One of the most unforgettable moments in Antiques Roadshow history occurred in Tucson, Arizona, when Ted Kuntz, a humble guest, was stunned by the jaw-dropping value of a seemingly ordinary blanket.
Brought on the show in 2001, Ted explained that the blanket had been passed down through his family, originating from famous 19th-century explorer Kit Carson. While Ted knew little about the piece, other than it was likely Navajo and possibly belonged to a chief, expert Donald Ellis quickly recognized its true value.
Donald, a specialist in Native American art, was visibly excited as he revealed that the blanket wasn’t just a typical Navajo item—it was a rare Ute chief’s blanket, dating back to the 1840s-1860s. Handwoven with luxurious wool and indigo dyes, the blanket was an “extraordinary” work of art, worth between $350,000 and $500,000.
Ted, overwhelmed with emotion, couldn’t believe his eyes. “It was just laying on the back of a chair,” he said, wiping away tears. By 2016, the blanket was valued at up to $1 million.
This unforgettable moment is now hailed as one of Antiques Roadshow‘s most heartwarming and valuable discoveries.
