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During an episode of US one guest brought in a rare item by an American sculptor to be valued and was left stunned by the expert's staggering price tag. The item in question was created by US artist Alexander Calder, known for his monumental stabiles, that changed the course of modern art. But how the guest became the owner of the rare piece left show expert, Chris Kennedy, taken aback.

"It's a mobile by Alexander Calder and Calder gave it to my aunt," she explained. "My aunt and uncle were having a cocktail party and Calder was visiting friends of theirs." The show guest explained her aunt had created a needlework pillow of Calder's work and showed it to him and the sculptor was "astounded" when he saw it.

She went on: "A couple of days later, someone showed up at the door and gave her the mobile as a thank you present."

Show expert Chris Kennedy explained that the piece had some restoration work in 1985 but had originally been gifted to the guest's aunt in 1958.

When she first had it valued in the 80s the restorer said it was worth around $30,000 (£22,000).

Chris said: "It has gained a little bit in value since then. While it still needs to be validated based upon that, the auction value range is somewhere between $400,000 to $600,000 (£296,000 to £444,000)."

The stunned guest queried: "How much?"

Chris went on: "In this current market it would not be inconceivable that this small, wonderful piece of art could probably break $1m (£700,000)."

She struggled to stand as the guest held onto the wall, as she exclaimed: "Oh my god."

The guest could not help but grin after the eye-watering value finally began to sink in.

The episode first aired in the US back in 2010 with the valuations being held in Miami, Florida.