Host Paul Martin introduced guest Jackie, who had brought the small item to the auction at Peterborough Cathedral hoping to earn a bit of extra cash.
She was thrilled when the fan was given a valuation of £200-300 but was overcome with emotion when she found she would be taking home a much bigger chunk of money.
As the item went up for auction, Paul explained: “We got a valuation of £200-300 and the senior valuator here said she completely agrees with it.
“There’s a lot of Chinese and eastern artefacts in the sale, which are bringing in overseas buyers so we could have a big surprise on our hands.”
The bids started at £150 before competition to take home the tiny fan became very fierce with the auction house taking calls and online bids.
Jackie was visibly moved by the response to the item and began to cry as bids exceeded £1000.
Noticing she was overcome with emotion, Paul noted: “Oh wow, Jackie there’s tears in your eyes.”
The bidding ended with the ivory fan being sold for an impressive £1850.
Expert Charlie Ross who had inspected the lot at the start of the show joked that he should end his career, laughing: “I’m going to become a decorator.”
Still shocked by the price, Jackie confessed that she had no idea what she would spend the money on but was looking forward to treating herself.
Flog It continues tomorrow on BBC One at 4.30pm.
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