Antiques Roadshow made a triumphant return to our screens on Sunday (6 April) with a fresh episode, as the team of experts set up shop in Ebrington Square in Derry/Londonderry, Northern Ireland.

One visitor brought along a pristine set of Waterman ballpoint pens, a gift from her father who served in the Dutch Merchant Navy. Despite their sentimental value, she confessed that she had never put them to use.

Expert Mark Hill delved into the fascinating backstory of the pens, highlighting their “original” status and the importance of the intricate details inscribed upon them.

“Would you ever be tempted to use them?” he inquired, only to be met with a firm rejection from the owner: “No. Just never thought about it.”

Mark couldn’t hide his admiration, remarking: “Well, I can certainly tell you it beats the average ballpoint pen. I haven’t seen a set like this for a very, very long time.”

He speculated on their history, adding: “I wonder where he got them from, and how they survived being torpedoed at least once. Because, if these date from the late 1930s, I’m guessing he must have somehow stored them somewhere, and then given them to you.”

The moment of truth came when Mark revealed the pens’ impressive valuation, saying: “You stored them so wisely, and I’m glad you did! In the original box, four to six hundred pounds.”

The guest was taken aback by the figure, exclaiming: “Really?! They’re lovely. I wouldn’t sell them.”

Her adamant refusal to part with the pens left Mark visibly surprised, prompting him to question her decision, but she remained steadfast.

Instead, he suggested a different course of action for the pens, reports Edinburgh Live. Mark advised: “Get them restored, and use them, and write a letter with them.

“They are stunning pieces of Art Deco design by one of the world’s greatest vintage fountain pen makers, superb things. Thank you so much!”

The guest cheerfully responded: “Well done, Dad. Yes, they’re beautiful!”

In other segments of Sunday’s Antiques Roadshow episode, experts were left in awe by the artefacts they encountered during their visit to Northern Ireland.

Ronnie Archer-Morgan interacted with a collector who had gathered over a thousand compact purses, while Gordon Foster was shown a hurling trophy. Additionally, John Sandon discovered a pair of plates dating back to the 18th century.

Antiques Roadshow airs on BBC One on Sundays at 7pm