Antiques Roadshow guest admits gambling wheel's true value probably 'scared his ... trends now
An Antiques Roadshow guest recently confessed that his daughter was probably 'scared to death' once he discovered his family’s gambling wheel was worth a small fortune as she 'keeps it in her living room'.
During the show, viewers got to see expert Brad Witherell appraise a wooden gambling wheel from the 19th Century when the PBS series travelled to Tulsa, Oklahoma for filming.
According to the owner, the wheel had a long and colourful history and he claimed he had inherited the quirky item from his uncle.
He explained: 'My uncle and aunt came to Oklahoma in 1898.
'He was a professional gambler, they travelled over Oklahoma, they went to Shawnee, and came back.
Antiques Roadshow guest recently confessed that his daughter was probably 'scared to death' once he discovered his family’s gambling wheel was worth a small fortune as she 'keeps it in her living room'
During the show, viewers at home got to see expert Brad Witherell (left) appraise a wooden gambling wheel from the 19th Century and shockingly revealed it was worth around $4,000
'They decided they liked Tulsa best and at that time, it was called Tulsee Town and he leased a building in Tulsa that had a cigar stand, a barber shop, a billiard parlour and upstairs he had a gambling hall.
'He operated the cigar stand and soon discovered that there was money in lending money to the gamblers.
'And when they went broke, they came down and pawned their ring to him or their diamond.
'The story goes that if it was a big enough diamond and it was enough money, he would go upstairs and win the money he loaned them.
'He would still hold his diamond for them to pick up and at that time or soon after, the oil boom hit Tulsa and that’s when his business really boomed, but of course, statehood came in, which kind of slowed the gambling situation down a great deal.
Brad then delved deeper into the origins of the wheel stating that it was manufactured by Will & Fink in San Francisco.
It comes after Antiques Roadshow viewers were left less than impressed as the latest episode involved no antiques or valuations
The BBC show aired a special episode from St Thomas' and St Bartholomew's hospitals in London about nurses looking at how the profession has changed
Prior to making gambling wheels, the business started out as cutlers in the 1860s.
However, when the demand for bowie knives lessened, they decided to move on to making gambling equipment during the 1930s.
Brad said: 'This would probably fit the turn of the century as far as production goes.
'The exciting part about it is the vivid colours, how the patina on the paint is so untouched and it’s never been monkeyed with.'
He added: 'And then, of course, it says Will & Fink, 818 Market Street, San Francisco.
'So made in California by a very, very important maker of gaming equipment.'
Brad then shockingly revealed 'It’s the mother of all game makers. It’s just beautiful. It’s worth around $4,000.'
The guest appeared shocked and proceeded to laugh when the appraisal
