A guest on Antiques Roadshow was left speechless after learning that a jig discovered in pig manure was worth a fortune. The item, described by presenter Fiona Bruce as a "creaky contraption," turned out to be the original template for the iconic Norton Manx motorcycle, designed by engineer Rex McCandless in 1949.
The Discovery
The segment, filmed at Belfast's Botanic Gardens, featured specialist Raj Bisram examining the jig alongside its owner and Rex McCandless's nephew, John. John brought an "unusual collection" of memorabilia, including replica Isle of Man trophies, a helmet, and a scarf signed by famous motorcyclists like Geoff Duke and Stanley Woods. However, it was the jig that captivated Bisram.
Bisram noted that the jig "changed the face of motorcycle racing in the 1950s, almost for the next 30 years." The owner added, "This was revolutionary. Norton took it to the Isle of Man in 1950 and absolutely cleaned up, first, second and third."
From Pig Manure to Treasure
The story of how the jig came into the owner's family was remarkable. She explained that Rex gave it to two brothers who were mutual friends with her father, and they lived on a pig farm. "My dad visited one day and it was lying in a heap of pig manure. My dad said 'What are you doing with it?' And the brothers said 'Take it with you,'" she recounted.
The Valuation
Bisram struggled to put a price on the item, calling it "very, very hard to value." He said, "There isn't a single motorcycle museum in the world that wouldn't want to have this. I honestly believe these items would be worth anything from £30,000 to £50,000." The owner gasped and exclaimed "Wow!" as she turned to John, placing her hand on his shoulder.
John then said, "I don't think it's going to go anywhere. What do you think?" Bisram suggested an alternative: loaning the jig to a museum, allowing the owner to retain ownership while sharing it with the public. John agreed, calling it "a fantastic idea."
Antiques Roadshow airs on BBC One and is available on BBC iPlayer.
