"For the first time ever, we had a guest so overcome by the valuation of his treasure that he falls to the ground in surprise."
A US Air Force veteran made an appearance on Antiques Roadshow after the long-running show stopped at Bonanzaville in Fargo, North Dakota.
The man was there to get his Rolex watch appraised, which he'd ordered through the Air Force base exchange in November 1974. He bought the watch for $345.97 — almost an entire month's salary for him at the time — but he never wore it.
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For nearly four decades, the watch was locked inside a safety deposit box and kept in pristine condition.
Not only was this particular Rolex an extremely rare model, but the veteran also brought with him the original warranty papers, brochure, receipts, and packaging.
The appraiser, Peter Planes, was instantly impressed by the Rolex. "It’s an absolute fabulous find," he declared. "It’s one of the rarest Paul Newman models, and in this condition, I don’t think there’s a better one in the world."
But wait until you see the veteran's reaction when he finally learns the current value of the Rolex …
