My battered childrens' books were worth life-changing sum – here's how to check if you're sitting on a goldmine | The Sun

THE value of a guest's old children's books was revealed on Antiques Roadshow – and here's how you can find out whether you have any buried treasure worth a fortune.

Two sisters brought in a hand-written note with a Peter Rabbit sketch, and two torn up books to be valued.

Legendary author, Beatrix Potter wrote the novels, and she drew the illustration of the rabbit herself.

The sisters said that their mother met Beatrix Potter in 1941 while staying at a property in Near Sawrey in the Lake District, near the writer's home.

She brought with her The Tailor of Gloucester and The Tale of Ginger and Pickles with her to be signed by the author.

Potter wrote her a personal note and poem, as well as a pen-and-ink sketch of her most famous figure, Peter Rabbit.

The two "battered" books turned out to be valuable despite not being in the best condition.

This was because the author had signed them with her maiden name, and not her married name, Beatrix Heelis.

So, if you have any old signed books containing an author's maiden name, they could be very valuable.

A book having a personal message to the person increases the value.

Most read in TV

PALS FURY

Holly Willoughby ‘was FORCED to quit This Morning & is in a bad way’, claims pal

saucy move

Horrified Big Brother fans demand contestant evicted over ‘disgusting’ habit

lovely jubbly

Only Fools and Horses rich list including surprising star worth £2.5m

fan fury

Big Brother fans beg producers to kick Olivia out after cruel outburst at Yinrun

However, the condition of the item influences its worth, and in this case, the sisters' books were a little messed up.

Expert Clive Farahar said: "I'm afraid I'm going to put a couple of thousand pounds on these two books. Well, they're signed Beatrix Potter."

But after careful examination, he revealed the drawing alone, was worth a mind-blowing £25,000.

"I'm speechless!" exclaimed one sister.

The other sister said: "He's worth £25,000. He needs looking after. Please don't rain!"

Antiques Roadshow airs on BBC at 8pm on Sundays.

Source: Read Full Article