Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.THE WOODEN bowl had sat on top of the television for 26 years, holding fruit, keys and loose change, so no one thought to point it out when the antiques dealer came round. But Robert Finan spotted it immediately and a closer inspection confirmed his suspicions. He told the stunned owners it was a Hawaiian pakaka dish - a food bowl - which had accompanied Captain Cook on his final doomed voyage to the Pacific in 1779.
Now it could fetch about pounds 20,000 when it comes up for auction tomorrow in Mere, Wiltshire.
The bowl was part of a cart-load of "junk" collected during a house clearance in 1973. The buyer, a second-hand furniture dealer, who wishes to remain anonymous, had no idea of the history behind the 13-inch diameter dish and was ready to throw it out before his wife "took a shine to it".
"I was absolutely flabbergasted when I saw it," said Mr Finan. "I recognised it immediately as a fine example of an Hawaiian pakaka, which are worth up to pounds 5,000 anyway. I found out that it had come from a clearance sale at Bridwell House in Uffculme, which at one time held a large number of Cook artefacts that were sold for auction in 1967. This piece was obviously overlooked, among all the whale ribs, coral and furniture."
The owner said: "I cannot believe that we sat staring at this valuable antique for all those years."
Collectors from Europe and America and representatives from the British Museum will be among the bidders.
Mr Finan added: "We have this man's wife to thank for inadvertently preserving this historic piece. There is a huge amount of interest in Cook's artefacts."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments