlights a wide range of antiques from all over the world, from paintings to jewelry, watches to furniture, and everything in between.

The episode opens with Fiona introducing the viewers to Ca' d'Zan. The estate was once home to John and Mable Ringling and was modeled after Venice's Doge's Palace. The palace served as a venue for the Antiques Roadshow event, and Fiona explains how excited she is to see the heirloom treasures brought to the event by people hoping to uncover secrets about their ancestry. Fiona and her team are enthusiastic as they wait to discover what treasures are in store for them.

One of the exciting finds on the day of the appraisal is a cut-glass decanter owned by a woman and passed down through her family for generations. The decanter is beautifully etched and dates back to the 19th century, and the expert gives an insightful appraisal. Another item that stands out in the episode is a 1960s vase that once belonged to Mable Ringling. This vase has a unique history and is appraised by an expert, who details not only its potential monetary worth but also the significance of its story.

The episode proceeds with various appraisals, including an unusual piece of furniture that has been in a family for over 100 years. The piece is quite rare, and the expert gives a brief history to the owner of the antique. Another appraisal uncovers a magnificent watercolor painting that is a portrait of a fascinating subject. It is a delight to watch the owner of this work of art learn the true value of her painting.

As always, the presenters of this episode also share the stories behind each antique and reveal the historical significance of the items on the show. The audience and viewers alike gain a greater appreciation and understanding of the artifacts and their place in history.

Towards the end of the episode, Fiona and her team come across an exceptional die-cast toy car that belonged to a man's father who passed away a few years ago. The car is from a limited edition set, and the expert provides an insightful appraisal, much to the relief and delight of the owner.

The episode closes on an upbeat note, with Fiona summarizing the exciting discoveries made during the event. As always, viewers and attendees have had the opportunity to discover the history and possible worth of their antiques. The show's attention to detail and historical importance provides an enjoyable and informative experience for viewers who desire to learn more about the stories behind the antiques we cherish.